Executive Secretary (Philippines) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Office of the Executive Secretary

Tanggapan ng Kalihim Tagapagpaganap
Seal
Cabinet overview
Formed	October 12, 1936
Cabinet executives	Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin (Ret.), Executive Secretary Usec. Charito A. Zamora, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Usec. Hubert Guevarra, Senior Deputy Executive Secretary
Parent Cabinet	Office of the President
Website	Office of the Executive Secretary

The Office of the Executive Secretary in the Philippines is a very important part of the government. It helps the President manage the country. This office is part of the Cabinet of the Philippines, which is a group of top advisors to the President.

The person leading this office is called the Executive Secretary. People sometimes call this person the "Little President." This is because they have a lot of power and help the President with many tasks. The Executive Secretary is chosen by the President and approved by the Commission on Appointments.

This important office was created on October 12, 1936. The first person to hold the position was Jorge B. Vargas. Today, the Executive Secretary is retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin. He started his role on September 27, 2022.

What the Executive Secretary Does

The Executive Secretary has many important jobs. They work closely with the President to make sure the government runs smoothly. Here are some of their main duties:

• They help the President manage all government affairs.
• They make sure the President's orders and decisions are followed.
• They can make decisions for the President on smaller matters.
• They oversee different parts of the Office of the President.
• They also oversee other government agencies for the President.
• They hire staff for the Office of the President.
• They help coordinate all the work within the Executive Office.
• They decide which office should handle certain issues.
• They are in charge of documents from other government departments.
• They sign papers "By authority of the President."
• They help the President with laws and special projects.
• They handle official ceremonies and events.
• They provide secretarial help to the President and the Cabinet.
• They create rules to help the Office of the President work well.
• They do any other tasks the President asks them to do.

The Executive Secretary has a lot of influence. They act as the President's main helper. They can issue orders in the President's name. They can also review decisions made by other Cabinet members. This makes them a key coordinator for the entire Executive Branch of the government.

Past Executive Secretaries

Executive Secretary
Incumbent Ret. Chief Justice Lucas P. Bersamin since September 27, 2022
Appointer	The President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments
Term length	At the President's pleasure
Inaugural holder	Jorge Vargas
Formation	October 12, 1936

Here is a list of the people who have served as Executive Secretary. Some were called "Secretaries to the President" or "Chiefs of the Executive Office" in the past.