The Presidents of the Philippines
1. Emilio Aguinaldo (1898-1901)
INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN EAGER TO FIGHT FOR THE CAUSE OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE, IN 1895 AGUINALDO TOOK UP WITH A SECRET SOCIETY OF REVOLUTIONARIES HEADED BY FELLOW LODGE MEMBER ANDRES BONIFACIO. WHEN A RIVAL FACTION EXECUTED BONIFACIO IN 1897, AGUINALDO ASSUMED TOTAL LEADERSHIP OF THE REVOLUTION AGAINST SPAIN. BY DECEMBER 1897, AGUINALDO HAD MANAGED TO REACH THE TRUCE OF BIAK-NA-BATO WITH SPAIN. HE AND HIS REBELS AGREED TO A SURRENDERING OF ARMS AND ACCEPTED EXILE TO HONG KONG IN EXCHANGE FOR AMNESTY, INDEMNITY AND LIBERAL REFORM. HOWEVER, NEITHER SIDE KEPT UP THEIR END OF THE BARGAIN. THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT DID NOT DELIVER IN FULL ALL THAT WAS PROMISED, AND THE REBELS DID NOT TRULY SURRENDER ARMS. IN FACT, AGUINALDO'S REVOLUTIONARIES USED SOME OF SPAIN'S FINANCIAL COMPENSATION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL ARMS FOR THE RESISTANCE. FROM HONG KONG, AGUINALDO ALSO MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSIST AMERICANS FIGHTING AGAINST SPAIN IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR. AS NEITHER PEACE NOR INDEPENDENCE HAD BEEN ACHIEVED, IN 1898 AGUINALDO RETURNED TO THE PHILIPPINES TO RESUME HIS REBELLION AGAINST SPANISH RULE. BACK IN CAVITE, AGUINALDO FORCIBLY SET UP A PROVISIONAL DICTATORSHIP. AFTER MEETING WITH THE MALOLOS CONGRESS AND DRAFTING A CONSTITUTION FOR A NEW REPUBLIC, ON JUNE 12, 1898, AGUINALDO AT LAST DECLARED PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE. ANNOUNCED FROM HIS HOMETOWN OF KAWIT, AGUINALDO'S PROCLAMATION PUT AN END TO FOUR CENTURIES OF PHILIPPINE OPPRESSION UNDER SPANISH COLONIAL RULE. IN JANUARY OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR, DRESSED IN A WHITE SUIT AT BARASOAIN CHURCH IN MALOLOS CITY, AGUINALDO WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE NEW, SELF-GOVERNED PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC.
2. Manuel L. Quezon (1935-1944)
SECTION 1. THE LEGAL WORKING DAY FOR ANY PERSON EMPLOYED BY ANOTHER SHALL BE OF NOT MORE THAN EIGHT HOURS DAILY. WHEN THE WORK IS NOT CONTINUOUS, THE TIME DURING WHICH THE LABORER IS NOT WORKING AND CAN LEAVE HIS WORKING PLACE AND CAN REST COMPLETELY SHALL NOT BE COUNTED. SEC. 2. THIS ACT SHALL APPLY TO ALL PERSONS EMPLOYED IN ANY INDUSTRY OR OCCUPATION, WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FARM LABORERS, LABORERS WHO PREFER TO BE PAID ON PIECE WORK BASIS, DOMESTIC SERVANTS AND PERSONS IN THE PERSONAL SERVICE OF ANOTHER AND MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY OF THE EMPLOYER WORKING FOR HIM. SEC. 3. WORK MAY BE PERFORMED BEYOND EIGHT HOURS A DAY IN CASE OF ACTUAL OR IMPENDING EMERGENCIES CAUSED BY SERIOUS ACCIDENTS, FIRE, FLOOD, TYPHOON, EARTHQUAKE, EPIDEMIC, OR OTHER DISASTER OR CALAMITY IN ORDER TO PREVENT LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY OR IMMINENT DANGER TO PUBLIC SAFETY; OR IN CASE OF URGENT WORK TO BE PERFORMED ON THE MACHINE, EQUIPMENT, OR INSTALLATIONS IN ORDER TO AVOID A SERIOUS LOSS WHICH THE EMPLOYER WOULD OTHERWISE SUFFER, OR SOME OTHER JUST CAUSE OF A SIMILAR NATURE; BUT IN ALL SUCH CASES THE LABORERS AND EMPLOYEES SHALL BE ENTITLED TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION FOR THE OVERTIME WORK PERFORMED AT THE SAME RATE AS THEIR REGULAR WAGES OR SALARY, PLUS AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE PER CENTUM ADDITIONAL. IN CASE OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY THE GOVERNMENT IS EMPOWERED TO ESTABLISH RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PLANTS AND FACTORIES AND TO DETERMINE THE WAGES TO BE PAID THE LABORERS. SEC. 4. NO PERSON, FIRM, OR CORPORATION, BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT OR PLACE OR CENTER OF LABOR SHALL COMPEL AN EMPLOYEE OR LABORER TO WORK DURING SUNDAYS AND LEGAL HOLIDAYS, UNLESS HE IS PAID AN ADDITIONAL SUM OF AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE PER CENTUM OF HIS REGULAR REMUNERATION: PROVIDED HOWEVER, THAT THIS PROHIBITION SHALL NOT APPLY TO PUBLIC UTILITIES PERFORMING SOME PUBLIC SERVICE SUCH AS SUPPLYING GAS, ELECTRICITY, POWER, WATER, OR PROVIDING MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION OR COMMUNICATION. SEC. 5. EXEMPTION FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS TWO, AND THREE HEREOF MAY BE GRANTED BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC, OR IF, IN HIS OPINION, SUCH EXEMPTION IS JUSTIFIABLE EITHER BECAUSE THE ORGANIZATION OR NATURE OF THE WORK REQUIRES IT, OR BECAUSE OF LACK OR INSUFFICIENCY OF COMPETENT LABORERS IN A LOCALITY OR BECAUSE THE RELIEVING OF LABORERS MUST BE DONE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, OR BY REASON OF ANY OTHER EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES OR CONDITIONS OF THE WORK OR INDUSTRY CONCERNED; BUT WHEN SUCH EXEMPTION IS GRANTED EMPLOYEES AND LABORERS WILL BE PAID AT LEAST TWENTY-FIVE PER CENTUM IN ADDITION TO THEIR REGULAR SALARIES OR WAGES FOR THE TIME IN EXCESS OF EIGHT HOURS. SEC. 6. ANY AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND THE LABORER OR EMPLOYEE CONTRARY TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT SHALL BE NULL AND VOID AB INITIO. SEC. 7. ANY VIOLATION OF THIS ACT BY THE EMPLOYER OR PERSON HAVING DIRECT CONTROL AND SUPERVISION OVER THE WORK SHALL BE PUNISHED BY A FINE OF NOT MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND PESOS, OR BY IMPRISONMENT FOR NOT MORE THAN ONE YEAR, OR BOTH. SEC. 8. ACTS NUMBERED FORTY-ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THREE AND FORTY-TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY-TWO OF THE FORMER PHILIPPINE LEGISLATURE ARE REPEALED. SEC. 9. THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT UPON ITS APPROVAL.
3. Jose P. laurel (1943 - 1945)
FIRST OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION OF MARTIAL LAW WHILE BOTH INSTANCES INVOLVED LEADERS DECLARING A FORM OF MILITARY RULE, IT WAS ACTUALLY JOSE P. LAUREL, WHO WAS THE COUNTRY’S COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION IN WORLD WAR 2, WHO WAS THE FIRST TO DECLARE MARTIAL LAW OVER THE COUNTRY IN AN OFFICIAL PROCLAMATION AS PRESIDENT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARRYING THIS PROCLAMATION INTO EFFECT, THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES HEREBY ASSUMES ALL POWERS OF GOVERNMENT ESSENTIAL TO OR INCIDENT IN THE ESTABLISHMENTS AND MAINTENANCE OF MARTIAL LAW ALL OVER THE PHILIPPINES, AND TO THAT EXTENT, WILL EXERCISE SUCH POWERS AND FUNCTIONS PERSONALLY OR BY DELEGATION BY HIM TO THE PRESENTLY ORGANIZED AND EXISTING CIVIL AUTHORITIES, OR TO SUCH NEW AGENCIES OR INSTRUMENTALITIES AS HE MAY, FROM TIME TO TIME, CREATE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXIGENCIES OF THE SITUATION,” HE ADDED. THE PROCLAMATION WAS DATED SEPTEMBER 21, 1944, THE EXACT SAME DAY AS MARCOS’ OWN PROCLAMATION IN 1972 (ALTHOUGH MARCOS ANNOUNCED IT TO THE COUNTRY ON SEPTEMBER 23). IT BECAME EFFECTIVE AT 9 A.M. THE NEXT DAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1944 ALSO ON SEPTEMBER 22, LAUREL ISSUED PROCLAMATION NO. 30, WHICH DECLARED A STATE OF WAR BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE U.S. AND GREAT BRITAIN. IT BECAME EFFECTIVE AT 10AM ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1944. “PRESIDENT LAUREL HAD BEEN UNDER PRESSURE FROM JAPANESE PREMIER HIDEKI TOJO, SINCE AS EARLY AS THE INAUGURATION OF THE WARTIME PHILIPPINE REPUBLIC ON OCTOBER 1943, TO DECLARE WAR AGAINST THE UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN,” ACCORDING TO HISTORY SITE THE KAHIMYANG PROJECT. “LAUREL HAD SUCCESSFULLY PARRIED OFF THAT JAPANESE DEMAND FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. BUT IN THE FACE OF ATTACKS ON THE TERRITORY OF THE PHILIPPINES BY THE RETURNING ALLIES, PRESIDENT LAUREL FOUND NO MORE REASON TO DELAY THE PROCLAMATION OF MARTIAL LAW AND THE STATE OF WAR. “IN HIS EVENTUAL TRIAL FOR TREASONABLE COLLABORATION IN 1946, PRESIDENT LAUREL ARGUED THAT BY DECLARING A STATE OF WAR BETWEEN THE PHILIPPINES AND THE UNITED STATES AND GREAT BRITAIN, BUT MANDATING THAT NO FILIPINO WOULD BE CONSCRIPTED IN THE JAPANESE ARMY, HE DID NOT GIVE THE JAPANESE ANYTHING THAT THEY DID NOT ALREADY HAVE; IN FACT, HE GAVE THEM NOTHING.
4. Sergio Osmena (1944-1946)
ORGANIZING CERTAIN BARRIOS OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF BIGAA, PROVINCE OF BULACAN, INTO AN INDEPENDENT MUNICIPALITY UNDER THE NAME OF PANDI UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PROVINCIAL BOARD OF BULACAN AND THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, AND PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION SIXTY-EIGHT OF THE REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, THE TWENTY-THREE MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PROVINCE OF BULACAN, AS ESTABLISHED UNDER SECTION THIRTY-EIGHT OF THE REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, ARE HEREBY INCREASED TO TWENTY-FOUR, BY SEGREGATING FROM THE MUNICIPALITY OF BIGAA THE BARRIOS OF PANDI, MALIBONG BATA, MALIBONG MATANDA, BUNSURAN, MANATAL, BAGBAGUIN, MASAGANA, KUPANG, BAGONG BARRIO, MAPULANG LUPA, SILING BATA, SILING MATANDA, SAN ROQUE, AND KAKARONG AND ORGANIZING THE SAME INTO AN INDEPENDENT MUNICIPALITY UNDER THE NAME OF PANDI, WITH THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT IN THE BARRIO OF PANDI. THE ORGANIZATION HEREIN MADE SHALL TAKE EFFECT AFTER THE BUREAU OF LANDS SHALL HAVE CERTIFIED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR THAT A TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 114, DATED AUGUST 31, 1937, HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO AND APPROVED BY SAID BUREAU, THE MUNICIPALITY OF PANDI SHALL CONSIST OF THE BARRIOS OF PANDI, MALIBONG BATA, MALIBONG MATANDA, BUNSURAN, MANATAL, BAGBAGUIN, MASAGANA, KUPANG, BAGONG BARRIO, MAPULANG LUPA, SILING BATA, SILING MATANDA, SAN ROQUE, AND KAKARONG. THE MUNICIPALITY OF BIGAA SHALL CONSIST OF ITS PRESENT TERRITORY MINUS THE BARRIOS OF PANDI, MALIBONG BATA, MALIBONG MATANDA, BUNSURAN, MANATAL, BAGBAGUIN, MASAGANA, KUPANG, BAGONG BARRIO, MAPULANG LUPA, SILING BATA, SILING MATANDA, SAN ROQUE, AND KAKARONG. DONE AT THE CITY OF MANILA THIS 17TH DAY OF APRIL IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX AND OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE ELEVENTH.
ABOLISHING THE NATIONAL ENTERPRISES CONTROL BOARD, CREATING THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL, TRANSFERRING THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY, DISSOLVING AND MERGING CERTAIN CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES BY VIRTUE OF THE POWERS VESTED IN ME BY REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED FIFTY-ONE, I, MANUEL ROXAS, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, DO HEREBY ORDER- CREATING THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL SECTION 1. THE NATIONAL ENTERPRISES COUNCIL BOARD CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBERED THREE HUNDRED SIXTY, OF AUGUST FIFTH, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-ONE, IS HEREBY ABOLISHED, AND IN LIEU THEREOF, THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL IS CREATED TO BE COMPOSED OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS CHAIRMAN, THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS VICE-CHAIRMAN, THE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS AND THE MANAGING HEADS OF ALL THE CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT AS EX OFFICIO MEMBERS, AND SUCH ADDITIONAL MEMBERS AS THE PRESIDENT MAY APPOINT FROM TIME TO TIME WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS OF THE CONGRESS. THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL SHALL HAVE A SECRETARY TO BE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS OF THE CONGRESS. THE SECRETARY SHALL SERVE ON FULL-TIME BASIS AND HIS SALARY SHALL BE FIXED BY THE PRESIDENT. SEC. 2. THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL SHALL ADVISE THE PRESIDENT IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS POWER OF SUPERVISION AND CONTROL OVER CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT. IT SHALL FORMULATE AND ADOPT SUCH POLICIES AND MEASURES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO COORDINATE THE FUNCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND OF OFFICES, AGENCIES, OR OTHER INSTRUMENTALITIES OF SAID GOVERNMENT NOW EXISTING OR WHICH MAY HEREAFTER BE FORMED OR ORGANIZED PRIMARILY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY. CONTROL COMMITTEE SEC. 3. THERE SHALL BE A CONTROL COMMITTEE IN THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL TO BE COMPOSED OF THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS CHAIRMAN, A MEMBER TO BE DESIGNATED BY THE PRESIDENT FROM AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, AS VICE-CHAIRMAN, AND THE SECRETARY OF THE COUNCIL AS EX OFFICIO MEMBER. THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CONTROL COMMITTEE SHALL BE, AMONG OTHER THINGS: (A) TO SUPERVISE, FOR AND UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT, ALL THE CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF INSURING EFFICIENCY AND ECONOMY IN THEIR OPERATIONS; (B) TO PASS UPON THE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES AND THE YEARLY BUDGET OF EXPENDITURES APPROVED BY THE RESPECTIVE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF THE SAID CORPORATIONS; AND (C) TO CARRY OUT THE SAID THE POLICIES AND MEASURES FORMULATED BY THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT. MANAGING HEADS OF CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT SEC. 4. THERE SHALL BE A PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER, OR MANAGER IN EACH CORPORATION OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WHO SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR OTHER GOVERNING BODY OF THE CORPORATION CONCERNED, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES. THE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER, OR MANAGER OF THE CORPORATION SHALL, ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD AND SUBJECT TO ITS CONTROL AND SUPERVISION, DIRECT AND MANAGE THE AFFAIRS AND BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF ALL THE MEMBERS, MAY SUSPEND AND, WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER, OR MANAGER OF THE CORPORATION. SEC. 5. THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHARTERS OR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION OF CORPORATIONS OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING, NO CHAIRMAN OR MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OR OTHER GOVERNING BODY OF ANY OF SAID CORPORATIONS SHALL AT THE SAME TIME SERVE IN THE CORPORATION IN ANY CAPACITY WHATSOEVER OTHER THAN AS SUCH CHAIRMAN OR MEMBER, UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE PRESIDENT: PROVIDED, THAT THIS PROHIBITION SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY PERSON WHO MAY BE APPOINTED TO SAID BOARD OR GOVERNING BODY AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE EMPLOYEES AND LABORERS OF THE CORPORATION. CONVERTING THE NATIONAL RICE AND CORN CORPORATION INTO AN INDEPENDENT CORPORATION SEC. 6. THE NATIONAL RICE AND CORN CORPORATION SHALL CEASE TO BE A SUBSIDIARY OF THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, AND ALL THE RIGHTS, TITLES, AND INTERESTS OF THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY IN AND TO ANY PROPERTY, ASSETS, OR SHARES OF THE CAPITAL STOCK OF THE NATIONAL RICE AND CORN CORPORATION ARE HEREBY TRANSFERRED TO THE SAID NATIONAL RICE AND CORN CORPORATION AT BOOK AND/OR PAR VALUE. CONVERTING THE AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT CORPORATION INTO A DEPARTMENT OF THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY SEC. 7. THE AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT CORPORATION IS HEREBY CONVERTED INTO A DEPARTMENT THAT SHALL OPERATE DIRECTLY UNDER THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, AND ALL ITS PROPERTIES AND ASSETS ARE HEREBY TRANSFERRED AND ASSIGNED TO THE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. CONVERTING THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVE ADMINISTRATION INTO THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVES AND SMALL BUSINESS CORPORATION SEC. 8. THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVES ADMINISTRATION IS HEREBY CONVERTED INTO THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVES AND SMALL BUSINESS CORPORATION. THIS CORPORATION SHALL ASSUME, IN ADDITION TO ITS USUAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES, THE FUNCTION WHICH HAS HERETOFORE BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY THE BUREAU OF COMMERCE OF ENCOURAGING, PROMOTING AND SUPERVISING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PROVINCIAL TRADING CORPORATIONS. ANY REFERENCE IN ANY ACT, EXECUTIVE ORDER, ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER, RULE, OR REGULATION TO THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVES ADMINISTRATION, WHICH HAS NO CONNECTION WITH ITS FORMER PURCHASING FUNCTIONS, SHALL BE DEEMED A REFERENCE TO THE NATIONAL COOPERATIVES AND SMALL BUSINESS CORPORATION. METRAN TRANSFERRED TO MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE JANUARY FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-EIGHT, THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION SERVICE (METRAN) WHICH WAS CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBERED FIFTY-NINE, DATED JULY TWENTY-SEVENTH, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE, AS AMENDED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBERED SEVENTY-FIVE, DATED DECEMBER FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE, TOGETHER WITH ITS FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, RECORDS, ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, IS HEREBY TRANSFERRED TO AND PLACED UNDER THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY, A CORPORATION CREATED BY ACT NUMBERED ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND TEN, AS AMENDED, WHICH SHALL HEREAFTER EXERCISE FULL CONTROL AND AUTHORITY OVER THE SAME. SEC. 10. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION SERVICE CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBERED FIFTY-SEVEN, DATED JUNE SEVENTH, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN, IS ABOLISHED AND THE POWERS AND DUTIES CONFERRED UPON IT ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY. SEC. 11. PERSONNEL OF THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION SERVICE WHO, AFTER THIS TRANSFER, MAY BE CONSIDERED IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL AND NECESSARY REQUIREMENTS OF THE SERVICE SHALL BE INCLUDED IN A TEMPORARY PLANTILLA AND SHALL REMAIN IN THEIR RESPECTIVE POSITIONS AS LONG AS THEY ARE NOT TRANSFERRED TO OTHER PERMANENT POSITIONS IN THE COMBINED SERVICES OF THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY AND ITS VARIOUS BUS LINES, SUCH AS THE LUZON BUS LINE, THE BENGUET AUTO LINE, AND THE MINDANAO MOTOR LINE. WHEN FILLING ANY VACANCY OR NEW POSITION IN ANY OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY OR OF ITS BUS LINES, FIRST PREFERENCE SHALL BE GIVEN TO SUITABLE PERSONNEL LISTED IN THE TEMPORARY PLANTILLA. ANY POSITION THAT MAY BECOME VACANT IN THIS PLANTILLA SHALL BE AUTOMATICALLY ABOLISHED. SEC. 12. THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION SERVICE REVOLVING FUND CREATED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBERED SEVENTY-FIVE, DATED DECEMBER FIRST, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE, IS ABOLISHED, AND THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THE SAID FUND ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY. SEC. 13. THE MANILA RAILROAD COMPANY IS HEREBY DIRECTED TO FURNISH MOTOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE TO ALL BUREAUS AND OFFICES OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT ON HIRE OR RENTAL BASIS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SCHEDULE OF RATES AND REGULATIONS PRESCRIBED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBERED TWENTY-EIGHT, DATED NOVEMBER TWENTY-SECOND, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SIX, WHICH MAY BE REVISED OR AMENDED WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT. NATIONAL HOUSING COMMISSION AND PEOPLE’S HOMESITE CORPORATION MERGED INTO PEOPLE’S HOMESITE AND HOUSING CORPORATION SEC. 14. THE NATIONAL HOUSING COMMISSION CREATED BY COMMONWEALTH ACT NUMBERED SIX HUNDRED FORTY-EIGHT AND THE PEOPLE’S HOMESITE CORPORATION CREATED UNDER THE CORPORATION LAW ARE MERGED AND CONVERTED INTO A SINGLE CORPORATION TO BE DESIGNATED PEOPLE’S HOMESITE AND HOUSING CORPORATION WHICH IS HEREBY CREATED. THE DUTIES, POWERS, FUNCTIONS, PERSONNEL, RECORDS, EQUIPMENT, FUNDS, AND OTHER ASSETS AS WELL AS THE LIABILITIES OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING COMMISSION AND THE PEOPLE’S HOMESITE CORPORATION ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE PEOPLE’S HOMESITE AND HOUSING CORPORATION. FOR ALL LEGAL PURPOSES, THE PEOPLE’S HOMESITE AND HOUSING CORPORATION IS DEEMED TO BE A CONTINUATION OF THE PERSONALITY OF THE NATIONAL HOUSING COMMISSION AND THE PEOPLE’S HOMESITE CORPORATION, AND ANY REFERENCE IN ANY ACT, EXECUTIVE ORDER, ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER, RULE, OR REGULATION TO THE AFORESAID TWO MERGED CORPORATIONS SHALL BE DEEMED A REFERENCE TO THE PEOPLE’S HOMESITE AND HOUSING CORPORATION. PLACING THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL SEC. 15. THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, AN INSTITUTION ESTABLISHED IN COMMONWEALTH ACT NUMBERED ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX, IS HEREBY PLACED UNDER THE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL HEREIN CREATED. THE AUTHORITY AND CONTROL NOW EXERCISED BY THE SECRETARY OF FINANCE OVER THE SAID INSTITUTION AND THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE BOARD ARE TRANSFERRED TO THE CONTROL COMMITTEE OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL. ANY REFERENCE TO THE SECRETARY OF FINANCE IN COMMONWEALTH ACT NUMBERED ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-SIX AND ITS AMENDMENTS AND IN ANY RULES OR REGULATIONS ISSUED THEREUNDER SHALL BE DEEMED A REFERENCE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONTROL COMMITTEE. PLACING THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROPERTY INSURANCE LAW UNDER THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM SEC. 16. THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROPERTY INSURANCE LAW, SECTIONS THREE HUNDRED THIRTY-SIX TO THREE HUNDRED FORTY-ONE OF THE REVISED ADMINISTRATIVE CODE, AS AMENDED, IS HEREBY TRANSFERRED TO THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM. ANY REFERENCE TO THE SECRETARY OF FINANCE AND THE TREASURER OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE PROPERTY INSURANCE LAW OR IN ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS ISSUED THEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSIDERED A REFERENCE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONTROL COMMITTEE OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISES COUNCIL AND THE MANAGER OF THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM, RESPECTIVELY. CORPORATION DISSOLVED SEC. 17. THE NATIONAL PRODUCE EXCHANGE, THE NATIONAL WAREHOUSING CORPORATION, AND THE NATIONAL FOOTWEAR CORPORATION ARE HEREBY DISSOLVED AND THEIR ACCOUNTS SHALL BE LIQUIDATED BY THE AUDITOR GENERAL. REPEALING CLAUSE SEC. 18. ALL ACTS, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS, OR PROCLAMATIONS OR PARTS THEREOF INCONSISTENT WITH ANY PROVISION OF THIS ORDER ARE HEREBY REPEALED OR MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY. EFFECTIVE DATE SEC. 19. THIS ORDER SHALL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. DONE AT THE CITY OF MANILA, THIS FOURTH DAY OF OCTOBER, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVEN, AND OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, THE SECOND.
5. Manuel Roxas (1946 - 1948)
6. Elpido Quirino ( 1948-1953)
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE OF ACT. - THIS ACT SHALL BE KNOWN AS THE MINIMUM WAGE LAW. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS. - AS USED IN THIS ACT - (A) "PERSON" MEANS AN INDIVIDUAL, PARTNERSHIP, ASSOCIATION, CORPORATION, BUSINESS TRUST, LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE, OR ANY ORGANIZED GROUP OF PERSONS. (B) "EMPLOYER" INCLUDES ANY PERSON ACTING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN THE INTEREST OF AN EMPLOYER IN RELATION TO AN EMPLOYEE AND SHALL INCLUDE THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS. (C) "EMPLOYEE" INCLUDES ANY INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYED BY AN EMPLOYER. (D) "AGRICULTURE" INCLUDES FARMING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES AND AMONG OTHER THINGS INCLUDES THE CULTIVATION AND TILLAGE OF THE SOIL, DAIRYING, THE PRODUCTION, CULTIVATION, GROWING, AND HARVESTING OF ANY AGRICULTURAL OR HORTICULTURAL COMMODITIES, THE RAISING OF LIVESTOCK OR POULTRY, AND ANY PRACTICES PERFORMED BY A FARMER OR ON A FARM AS AN INCIDENT TO OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUCH FARMING OPERATIONS, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE MANUFACTURING OR PROCESSING OF SUGAR, COCONUTS, ABACA, TOBACCO, PINEAPPLE OR OTHER FARM PRODUCTS. (E) "INDUSTRY" MEANS A TRADE, BUSINESS, INDUSTRY OR BRANCH THEREOF, OR GROUP OF INDUSTRIES, IN WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED. (F) "EMPLOY" INCLUDES TO SUFFER OR PERMIT TO WORK. (G) "WAGE" PAID TO ANY EMPLOYEE SHALL MEAN THE REMUNERATION OR EARNINGS, HOWEVER DESIGNATED, CAPABLE OF BEING EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF MONEY, WHETHER FIXED OR ASCERTAINED ON A TIME, TASK, PIECE, COMMISSION BASIS, OR OTHER METHOD OF CALCULATING THE SAME, WHICH IS PAYABLE BY AN EMPLOYER TO AN EMPLOYEE UNDER A WRITTEN OR UNWRITTEN CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT FOR WORK DONE OR TO BE DONE OR FOR SERVICES RENDERED OR TO BE RENDERED, AND INCLUDES THE FAIR AND REASONABLE VALUE, AS DETERMINED BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR, OF BOARD, LODGING, OR OTHER FACILITIES CUSTOMARILY FURNISHED BY THE EMPLOYER TO THE EMPLOYEE. "FAIR AND