Region V, Schools Divison of Sorsogon

SMILE GUBAT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Gubat, Sorsogon
(Simplified Module Intended for Learning Encounters)

Learner’s Packet (LP#7) (1 Week)

Name_________________________________ Date___________________
Year/Section__________________________ Subject Teacher___________________
PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE - GRADE 12
The Executive Branch and Local Government (Part 1 of 2)

I. Introductory Concept
The executive branch, which includes the President of the republic, his Cabinet, and related
agencies and offices, is tasked with the execution of the laws of the state, as well as creating and
implementing government policies and programs. The President is aided by his Cabinet in ensuring
that government policies and projects respond to the needs of the citizens. The local government
units (LGU) are another important component of the executive branch. They ensure that the
provisions of national laws and government policies and programs are effectively implemented in
their respective communities.

The executive branch is often the most visible face of the government in the everyday lives of the
citizens, and the President and his officials are the frontliners in addressing the many pressing
problems of the state. As citizens, it is important for us to know and understand the role of the
executive branch to get an idea of how national laws are applied to our local communities. This can
help us define our own role as we participate in government programs and comply with government
policies. Familiarizing ourselves with the role of the executive branch can help us determine
effective governance, and guide us in making informed and responsible choices regarding the
leaders of our state.

II. Learning Skills from MELCs

1) Analyze the roles and powers of the executive branch of the government.

III. Activities
A. Let Us Study - Study the information below and perform the tasks that follow.

The President
The executive branch of the Philippine government is headed by the President of the Republic of the
Philippines. The President in the Philippines is both the head of state and head of government. As
head of state, he or she is recognized as the representative of the country in international
functions and is afforded respect and recognition as a leader of the state. As head of government,
the president takes on the main responsibilities of governance and has several functions, such as
overseeing the local government units, and acting as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines. In addition, the President is also tasked with the approval or rejection of bills
legislated by Congress and the appointment of the Justices of the Supreme Court.

The President also has the authority to issue Executive Orders and other pronouncements which
are considered to have the same power as laws from Congress. The President also issues
proclamations and administrative orders. These pronouncements relate to the administration of the
various offices and agencies within the executive branch, and include tasks such as the
reorganization of executive offices; providing for rules and regulations that will be followed by
government offices; the declaration of national holidays and emergencies; and the creation of ad
hoc committees in the executive branch.

The various powers of the President are subject to limitations prescribed by the Constitution. For
instance, the term of the President is limited to six years, without any reelection. Furthermore, the
other government branches ensure a system of checks and balances on the powers and actions of
the President and the executive branch. For example, the judiciary may declare the orders and
pronouncements of the President as unconstitutional. Also, the President is mandated to obtain
consent from Congress before approving an international treaty; granting pardons and amnesties;
and appointing the members of the Cabinet and other government offices.

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(Simplified Module Intended for Learning Encounters)

Learner’s Packet (LP#7) (1 Week)

Qualifications for the Presidency and Successors to the Position

In order for an individual to become elected as President, he or she must meet the following
qualifications mandated by the 1987 Constitution:
 must be a natural-born Filipino citizen
 must be a registered voter
 must be literate
 must be at least 40 years old by the day of the elections
 must have lived in the Philippines for no less than ten years before the day of the election

In the event that an elected president is unable to perform his or her duties or carry out his or her
term of office due to a number of reasons, including resignation, death, or physical incapacity, he
or she will be succeeded by the Vice President. Should the Vice-President be unable to finish his or
her term due to same reasons, he or she may be replaced by the Senate President, and then by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The President may also be removed from office through impeachment. An impeachment case may
be filed against the President for several reasons. One is if he or she is found to have knowingly and
intentionally violated the Constitution. Another reason is for high crimes such as bribery, treason,
graft and corruption, and other offenses which may gravely affect government functions.

The Cabinet of the Philippines

Another important part of the executive branch is the Cabinet. The Cabinet is composed of
executive departments that deal with various aspects of governance and address specific national
issues. These various departments are headed by secretaries who are recognized experts in the
specific area of governance which their departments handle. The Cabinet secretaries are appointed
by the President, subject to the approval of Congress.

The Cabinet provides counsel to and closely coordinates with the President in implementing
government projects and performing other executive obligations. The secretaries are empowered to
issue directives within their respective departments in order to attain their respective goals.

The Office of the President and Vice President, the Cabinet, as well as the various bureaus,
agencies, and offices under each executive department, compose the national government of the
Philippines together with the legislative and judicial branches and the constitutional commissions.

The following are the departments or offices which serve as members of the Cabinet:

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) – This department

supervises the implementation of national policies in the local government units
in the country. It also oversees the Philippine National Police.

Department of National Defense (DND) – This department ensures the

protection of the state against external forces. To accomplish this goal, the DND
heads the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which includes the Philippine Army,
Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force.

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – The DAR is involved in executing

programs to advance agrarian reform in the country. Such programs ensure that
farmers are given sufficient land and are provided agricultural assistance as well.

