Law Summary

Authority and Scope

• Legal Principle: This Executive Order provides guidelines for the conduct of public affairs during the absence of the President of the Philippines due to an official visit abroad.
• Key Definitions:
  • President: The head of state of the Philippines, who retains his responsibilities even while outside the territory.
  • Executive Secretary: The official designated to sign documents on behalf of the President and represent him during his absence.

Continuation of Presidential Functions

• Legal Principle: The President retains all functions of his office as mandated by the Constitution and laws, irrespective of his physical location.
• Important Requirements:
  • The President will continue to exercise his functions while in Japan from December 1, 1958, until his return.

Role of the Executive Secretary

• Legal Principle: The Executive Secretary acts on behalf of the President when he is outside the Philippines.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Signs documents typically requiring the President's signature.
  • Represents the President at social functions and official ceremonies.
  • Receives and returns official calls from foreign dignitaries.
• Courtesies: The Executive Secretary is entitled to the honors and courtesies due to the President during these functions.

Departmental Responsibilities

• Legal Principle: Each Secretary of Department is responsible for decisions pertaining to their respective departments.
• Procedures:
  • Matters requiring the President's approval must be communicated via cable for urgent actions.
  • Significant issues affecting government policy must be communicated to the President for consultation.

Cabinet Meetings and Decisions

• Legal Principle: The Cabinet is to hold regular meetings throughout the President's absence.
• Key Procedures:
  • The Secretary of Finance will preside over these meetings.
  • Decisions lacking unanimity on important questions must be referred to the President before proceeding.

Communication Protocol

• Legal Principle: All official communications directed to the President must pass through the Executive Secretary.
• Important Details:
  • This applies to communications by letter or radio.

Key Takeaways

• The President’s functions remain uninterrupted while abroad, with the Executive Secretary facilitating operations and representation.
• Department Secretaries are empowered to make decisions but must seek presidential approval for urgent or significant matters.
• Regular Cabinet meetings will occur, led by the Secretary of Finance, ensuring continuity in governance.
• All communications to the President are centralized through the Executive Secretary, maintaining a structured flow of information.

This Executive Order establishes a clear framework for governance in the absence of the President, ensuring administrative continuity and adherence to protocol during official overseas engagements.