Guidelines on Public Affairs During President's Absence

The Order governs the conduct of public affairs during the period when the President is outside the Philippines.
The President must continue to exercise all functions of his office as required by the Constitution and the laws, in the same manner as when he is within the national territory.
The Order assigns departmental decision-making primarily to the Secretary of Department for matters within departmental authority.
The Order allocates representational and ceremonial functions to the Vice-President during the President’s absence.

The President shall continue to exercise all functions of his office as enjoined by the Constitution and the laws.
The President shall exercise these functions in the same manner as when within the national territory.
The continuity of presidential authority is maintained throughout the period the President is out of the Philippines.

The Executive Secretary shall sign all papers that are ordinarily signed by him or under the authority of the President.
The Executive Secretary’s signing authority remains effective during the President’s absence under the continuing exercise of presidential functions.

Each Secretary of Department shall attend to and decide matters within the department and which the Secretary may decide under the law.
For matters that require approval of the President, when urgent action is needed, approval shall be obtained by radio.
For other departmental business within a Secretary’s jurisdiction that is of such importance as to affect the general policies of the Government, the Secretary concerned shall consult the President by radio or other convenient means of communication when appropriate.

All official communications to the President—whether by letter or by radio—shall be transmitted through or by the Executive Secretary.
Communications may reach the President through the Executive Secretary while presidential approval or consultation is being sought.

The Vice-President shall represent the President in social functions requiring the presence of the latter.
The Vice-President shall preside over official ceremonies during the President’s absence.
The Vice-President shall receive and return the official calls of foreign dignitaries on behalf of and in representation of the President.
On these occasions, the Vice-President is entitled to the honors and courtesies due the President of the Philippines.

Executive Order No. 57 contains a transitory application tied to the period from November 24, 1963 until the President returns from abroad.