President of the Philippines facts for kids

For the list, see List of presidents of the Philippines.

Quick facts for kids President of the Philippines
Presidential standard
Presidential seal
Incumbent Bongbong Marcos since June 30, 2022
Government of the Philippines Office of the President
Style	Mr. President (informal) The Honorable (formal) His Excellency (diplomatic)
Member of	Cabinet National Security Council
Residence	Malacañang Palace
Seat	San Miguel, Manila, Philippines
Appointer	Direct popular vote or by succession from vice presidency
Term length	Six years, non–renewable
Constituting instrument	1987 Constitution of the Philippines
Precursor	Governor-General Prime Minister
Inaugural holder	Emilio Aguinaldo (official) Manuel L. Quezon (official)
Formation	January 23, 1899 (official) November 15, 1935 (official)
First holder	Emilio Aguinaldo
Salary	₱411,382/US$ 7,409 per month
Website	president.gov.ph (former website)

The President of the Philippines (called Pangulo ng Pilipinas in Filipino) is the country's top leader. This person is both the head of state and the head of government. The President leads the executive branch of the Philippine government. They are also the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Filipinos choose their president through a direct election. The president serves a single six-year term. If someone serves more than four years of a presidential term, they cannot run again.

The current president is Bongbong Marcos. He took office on June 30, 2022. The ceremony was held at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

What the President is Called

The official name for the leader of the Philippines is "President of the Philippines." In the Filipino language, this is Pangulo. This word is related to the Malay word penghulu, which means "leader" or "chieftain." In other major languages of the Philippines, like the Bisayan languages, people often use presidente.

Past Titles

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, the term "President of the Republic of the Philippines" was used. This helped tell the difference between José P. Laurel's government and the Commonwealth government led by Manuel L. Quezon, which was in exile. After World War II, the original title "President of the Philippines" was brought back.

History of the Presidency

Early Republics

Bonifacio's Tagalog Republic

Some historians believe Andrés Bonifacio was the first president. He was the "Supreme President" (Presidente Supremo) of the Katipunan. This was a secret group that started a revolution against Spain in 1896. Bonifacio changed the Katipunan into a revolutionary government. He called himself "President of the Sovereign Nation" (Pangulo ng Haring Bayan).

Bonifacio's government was also known as the Tagalog Republic. The word Tagalog here meant all non-Spanish people in the Philippines. It was not just about the Tagalog people from southern Luzon.

Some historians, like Ambeth Ocampo, say that if Bonifacio is counted, then Macario Sakay and Miguel Malvar should also be included. Sakay continued Bonifacio's idea of a Tagalog Republic. Malvar continued the First Philippine Republic after Emilio Aguinaldo was captured. Today, the government does not officially recognize Bonifacio, Sakay, or Malvar as presidents. However, some groups and politicians still want Bonifacio to be recognized as the first Philippine president.

Aguinaldo's Governments and the First Republic

Emilio Aguinaldo was elected president of a new revolutionary government in March 1897. This happened at the Tejeros Convention in Cavite. This new government replaced the Katipunan. It was called the "Philippine Republic."

Aguinaldo was elected president again in November at Biak-na-Bato, Bulacan. He then signed the Pact of Biak-na-Bato and went into exile. In April 1898, the Spanish–American War began. Aguinaldo returned to the Philippines and continued the revolution. He declared Philippine independence on June 12, 1898.

On January 23, 1899, Aguinaldo became president of the "First Philippine Republic". This government was formed by a revolutionary congress and constitution. It is now officially known as the Malolos Republic. This government was short-lived and not recognized by other countries. The Philippines was transferred from Spain to American control. The Philippine–American War then broke out. Aguinaldo's government ended on April 1, 1901, after he was captured.

The current Philippine government officially considers Emilio Aguinaldo as the first president. This is based on his leadership of the Malolos Republic.

American Occupation

From 1898 to 1935, American military and civil governors-general led the Philippines. They held the executive power during this time.

President Manuel L. Quezon

Philippine Commonwealth

In October 1935, Manuel L. Quezon became the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines. This was still under United States rule. The president could serve a six-year term. Later, in 1940, this was changed to two four-year terms. During World War II, President Quezon went into exile in the United States. He appointed José Abad Santos as his delegate, who acted as president. Abad Santos was later executed by the Japanese.

The Second Republic under the Japanese

On October 14, 1943, José P. Laurel became president. This was under a constitution put in place by the Japanese occupation. Laurel was told by President Quezon to stay in Manila. Quezon had moved to the United States to form a government in exile. Laurel officially ended his republic on August 17, 1945, after Japan surrendered.

