Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 236)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 236 is to establish the Honors Code of the Philippines to create an official order of precedence for civil honors conferred by the Republic of the Philippines, to rationalize and preserve the integrity and prestige of these honors, and to ensure consistency with international protocols.
An 'Order' is an award granting membership in an exclusive association with distinctive insignia; a 'Decoration' is a wearable award usually conferred for a specific act of meritorious service; a 'Medal' is a wearable award recognizing service, achievement, or to commemorate an event.
The Order of Precedence includes, in descending order: Quezon Service Cross, Order of Lakandula, Order of Sikatuna, Philippine Legion of Honor, Order of Gabriela Silang, Order of National Artists, Order of National Scientists, Order of National Social Scientists, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Gawad Mabini, Order of the Golden Heart, and Presidential Medal of Merit.
The Secretary of Foreign Affairs may award the Order of Sikatuna in the name and by authority of the President of the Philippines.
The Order of National Artists is the highest national recognition bestowed upon Filipinos for distinct contributions to arts and letters.
Yes, all honors may be conferred posthumously and shall be received by the legal heirs or, if no heir exists, by a person designated by the President to receive the honor on behalf of the deceased.
The Chancellery is responsible for implementing the Honors Code, maintaining the roster of honor recipients, prescribing the order and manner of wear, updating technical specifications, supervising manufacturers, and ensuring compliance with international norms.
The ranks are Grand Collar (Supremo), Grand Cross (Bayani), Grand Officer (Maringal na Pinuno), Commander (Komandante), Officer (Pinuno), and Member (Kagawad).
Awards such as Medal of Honor Rizal, Collegiate Palms, Mabini Teachers Medal, Rizal Pro Patria Award, and various Presidential Citations, among others, are discontinued as honors and shall no longer be conferred.
Honors shall be conferred on national holidays but may also be conferred on other occasions if deemed necessary by the President.