Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 540)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 540 is to establish within the Order of Lakandula an additional rank called Champion for Life (Kampeon Habang Buhay) to honor individuals who have attained outstanding achievements in international events in sports, beauty, and similar fields that foster national pride and inspiration.
The Order of Lakandula is a Philippine order of honor established to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the country; it was originally established by Executive Order No. 236 dated 19 September 2003.
The rank of Champion for Life (Kampeon Habang Buhay) was added to the Order of Lakandula, next in rank to that of Officer (Pinuno).
Individuals who have attained outstanding achievements in international competitions in sports, beauty, or similar fields that foster extraordinary national pride and inspiration, such as winning a Miss International title, earning a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Games, extraordinary achievements in boxing, or reaching the peak of Mount Everest.
The first recipients included Manny Pacquiao, Precious Lara Quigaman, Filipino gold medalists in the Southeast Asian Games, and Filipinos who reached the peak of Mount Everest in 2006.
Executive Order No. 540 amended Executive Order No. 236 dated 19 September 2003.
The recognized fields include sports, beauty contests, and similar competitive fields that inspire national pride and excellence.
Yes, it repeals or modifies all other Presidential directives, issuances, orders, rules, and regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with this Executive Order.
Executive Order No. 540 took effect immediately upon its signing on June 13, 2006.
The order was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and promulgated by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita.