Saint James High School

Buenavista, Agusan del Norte

PHILIPPINE POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Written Report

NAME: REGIE G. ELLADORA

REPORT TITLE: POWER EXERCISED BY POLITICAL LEADERS

The power exercised by our political leaders emanates from thr authority
conferred to them by the law. If their actions are beyond the scope of their
authority, the courts may, in a proper case declare such as act as without legal
effect. The President is clothed with executive power. There is however, no
definition of what executive power is under the Constitution, although the
fundamental law of the land gives us examples Presidents executive powers.
These powers are the following :

1. the power to control over all executive departments, bureaus and offices;

2. the power to execute the laws;

3. the appointing power

4. the power under the commander in chief clause ;

5. the power to grant reprieves, commutations, and pardons;

6. the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of Congress;

7. the power to contract or guarantee foreign loans;

8. the power to enter into treaties or international agreements;

9. the power to submit the budget to Congress ; and

10.the power to address Congress.

There was provision for a strong Philippine President under the 1935
Constitution with broader powers than the US President.

The Parliamentary form of government was adopted by the 1937 Constitution

which initially made the President a mere figure - head.
The Local Government Code has also granted powers to the local chief
executives. for efficien, effective, and economical governance, the purpose of
which is the general welfare of their respective local government units, the
municipal and city mayors, and provincial governors are empowered to

1. Exercise general supervision and control over programs, project, services,

and activities of the LGU, which includes appointing all its officials and
employees, representing LGU in all its business transactions and signing
contracts upon the authority of the sangunian concerned.

2. Enforce all laws and ordinances and implement all LG programs, project,
services, and activities.

3. Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues and apply
them to priorities defined in the LGC.

4. Ensure the delivery of basic services.

5. Exercise such powers and perform such other duties as may be prrscribed by
law or ordinance. (Sections 444, 455, 465, LGC)