INFORMING POWER
What presidential power does President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exercise when he delivers his annual SONA to report on inflation, food security, economic reforms, and anti-corruption measures while outlining his administration’s priorities?
Through Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, the President is mandated to address Congress, making the SONA the highest formal expression of informing power. It allows Marcos Jr. to communicate present national conditions, justify executive actions, and influence future policymaking.
With what type of presidential power does the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) conform? The VFA is an agreement signed under the Estrada Administration. It is considered as a Bilateral Agreement between the Philippines and the United States of America which allows for the station of troops in the Philippines for joint military exercises intended to enhance defense capabilities.
Diplomatic Power
Under Article VII, Section 21 “No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate”. By the preceding statement, the constitution gives the President authority to negotiate and sign treaties and international agreements with other states. However, such power is not absolute as it requires the concurrence of the upper chamber of Congress. Requiring the permission of the legislature for its to be legally binding.
What presidential power was exercised when President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent urgent messages to Congress in support of Expanded VAT Reform in 2005 to address fiscal instability and national economic concerns?
This reflects informing power under Article VII, Section 23, which allows the President to appear before Congress at any other time beyond the regular opening session. Arroyo used this constitutional communication channel to recommend urgent legislation and shape national economic policy.
Under Article VII, Section, and the doctrine of sole organ of the Philippine constitution, the President is considered as chief architect of foreign policy, determining the direction of international relations. Give an example of this presidential power based on previous accounts.
Diplomatic Power
South China Sea Arbitration Case. In this case, the Philippines filed a case against China over the jurisdiction of the South China, particularly the area covered by the Philippines' EEZ. The Philippines argued that this claim had no legal basis under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. UNCLOS defines maritime entitlements (like Exclusive Economic Zones or EEZs), and China’s claim exceeded these limits. The tribunal later ruled that China’s historic rights claim is invalid. Such example is a stance of the Philippines exercise of existing foreign policies, as administered through the president's power.
What presidential power was demonstrated when President Benigno Aquino III introduced zero-based budgeting reforms and submitted national expenditure plans focused on transparency and accountability?
Under Article VII, Section 22 of the 1987 Constitution, the President must submit to Congress a budget of expenditures and sources of financing. Aquino used this power not only to allocate funds but also to communicate governance philosophy and fiscal reform priorities.
The Philippines’ entrance into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its subsequent commitments such as the ASEAN Harmonized Tariff Nomenclature (AHTN) where the Philippines sought to harmonize its tariff system making it uniform with its neighboring countries. Membership to this organization was perfected under what particular executive power?
The diplomatic power of the President.
The ability of the president to pave the way for the country to enter into international organizations, and be the country's representative under Article VII, section 1 which grants the President the executive power. Furthermore, Article VII, section 17 as having control over all executive departments, which specifically includes the DFA as the primary department in charge of foreign policies and matters. Despite broad interpretations, the Supreme court has affirmed this power under its ruling G.R. no. 158088.
What presidential power did President Rodrigo Duterte exercise when he regularly addressed the Filipino people during the COVID-19 pandemic through televised late-night briefings on lockdowns, health protocols, and emergency measures?
While not expressly stated in one provision, this is rooted in the President’s executive authority under Article VII, Section 1, which vests executive power in the President. Duterte used this to directly inform and guide the public during a national emergency.
Is the president’s diplomatic power absolute?
NO
The President’s power is limited by the constitution and other branches of the government from absolute control over diplomatic affairs. Even if the President negotiates and signs a treaty, it has no force without Senate approval (Art. VII, section 21). Furthermore, the judiciary can review whether diplomatic acts (treaties or agreements) violate the Constitution (Art. VIII, Sec. 1). These provisions highlight the principle of checks and balances which aims to prevent the abuse of power/authority by each branch of government.
What presidential power ensures that treaties, military agreements, and international commitments are properly communicated to the Senate for concurrence and to the public for national awareness?
Article VII, Section 21 establishes the President’s role in treaty-making and communication, ensuring that foreign affairs decisions are subject to constitutional checks, legislative oversight, and public accountability.