After World War II

After Japan surrendered, the 1935 Constitution was brought back. Sergio Osmeña became president because Quezon had died. On July 4, 1946, the United States recognized the Philippines as an independent nation. On the same day, Manuel Roxas became the first president of the independent Republic of the Philippines. This is also known as the Third Republic.

1973 and 1987 Constitutions

A new Constitution was approved on January 17, 1973. This was during the rule of Ferdinand Marcos. It introduced a government style similar to a parliament. Marcos made himself prime minister while also serving as president.

The 1973 Constitution was used until the People Power Revolution in 1986. This revolution ended Marcos's 21-year rule. Corazon Aquino became president. She issued a "freedom constitution" that replaced the 1973 Constitution. This provisional constitution removed many parts of the 1973 Constitution that were linked to the Marcos regime. It kept only the parts needed for democracy, like the bill of rights. This was replaced by the current constitution on February 2, 1987.

José P. Laurel giving a speech after becoming President of the Second Philippine Republic.

Other Important Points

The Philippine government considers Aguinaldo the first president. This is followed by Quezon and the presidents after him. Even though there have been different constitutions and governments, the line of presidents is seen as continuous. For example, Rodrigo Duterte is considered the 16th president.

The United States did not consider Aguinaldo's presidency legitimate. This was because of the 1898 Treaty of Paris, which gave the Philippines to the U.S. The U.S. considered Manuel L. Quezon the first president when the Philippines gained independence.

During World War II, the Philippines had two presidents. Quezon led the Commonwealth government in exile. Laurel led the Japanese-backed Second Republic in Manila. Laurel and Aguinaldo were not officially recognized as Philippine presidents until Diosdado Macapagal's time. Their inclusion in the official list happened when Independence Day was moved from July 4 to June 12.

President's Powers and Roles

Executive Power

The President of the Philippines is the chief executive. They are both the head of state and head of government. The constitution gives the president executive power. This means they lead the government's executive branch. This includes the Cabinet and all government departments. The president also oversees local government units.

The president can issue executive orders. These help guide the government's policies and programs. There are different types of these orders, like executive orders, administrative orders, and proclamations.

The president can also grant pardons and reduce sentences for crimes. They can do this after a final court decision, except in impeachment cases. The president can grant amnesty with Congress's approval. They can also borrow money for the country from other nations.

The president has the power to take private land for public use. However, this must follow the law. People must be paid fairly for their property.

The president appoints many important officials. These include heads of government departments, ambassadors, and high-ranking military officers. These appointments need approval from the Commission on Appointments. The president also appoints members of the Supreme Court and lower courts. These appointments do not need approval from the Commission on Appointments.

Legislative Power

The power to make laws belongs to the Congress. This includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. However, the president also has some power in lawmaking. The president can veto (reject) any bill passed by Congress.

When Congress passes a bill, it goes to the president. The president can sign it into law, veto it, or do nothing for thirty days. If the president does nothing, the bill becomes law. Congress can override a presidential veto, but it needs a two-thirds vote from both houses. The president can also veto specific parts of spending or tax bills.

The president can influence Congress to shape new laws. The State of the Nation Address is a chance for the president to share their plans for new laws.

How the President is Elected

Who Can Be President

To be president, a person must meet certain requirements:

Be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines.
Be a registered voter.
Be able to read and write.
Be at least forty years old on election day.
Have lived in the Philippines for at least ten years before the election.

Natural-born Filipinos are citizens from birth. This means they did not have to do anything special to become a citizen.

The president can only serve one six-year term. They cannot be re-elected. Also, if someone becomes president and serves for more than four years, they cannot run for president again.

Election Process

Home provinces (blue and purple) of the presidents.

The president is elected by direct vote every six years. This usually happens on the second Monday of May. The most recent election was in 2022.

After the election, the results from each province and city are sent to Congress. The president of the Senate opens these results in a joint meeting of Congress. Congress then counts the votes. The person with the most votes wins. If there is a tie, Congress votes to choose the president.

Inauguration Ceremony

Carlos P. Garcia is sworn in as the eighth president of the Philippines after winning the election of 1957.

Bongbong Marcos during his inauguration.

The president usually takes the oath of office at noon on June 30. This is after the election. The vice president usually takes the oath first. This is to make sure there is a leader in place before the new president officially starts.