REASONABLE VALUE" SHALL NOT INCLUDE A PROFIT TO THE EMPLOYER OR TO ANY PERSON AFFILIATED WITH THE EMPLOYER WHICH REDUCES THE WAGE RECEIVED BY THE EMPLOYEE BELOW THE MINIMUM WAGE APPLICABLE TO THE EMPLOYEE UNDER THIS ACT, NOR SHALL ANY TRANSACTION BETWEEN AN EMPLOYER OR ANY PERSON AFFILIATED WITH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE OF THE EMPLOYER INCLUDE ANY PROFIT TO THE EMPLOYER OF AFFILIATED PERSON WHICH REDUCES THE EMPLOYEE'S WAGE BELOW THE MINIMUM WAGE APPLICABLE TO THE EMPLOYEE UNDER THIS ACT. (H) "FACILITIES" SHALL INCLUDE ARTICLES OR SERVICES OF BENEFIT TO THE EMPLOYEE OR HIS FAMILY, BUT SHALL NOT INCLUDE TOOLS OF THE TRADE OR ARTICLES OR SERVICES PRIMARILY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE EMPLOYER OR NECESSARY TO THE CONDUCT OF THE EMPLOYER'S BUSINESS. (I) "HIRED FARM LABOR" INCLUDES THE LABOR OF ANY PERSON EMPLOYED ON A FARM, EXCEPT THE LABOR OF THE OPERATOR AND THAT OF HIS PARENTS, SPOUSE AND CHILDREN. (J) "FARM ENTERPRISE" COMPRISES ALL TRACTS OF LAND, WHETHER CONTIGUOUS OR NOT, UNDER ONE MANAGEMENT, LOCATED IN A PROVINCE AND IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT PROVINCES, ON WHICH ANY OF THE OPERATIONS ENUMERATED IN SECTION TWO (D) ARE CARRIED ON. SECTION 3. MINIMUM WAGE. - (A) EVERY EMPLOYER SHALL PAY TO EACH OF HIS EMPLOYEES WHO IS EMPLOYED BY AN ENTERPRISE OTHER THAN IN AGRICULTURE WAGES AT THE RATE OF NOT LESS THAN - (1) FOUR PESOS A DAY ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT AND THEREAFTER, FOR EMPLOYEES OF AN ESTABLISHMENT LOCATED IN MANILA OR ITS ENVIRONS; (2) THREE PESOS A DAY ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT AND FOR ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE, AND THEREAFTER P4 A DAY, FOR EMPLOYEES OF ESTABLISHMENTS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF MANILA OR ITS ENVIRONS; PROVIDED, THAT THIS ACT SHALL NOT APPLY TO ANY RETAIL OR SERVICE ENTERPRISE THAT REGULARLY EMPLOYS NOT MORE THAN FIVE EMPLOYEES. (B) EVERY EMPLOYER WHO OPERATES A FARM ENTERPRISE COMPRISING MORE THAN 12 HECTARES SHALL PAY TO EACH OF HIS EMPLOYEES, WHO IS ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURE, WAGES AT THE RATE OF NOT LESS THAN - (1) ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT AND FOR ONE YEAR THEREAFTER, P1.75 A DAY, AND NO ALLOWANCES FOR BOARD AND LODGING SHALL REDUCE THIS WAGE BELOW P1.50 IN CASH DURING THAT YEAR; (2) ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT, P2 A DAY, AND NO ALLOWANCES FOR BOARD AND LODGING SHALL REDUCE THIS WAGE BELOW P1.75 IN CASH; AND (3) ONE YEAR THEREAFTER, P2.50 A DAY AND NO ALLOWANCES FOR BOARD AND LODGING SHALL REDUCE THIS WAGE BELOW P2.25 IN CASH. (C) EFFECTIVE ON THE FIRST OF JULY, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO, THE MINIMUM WAGE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE SHALL BE THOSE PROVIDED IN SUBSECTIONS (A) AND (B) OF THIS SECTION. (D) THIS ACT SHALL NOT APPLY TO FARM TENANCY OR TO DOMESTIC SERVANTS. (E) THE CREW OF VESSELS OF PHILIPPINE REGISTRY CALLING REGULARLY AT MANILA SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR NON-AGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN MANILA AS PROVIDED FOR IN THIS ACT. (F) UNTIL AND UNLESS INVESTIGATIONS BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR ON HIS INITIATIVE OR ON PETITION OF ANY INTERESTED PARTY RESULT IN A DIFFERENT DETERMINATION OF THE FAIR AND REASONABLE VALUE, THE FURNISHING OF MEALS SHALL BE VALUED AT NOT MORE THAN THIRTY CENTAVOS PER MEAL FOR AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYEES, AND NOT MORE THAN FORTY CENTAVOS FOR ANY OTHER EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THIS ACT, AND THE FURNISHING OF HOUSING SHALL BE VALUED AT NOT MORE THAN TWENTY CENTAVOS DAILY FOR AGRICULTURAL WORKERS AND NOT MORE THAN FORTY CENTAVOS DAILY FOR OTHER EMPLOYEES COVERED BY THIS ACT. (G) IF IN A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY A WAGE BOARD APPOINTED BY THE SECRETARY OF LABOR WITHIN ONE YEAR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT RECOMMENDS THAT A FURTHER EXTENSION OF TIME BEFORE THE APPLICATION OF THE FULL STATUTORY MINIMUM IS JUSTIFIED IN SUCH INDUSTRY TO AVOID UNDUE HARDSHIP TO THE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD MAY RECOMMEND AND THE SECRETARY MAY APPROVE AN EXTENSION NOT TO EXCEED SIX MONTHS AND AT A MINIMUM WAGE NOT LESS THAN THE RATE PROVIDED TO TAKE EFFECT ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ACT. (H) WITH RESPECT TO PIECE-WORK OR CONTRACT WORK, ON PETITION OF AN INTERESTED PARTY, THE SECRETARY OF LABOR SHALL USE ALL AVAILABLE DEVICES OF INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE WORK IS BEING COMPENSATED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ACT, AND SHALL ISSUE FINDINGS AND ORDERS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
7. Ramon Magsaysay (1953-1957)
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1160 OF 1954 -- ABOLISHED THE LASEDECO AND ESTABLISHED THE NATIONAL RESETTLEMENT AND REHABILITATION ADMINISTRATION (NARRA) TO RESETTLE DISSIDENTS AND LANDLESS FARMERS. IT WAS PARTICULARLY AIMED AT REBEL RETURNEES PROVIDING HOME LOTS AND FARMLANDS IN PALAWAN AND MINDANAO. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1199 (AGRICULTURAL TENANCY ACT OF 1954) -- GOVERNED THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LANDOWNERS AND TENANT FARMERS BY ORGANIZING SHARE-TENANCY AND LEASEHOLD SYSTEM. THE LAW PROVIDED THE SECURITY OF TENURE OF TENANTS. IT ALSO CREATED THE COURT OF AGRARIAN RELATIONS. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1400 (LAND REFORM ACT OF 1955) -- CREATED THE LAND TENURE ADMINISTRATION (LTA) WHICH WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF LARGE TENANTED RICE AND CORN LANDS OVER 200 HECTARES FOR INDIVIDUALS AND 600 HECTARES FOR CORPORATIONS. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 821 (CREATION OF AGRICULTURAL CREDIT COOPERATIVE FINANCING ADMINISTRATION) -- PROVIDED SMALL FARMERS AND SHARE TENANTS LOANS WITH LOW INTEREST RATES OF SIX TO EIGHT PERCENT.