Department of Agriculture (DA) – The DA spearheads projects to improve

agricultural production. The DA also oversees the import and export of
agricultural goods.

Department of Education (DepEd) – The DepEd carries out programs aimed at

improving education in the country, particularly for the primary and secondary
levels. Education programs for instructions of higher education are under the
supervision of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

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Learner’s Packet (LP#7) (1 Week)

Department of Health (DOH) – This department organizes the health programs

of the government. It also administers the hospitals and medical centers across
the country, and agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – The DOLE is in charge of

projects that guarantee the well-being of employees in the country. The DOLE
also oversees the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), which
conducts programs intended for overseas Filipino workers or OFWs.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – The DSWD is

tasked with developing projects to help Filipinos easily access social services
and improve their quality of life. These projects include financial and legal aid
to the poor, as well as assistance to victims of violence and natural disasters.

Department of Justice (DOJ) – This department is responsible for upholding

law and justice. It supervises the criminal justice system in the country and
also heads agencies including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),
Bureau of Immigration, the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), and Bureau of
Corrections.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – The DFA is in charge of our country’s

diplomatic relations with other states. It also protects the rights of Filipino
citizens residing overseas. The DFA oversees the various embassies and
consulates of the Philippines in other countries.

Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) – The DENR

organizes programs that focus on the conservation and responsible use of the
country’s natural resources. It also ensures the sustainability and protection of
the environment.

Department of Energy (DOE) – This department is mandated to create

projects which shall lead to the development, proper use, and conservation of
the energy resources of the country, including electricity and oil reserves.

Department of Finance (DOF) – This department is tasked with developing

programs and policies which shall help the government generate revenue for its
projects. It is also the department that handles the national debt and
spearheads the general improvement of the Philippine economy. The Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR) is an agency under this department.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) – The DBM is specifically in

charge of allocating different resources of the government for the achievement
of its objectives. These resources are not only limited to funds, but also include
technologies, material goods, and labor.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – The DTI oversees the conduct of
trade in the country. It also manages national investments and supervises the
operation of industries. In addition, it is tasked with protecting the rights of
both consumers and businessmen.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – The NEDA

constantly monitors the national economy and analyzes economic trends. It
then uses its findings to create plans for economic policies, and makes
recommendations for national and local economic projects.

Department of Tourism (DOT) – This department leads in promoting the

tourism industry in the country. It also aims to develop tourism as a way to

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(Simplified Module Intended for Learning Encounters)

Learner’s Packet (LP#7) (1 Week)

encourage foreign investment and improve the economic well-being of Filipinos. One way through
which this is done is by promoting and developing tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – The DPWH is tasked
with the planning of public infrastructure projects, and the construction and
maintenance of infrastructure facilities throughout the country. These facilities
include roads, bridges, public buildings, and drainage systems.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – This department

implements programs aimed at utilizing the fields of science and technology to
contribute to national progress. It also aims to promote scientific awareness
among Filipinos. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical
Services Administration (PAGASA) is under this department.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) – The DOTr plans and implements

projects that contribute to the continual improvement of transportation
systems throughout the country.

Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) – This

department is in charge of improving Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) in the country and using it to promote national development.

B. Let Us Practice
Identify the following.
1. This is the process through which a President may be removed from office. _____________
2. He or she succeeds the President in the event the President is unable to finish his term. ______
3. This department ensures the protection of the state against external forces. __________
4. This department is in charge of our country’s diplomatic relations with other states. _________
5. This department handles the Philippine National Police (PNP). ______________

(This will be your output to be compiled and to be submitted as portfolio at the end of the semester.)

C. Evaluation
If you were to suggest a new department in the executive cabinet, what would it be and why?

(Submit this output by indicating the LAS# number for checking reference, to be submitted next week.)

IV. Rubric for Scoring (Open-Ended Question Response)

Main Idea of Opinion – (3) Response rephrases the question while declaring the writer’s main idea or
opinion. (2) Response declares writer’s main idea or opinion. (1) Writer’s main idea or opinion is not clear.
Details and Evidence – (3) Writer shares at least 3 clear examples and evidence to support their idea or
opinion. (2) Writer shares 1 or 2 examples and evidence to support their idea or opinion. (1) Writer shares
little or no evidence and examples to support their answer.
Organization, Grammar, Usage, and Punctuation – (3) Writer’s response has a clear beginning, middle,
and end. Grammar, usage and punctuation makes the writing readable. (2) Writer’s response flows, but
the beginning, middle, or end is not clear. Grammar, usage and punctuation slow readability. (1)
Response needs stronger transitions. Grammar, usage and punctuation make the text difficult to
understand.

V. Reference
Philippine Politics and Governance, Arnel E. Joven, Ph.D., C & E Publishing, Inc., 2017.

VI. Authors
Prepared by: Rey D. Patriarca
Reviewed by: Rechil D. Fajardo - SGH/QA Team
Noted: Azalea L. Narvadez - ASP-II SHS ACADEMICS