Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 236)
The Honors Code of the Philippines is a system established by Executive Order No. 236 that creates an official order of precedence of Honors conferred by the Republic of the Philippines to rationalize the roster of civil awards, ensure consistency in criteria, preserve integrity and prestige, and clarify their order based on international norms.
Orders are awards granting membership to an exclusive group with distinctive insignia. Decorations are wearable awards for specific meritorious acts. Medals are wearable awards recognizing service, achievement, or commemorating events. Awards are tangible recognitions like plaques or medallions and are not considered Honors under the Code unless specified.
The Order of Precedence includes the Quezon Service Cross, Order of Lakandula, Order of Sikatuna, Philippine Legion of Honor, Order of Gabriela Silang, Orders of National Artists, Scientists, Social Scientists, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan, Gawad Mabini, Order of the Golden Heart, and Presidential Medal of Merit.
The Quezon Service Cross is conferred by the President of the Philippines with the concurrence of Congress to Filipino citizens who have rendered exemplary service to the nation that adds great prestige or contributes to lasting benefit, measured by the scale set by President Manuel L. Quezon.
The Order of Lakandula honors political and civic merit, awarded to Filipinos or foreigners dedicated to societal welfare, acts of defense of democracy, peaceful conflict resolution, or fostering cultural exchange. It has ranks from Grand Collar to Member and is conferred for exemplary political and civic service.
The Order of Sikatuna is an Order of diplomatic merit given to individuals, especially diplomats or officials, who have rendered conspicuous services to the Philippines in fostering relations. Ranks include Grand Collar, Grand Cross (Gold and Silver), Grand Officer, Commander, Officer, and Member.
The Philippine Legion of Honor recognizes valuable or meritorious military-related service by Filipino or foreign citizens and is conferred on the anniversary of Philippine Independence by the Secretary of National Defense in the name of the President.
Yes, all Honors may be conferred posthumously and received by the legal heirs or, if none exist, by persons designated by the President to receive on behalf of the deceased.
The Chancellery in the Office of Presidential Protocol coordinates implementation of the Honors Code, maintains rosters of awardees, issues guidelines on the Order and Manner of Wear, oversees technical standards for insignia, and advises the President on modifications to the Honors Code.
The Committee on Honors, chaired by the Executive Secretary and including key officials, assists the President in evaluating nominations for Honors and Presidential Awards, authorizes the creation of subordinate committees, and ensures periodic meetings to deliberate on Honors matters.
Presidential Awards not enumerated in the Order of Precedence, including various civilian awards such as the Medal of Honor, Rizal Pro Patria Award, and others listed in Section 11, are not considered Honors under the Code, although they may still be awarded as recognitions of merit.
The Chancellery prescribes the Order and Manner of Wear of insignia for all Orders, Decorations, Medals, and other Presidential Awards consistent with the established order of precedence and international protocol standards.
Honors are typically conferred on national holidays but may also be awarded on other occasions as deemed necessary or warranted by the President of the Philippines.
The awards listed in Section 11.a of the Executive Order shall no longer be conferred upon effectivity, but existing holders retain rights and privileges during their lifetime. After the last holder passes, the award is discontinued.