There are three traditional places for the inauguration:

Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan.
In front of the old Legislative Building in Manila.
At Quirino Grandstand, where most ceremonies have been held.

The dress code for the ceremony is traditional Filipino clothing. Ladies wear baro't saya, and men wear the barong tagalog.

The president takes an oath to faithfully do their duties. They promise to protect the Constitution and serve the nation. After the oath, a 21-gun salute is fired. The presidential anthem "We Say Mabuhay" is played. The president then gives their first speech. After that, they go to Malacañang Palace and induct the new cabinet members.

During the President's Term

State of the Nation Address

President Bongbong Marcos during his first State of the Nation Address on July 25, 2022.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivering her seventh State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa.

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual event. The president reports on the country's situation to a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is a duty required by the Constitution.

Term Limits

The 1935 Constitution first set the president's term at six years, with no re-election. In 1940, it was changed to four years, with a two-term limit. Only presidents Manuel L. Quezon and Ferdinand E. Marcos were re-elected under this rule.

The 1987 Constitution brought back the ban on presidential re-election. The president's term begins at noon on June 30 after the election and lasts for six years. The current president cannot be re-elected. Also, if a president serves more than four years of a term, they cannot run or serve again.

What Happens if the President's Office is Empty

At the Start of the Term

If the elected president cannot take office, the elected vice president becomes acting president. If both the elected president and vice president cannot take office, the Senate president acts as president. If the Senate president also cannot, then the Speaker of the House of Representatives acts as president. This continues until a president or vice president is chosen.

During the Term

Sergio Osmeña was the first vice president to become president after the death of a president, Manuel L. Quezon, in 1944.

If both the president and vice president offices become empty during their term, Congress will call for a special election. However, if the next presidential election is less than 18 months away, no special election is called. An acting president may temporarily take over.

The current line of succession is:

No.	Office	Incumbent
1	Vice President	Sara Duterte
2	President of the Senate	Francis Escudero
3	Speaker of the House of Representatives	Martin Romualdez

Impeachment Process

Impeachment is a way to remove a president or other high official from office. The House of Representatives starts the process. They can accuse the president of serious offenses. If one-third of the House members agree, the case goes to the Senate of the Philippines.

The Senate acts as a court. Selected House members are the prosecutors, and the senators are the judges. To remove the president, at least two-thirds (16 of 24) of the senators must vote to convict. If an impeachment attempt fails, no new cases can be filed against that official for one year.

Reasons for impeachment include:

Breaking the Constitution.
Treason (betraying the country).
Bribery.
Corruption.
Other serious crimes.
Betrayal of public trust.

Official Residences

Presidential residences
Malacañang Palace, the official residence
The Mansion, the official summer palace

Malacañang Palace is the official home of the President of the Philippines. It is located along the Pasig River in San Miguel, Manila. The name Malacañang comes from a Tagalog phrase meaning "there is a nobleman there." The palace complex includes several buildings with traditional Filipino and neoclassical designs.

Before Malacañang, Spanish governors-general lived in the Palacio del Gobernador. After an earthquake in 1863, they moved to Malacañang. During the Philippine Revolution, President Aguinaldo lived in his own home. When the Americans took over, they also used Malacañang. During the Japanese occupation, the presidential office moved to The Mansion in Baguio. After independence in 1946, Malacañang Palace remained the president's official residence.

The president also has other official residences:

Bahay Pangulo (President's House) is a smaller home within the Malacañang grounds. It was first used by President Benigno Aquino III.
The Mansion in Baguio is the official summer palace. It was built in 1908 for American governors-general.
Malacañang of the South in Davao City is the president's residence in Mindanao. It was built in 2005.
Malacañang sa Sugbo in Cebu City was a former official residence in the Visayas. It is now used by the Bureau of Customs.
Malacañang of the North in the Ilocos Region is now a presidential museum.

Presidential Transportation

Philippine Presidential transportation
Presidential Car
The Presidential Plane
Presidential Helicopter
Presidential Yacht

Air Travel

An Aérospatiale SA-330 Puma carrying President Corazon C. Aquino at Subic Bay Naval Base.

The 250th (Presidential) Airlift Wing of the Philippine Air Force provides air transport for the president and their family. They also transport other government members and visiting leaders.

The fleet includes:

1 Fokker F28 (used for domestic trips, called "Kalayaan One" when the president is on board).
4 Bell 412 helicopters.
3 Sikorsky S-76 helicopters.
1 Sikorsky S-70-5 Black Hawk.
Several Bell UH-1N Twin Hueys and Fokker F-27 Friendship planes.
A new Gulfstream G280 delivered in 2020 for VIP transport.

