Law Summary

Purpose

This Executive Order provides instructions for the conduct of public affairs while the President of the Philippines is outside the country for a state visit to the United States from October 3, 1964, until his return.

Presidential Authority

• The President retains all constitutional and legal functions during his absence.
• The Executive Secretary is authorized to sign documents typically signed by the President.

Key Points: • The President continues to exercise full authority as per the Constitution and laws. • The Executive Secretary will sign necessary documents in the President's stead.

Department Secretary Responsibilities

• Each Department Secretary is responsible for matters within their jurisdiction.
• Urgent matters requiring Presidential approval can be communicated via radio.
• Matters of significant importance that may affect government policies should be discussed with the President through appropriate communication channels.

Key Points: • Secretaries must manage their departmental responsibilities independently. • Urgent approvals should be sought via radio communication. • Significant matters may require consultation with the President.

Communication Protocols

• All official communications to the President must be transmitted through the Executive Secretary.

Key Points: • The Executive Secretary acts as the sole channel for communications directed to the President.

Vice-Presidential Duties

• The Vice-President is designated to represent the President at social functions and official ceremonies.
• The Vice-President will handle official calls from foreign dignitaries on behalf of the President and is entitled to all honors due to the President.

Key Points: • The Vice-President serves as the President's representative in social and ceremonial functions. • The Vice-President is accorded the same honors as the President during these engagements.

Execution and Authorization

• The Order is effective as of October 3, 1964, during the President's state visit.

Key Points: • The Executive Order is signed by President Diosdado Macapagal and Acting Assistant Executive Secretary Juan S. Cancio.

Key Takeaways

• The President's authority remains intact during his absence, with the Executive Secretary facilitating necessary functions.
• Department Secretaries must handle their affairs independently but have protocols for urgent and significant matters requiring Presidential involvement.
• Communication with the President is streamlined through the Executive Secretary.
• The Vice-President assumes a prominent representational role during the President's absence, entitled to equivalent honors.

This summary encapsulates the essential provisions of Executive Order No. 122, outlining the continuation of government operations and responsibilities during the President's state visit abroad.