Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 177)
The President of the Philippines continues to exercise all the functions of his office as enjoined by the Constitution and laws, in the same manner as when he is within the national territory.
The Vice-President shall exercise general supervision over the conduct of affairs in executive departments, except administrative functions. He shall preside over Cabinet meetings, represent the President in social functions and official ceremonies, receive and return official calls of foreign dignitaries, and is entitled to the honors due the President on such occasions.
Yes, the Vice-President, if he so desires, can meet his visitors in the President’s Study Room.
The Executive Secretary exercises general supervision over the administrative functions in the executive departments, signs papers ordinarily signed by him under the President's authority, and decides routine matters.
For urgent cases requiring the President's approval, such approval shall be obtained by radio through the Executive Secretary.
Secretaries may communicate with the President for consultation through the Executive Secretary by radio or other means if the matters are important and affect general government policies.
The Undersecretary of Department designated by the Secretary may act in his behalf.
Such decisions shall be held in abeyance until the President's return unless the matters are urgent, in which case prior clearance with the President should be obtained.
All official communications, whether by letter or radio, shall be transmitted through or by the Executive Secretary.