8. Carlos P. Garcia ( 1957-1961)
Continued the program of President Ramon Magsaysay. No new legislation passed.
9. Diosdado Macapagal (1961-1965)
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3844 OF AUGUST 8, 1963 (AGRICULTURAL LAND REFORM CODE) -- ABOLISHED SHARE TENANCY, INSTITUTIONALIZED LEASEHOLD, SET RETENTION LIMIT AT 75 HECTARES, INVESTED RIGHTS OF PREEMPTION AND REDEMPTION FOR TENANT FARMERS, PROVIDED FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY FOR IMPLEMENTATION, INSTITUTIONALIZED A JUDICIAL SYSTEM OF AGRARIAN CASES, INCORPORATED EXTENSION, MARKETING AND SUPERVISED CREDIT SYSTEM OF SERVICES OF FARMER BENEFICIARIES.
THE RA WAS HAILED AS ONE THAT WOULD EMANCIPATE FILIPINO FARMERS FROM THE BONDAGE OF TENANCY.
10. Ferdinand E. Marcos (1965 - 1986)
PROCLAMATION NO. 1081 ON SEPTEMBER 21, 1972 USHERED THE PERIOD OF THE NEW SOCIETY. FIVE DAYS AFTER THE PROCLAMATION OF MARTIAL LAW, THE ENTIRE COUNTRY WAS PROCLAIMED A LAND REFORM AREA AND SIMULTANEOUSLY THE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM WAS DECREED.
PRESIDENT MARCOS ENACTED THE FOLLOWING LAWS:
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6389, (CODE OF AGRARIAN REFORM) AND RA NO. 6390 OF 1971 -- CREATED THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM AND THE AGRARIAN REFORM SPECIAL ACCOUNT FUND. IT STRENGTHEN THE POSITION OF FARMERS AND EXPANDED THE SCOPE OF AGRARIAN REFORM.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 2, SEPTEMBER 26, 1972 -- DECLARED THE COUNTRY UNDER LAND REFORM PROGRAM. IT ENJOINED ALL AGENCIES AND OFFICES OF THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND FULL COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE TO THE DAR. IT ALSO ACTIVATED THE AGRARIAN REFORM COORDINATING COUNCIL.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 27, OCTOBER 21, 1972 -- RESTRICTED LAND REFORM SCOPE TO TENANTED RICE AND CORN LANDS AND SET THE RETENTION LIMIT AT 7 HECTARES.
11. Corazon C. Aquino (1986 - 1992)
THE CONSTITUTION RATIFIED BY THE FILIPINO PEOPLE DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT CORAZON C. AQUINO PROVIDES UNDER SECTION 21 UNDER ARTICLE II THAT “THE STATE SHALL PROMOTE COMPREHENSIVE RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND AGRARIAN REFORM.” ON JUNE 10, 1988, FORMER PRESIDENT CORAZON C. AQUINO SIGNED INTO LAW REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6657 OR OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM LAW (CARL). THE LAW BECAME EFFECTIVE ON JUNE 15, 1988. SUBSEQUENTLY, FOUR PRESIDENTIAL ISSUANCES WERE RELEASED IN JULY 1987 AFTER 48 NATIONWIDE CONSULTATIONS BEFORE THE ACTUAL LAW WAS ENACTED. PRESIDENT CORAZON C. AQUINO ENACTED THE FOLLOWING LAWS: EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 228, JULY 16, 1987 – DECLARED FULL OWNERSHIP TO QUALIFIED FARMER-BENEFICIARIES COVERED BY PD 27. IT ALSO DETERMINED THE VALUE REMAINING UNVALUED RICE AND CORN LANDS SUBJECT OF PD 27 AND PROVIDED FOR THE MANNER OF PAYMENT BY THE FBS AND MODE OF COMPENSATION TO LANDOWNERS. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 229, JULY 22, 1987 – PROVIDED MECHANISM FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP). PROCLAMATION NO. 131, JULY 22, 1987 – INSTITUTED THE CARP AS A MAJOR PROGRAM OF THE GOVERNMENT. IT PROVIDED FOR A SPECIAL FUND KNOWN AS THE AGRARIAN REFORM FUND (ARF), WITH AN INITIAL AMOUNT OF PHP50 BILLION TO COVER THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE PROGRAM FROM 1987-1992. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 129-A, JULY 26, 1987 – STREAMLINED AND EXPANDED THE POWER AND OPERATIONS OF THE DAR. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6657, JUNE 10, 1988 (COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM LAW) – AN ACT WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE JUNE 15, 1988 AND INSTITUTED A COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM TO PROMOTE SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INDUSTRIALIZATION PROVIDING THE MECHANISM FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. THIS LAW IS STILL THE ONE BEING IMPLEMENTED AT PRESENT. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 405, JUNE 14, 1990 – VESTED IN THE LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DETERMINE LAND VALUATION AND COMPENSATION FOR ALL LANDS COVERED BY CARP. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 407, JUNE 14, 1990 – ACCELERATED THE ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS, PASTURE LANDS, FISHPONDS, AGRO-FORESTRY LANDS AND OTHER LANDS OF THE PUBLIC DOMAIN SUITABLE FOR AGRICULTURE.
