Definitions
- Order: An award granting membership in an exclusive group, traditionally accompanied by distinctive insignia.
- Decoration: A wearable award for a specific meritorious act.
- Medal: A wearable award recognizing service, achievement, or commemorating significant events.
- Award: A tangible recognition, typically plaques, citations, trophies, or medallions.
- Collectively, Orders, Decorations, and Medals are recognized as Honors.
Order of Precedence
- Establishes a ranking system for civilian honors to reflect relative importance and enhance prestige.
- Honors in descending order include:
- 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
- Presidential Medal of Merit
Order and Manner of Wear
- The newly created Chancellery of Philippine Orders and State Decorations prescribes the order and manner to wear all honors and decorations.
- This includes Philippine and foreign awards, ensuring consistency and adherence to the prescribed order.
Honors Conferred
Details key honors with their creation, criteria, composition, and authorities:
I. Quezon Service Cross
- Conferred by the President with Congress; awarded for exemplary service adding prestige or lasting benefit to the nation.
- Nominations must clearly state meritorious service.
II. Order of Lakandula, Order of Sikatuna, Philippine Legion of Honor
- Order of Lakandula: Awarded for political and civic merit reflecting leadership and dedication; multiple ranks exist from Grand Collar to Member.
- Order of Sikatuna: Awarded for diplomatic merit; recognizes Filipino and foreign personnel fostering relations; has ranks from Grand Collar to Member.
- Philippine Legion of Honor: Recognizes military-related meritorious service, civilian division included; ranks from Chief Commander to Legionnaire.
III. Order of Gabriela Silang
- Conferred to spouses of heads of State or government.
IV. Order of National Artists, Scientists, Social Scientists, Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
- Recognizes highest national achievements in arts, science, social sciences, and traditional arts.
- Bodies like the Cultural Center of the Philippines, National Academy of Science and Technology, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts are involved in recommendations.
V. Gawad Mabini
- Awarded to Department of Foreign Affairs personnel and Filipinos promoting national interests; has three ranks.
VI. Order of the Golden Heart
- Recognizes distinguished services or material assistance improving the condition of Filipino masses; has rankings from Grand Collar to Member.
VII. Presidential Medal of Merit
- For outstanding service to the President or country including cultural, scientific, arts, entertainment, or diplomatic achievements.
Posthumous Conferment
- Honors may be awarded posthumously.
- If no legal heir or kin exists, the President designates a recipient to receive the honor on behalf of the deceased.
Other Presidential Awards
- The President may confer awards not included in the recognized order of precedence.
- Such awards are not classified as Honors under this code.
Chancellery of Philippine Orders and State Decorations
- Created to administer and implement the Honors Code.
- Responsibilities include maintaining an updated roster of honorees, issuing guidelines for wear, recommending order changes, supervising manufacturers, and ensuring adherence to prescribed standards.
Committee on Honors
- Composed of high-ranking officials including the Executive Secretary (Chairman) and Secretary of Foreign Affairs (Vice Chairman).
- Assists the President in evaluating nominations for honors.
- May authorize other government bodies to maintain committees for processing nominations.
- Meets quarterly or as needed; administrative support is provided by the Chancellery.
Schedule of Conferment
- Honors are to be conferred on national holidays but may be awarded on other occasions as the President deems necessary.
Discontinuance of Previous Awards
- Only honors enumerated in the order of precedence shall be awarded going forward.
- Previous civilian awards not included in the order will no longer be conferred but remain valid for current holders.
- Such existing awards will cease after the death of the last holder.
- Awards not recognized as honors may still be awarded as Presidential Awards but without the classification of honors.
Implementation and Coordination
- The Chancellery will coordinate with other government agencies for records and matters related to the Honors Code.
Amendment and Repeals
- This Executive Order modifies and repeals inconsistent prior issuances and acknowledges related Republic Acts, Presidential Decrees, and Executive Orders.
- Takes effect immediately upon signing.