For international trips, the Air Force uses a Bombardier Global Express or Gulftsream G650ER. They also charter planes from Philippine Airlines. Any Philippine Airlines flight with "PR/PAL 001" is for the president.

Water Travel

BRP Ang Pangulo is the presidential yacht. It was built in Japan and given to the Philippines as part of World War II reparations. It is mainly used to entertain guests of the president.

Land Travel

The president uses two black, armored Mercedes-Benz W221 S600 Guard cars. One is a decoy. The president's convoy includes Presidential Security Group vehicles like Toyota Fortuner SUVs, Toyota Land Cruisers, and police motorcycles. The presidential cars have a special license plate, "1" or "PANGULO." They also display the flag of the Philippines.

Official State Cars of the President
President	Land Transport
Emilio Aguinaldo	1924 Packard Six Touring
Manuel Quezon	1937 Chrysler Airflow Custom Imperial CW
Jose P. Laurel	1942 Packard Custom Super Eight:One-Eighty Limousine
Manuel Roxas	1940 Cadillac Series 75 limousine
Elpidio Quirino	1953 Chrysler Imperial Limousine
Ramon Magsaysay	1955 Cadillac Series 75-23
Carlos P. Garcia	No records, possibly same as Magsaysay
Diosdado Macapagal	1957 Ford Sedan
Ferdinand Marcos	1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series 1981 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine (W100)
Corazon Aquino	Mercedes-Benz 500SEL (W126)
Fidel V. Ramos	Mercedes-Benz 500SEL Guard (W126)
Joseph Estrada	Mercedes-Benz S600 (W140)
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo	BMW 750iL High Security (E38) Mercedes-Benz S600 (W140) Mercedes-Benz S600 Guard (W220) Mercedes-Benz S600 (W221)
Benigno Aquino III	Mercedes-Benz S600 (W221) Toyota Land Cruiser Lexus LX570
Rodrigo Duterte	Toyota Land Cruiser Isuzu D-Max Toyota Hilux Chevrolet Colorado
Bongbong Marcos	Toyota Land Cruiser Cadillac Escalade ESV Mercedes-Benz S600 (W221) Mercedes-Benz Maybach S680 (W223) Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition

The Office of the President has owned many cars over the years. For regional trips, the president uses buses or other government vehicles. Former president Benigno Aquino III preferred to use his personal Toyota Land Cruiser or his relative's Lexus LX 570. His successor, Rodrigo Duterte, used a white, armored Toyota Landcruiser.

Security

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) protects the president, vice president, and their families. They also protect visiting heads of state. The PSG uses Toyota Fortuner SUVs as their main security vehicles. Former presidents and their families also receive a small security detail from the PSG.

List of Presidents

After Being President

Garcia (right) and Magsaysay (left).

President-elect Ferdinand E. Marcos is received by incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal at the Malacañan Palace Music Room, before both proceeded to the inaugural venue, December 30, 1965.

At Malacañang Palace, 1955. Clockwise, from top left: Senator Edmundo Cea, Former President Jose P. Laurel Sr., Senator Cipriano Primicias, Senate President Eulogio A. Rodriguez Sr., President Ramon F. Magsaysay, & House Speaker Jose B. Laurel Jr..

Presidents Emilio Aguinaldo and Manuel L. Quezon during the 1935 campaign.

From left: Presidents Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Rodrigo Duterte, Fidel V. Ramos, and Benigno S. Aquino III; photo taken before the start of a National Security Council meeting at the Malacañang Palace on July 27, 2016.

After leaving office, many presidents continue to be involved in public life. They receive certain honors, including a small security detail.

José P. Laurel was elected to the Senate in 1951. He also led a diplomatic mission to the United States.
Sergio Osmeña became a member of the Council of State under several presidents.
Elpidio Quirino also became a councilor of state.
Carlos P. Garcia was elected president of the Constitutional Convention in 1971.
Diosdado Macapagal also became president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention. He later lectured at universities.
Corazon Aquino was a member of the National Security Council under several presidents.
Fidel Ramos founded the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation. He was also a special envoy to China.
Joseph Estrada returned to acting. He later ran for and won the office of Mayor of Manila in 2013.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was elected to the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 2010 and 2022. She became House Speaker in 2018, the first woman to hold that position.
Benigno Aquino III became a councilor of state.
Rodrigo Duterte was a member of the National Security Council.