12. Fidel V. Ramos (1992 - 1998)
WHEN PRESIDENT FIDEL V. RAMOS FORMALLY TOOK OVER IN 1992, HIS ADMINISTRATION CAME FACE TO FACE WITH PUBLICS WHO HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM. HIS ADMINISTRATION COMMITTED TO THE VISION “FAIRER, FASTER AND MORE MEANINGFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM. PRESIDENT FIDEL V. RAMOS ENACTED THE FOLLOWING LAWS: REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7881, 1995 – AMENDED CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF RA 6657 AND EXEMPTED FISHPONDS AND PRAWNS FROM THE COVERAGE OF CARP. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7905, 1995 – STRENGTHENED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CARP. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 363, 1997 – LIMITS THE TYPE OF LANDS THAT MAY BE CONVERTED BY SETTING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH LIMITS THE TYPE OF LANDS THAT MAY BE CONVERTED BY SETTING CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SPECIFIC CATEGORIES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND ARE EITHER ABSOLUTELY NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR CONVERSION OR HIGHLY RESTRICTED FOR CONVERSION. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8435, 1997 (AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES MODERNIZATION ACT AFMA) – PLUGGED THE LEGAL LOOPHOLES IN LAND USE CONVERSION. REPUBLIC ACT 8532, 1998 (AGRARIAN REFORM FUND BILL) – PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL PHP50 BILLION FOR CARP AND EXTENDED ITS IMPLEMENTATION FOR ANOTHER 10 YEARS.
13. Joseph E. Estrada (1998 - 2000)
“ERAP PARA SA MAHIRAP’. THIS WAS THE BATTLE CRY THAT ENDEARED PRESIDENT JOSEPH ESTRADA AND MADE HIM VERY POPULAR DURING THE 1998 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. PRESIDENT JOSEPH E. ESTRADA INITIATED THE ENACTMENT OF THE FOLLOWING LAW: EXECUTIVE ORDER N0. 151, SEPTEMBER 1999 (FARMER’S TRUST FUND) – ALLOWED THE VOLUNTARY CONSOLIDATION OF SMALL FARM OPERATION INTO MEDIUM AND LARGE SCALE INTEGRATED ENTERPRISE THAT CAN ACCESS LONG-TERM CAPITAL. DURING HIS ADMINISTRATION, PRESIDENT ESTRADA LAUNCHED THE MAGKABALIKAT PARA SA KAUNLARANG AGRARYO OR MAGKASAKA. THE DAR FORGED INTO JOINT VENTURES WITH PRIVATE INVESTORS INTO AGRARIAN SECTOR TO MAKE FBS COMPETITIVE. HOWEVER, THE ESTRADA ADMINISTRATION WAS SHORT LIVED. THE MASSES WHO PUT HIM INTO OFFICE DEMANDED FOR HIS OUSTER.
14. Gloria Macapagal-Aroyo (2000 - 2010)
THE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM UNDER THE ARROYO ADMINISTRATION IS ANCHORED ON THE VISION “TO MAKE THE COUNTRYSIDE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE FOR THE FILIPINO FAMILY BY BUILDING PARTNERSHIP AND PROMOTING SOCIAL EQUITY AND NEW ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES TOWARDS LASTING PEACE AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT.” LAND TENURE IMPROVEMENT - DAR WILL REMAIN VIGOROUS IN IMPLEMENTING LAND ACQUISITION AND DISTRIBUTION COMPONENT OF CARP. THE DAR WILL IMPROVE LAND TENURE SYSTEM THROUGH LAND DISTRIBUTION AND LEASEHOLD. PROVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES - CARP NOT ONLY INVOLVES THE DISTRIBUTION OF LANDS BUT ALSO INCLUDED PACKAGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES WHICH INCLUDES: CREDIT ASSISTANCE, EXTENSION SERVICES, IRRIGATION FACILITIES, ROADS AND BRIDGES, MARKETING FACILITIES AND TRAINING AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS. INFRASTRUCRE PROJECTS - DAR WILL TRANSFORM THE AGRARIAN REFORM COMMUNITIES (ARCS), AN AREA FOCUSED AND INTEGRATED DELIVERY OF SUPPORT SERVICES, INTO RURAL ECONOMIC ZONES THAT WILL HELP IN THE CREATION OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. KALAHI ARZONE - THE KALAHI AGRARIAN REFORM (KAR) ZONES WERE ALSO LAUNCHED. THESE ZONES CONSISTS OF ONE OR MORE MUNICIPALITIES WITH CONCENTRATION OF ARC POPULATION TO ACHIEVE GREATER AGRO-PRODUCTIVITY. AGRARIAN JUSTICE - TO HELP CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF AGRARIAN CASES, DAR WILL HIRE MORE PARALEGAL OFFICERS TO SUPPORT UNDERMANNED ADJUDICATORY BOARDS AND INTRODUCE QUOTA SYSTEM TO COMPEL ADJUDICATORS TO WORK FASTER ON AGRARIAN REFORM CASES. DAR WILL RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF BOTH FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS.
15. Benigno Aquino III (2010 - 2016)
PRESIDENT BENIGNO AQUINO III VOWED DURING HIS 2012 STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS THAT HE WOULD COMPLETE BEFORE THE END OF HIS TERM THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP), THE CENTERPIECE PROGRAM OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF HIS MOTHER, PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO. THE YOUNGER AQUINO DISTRIBUTED THEIR FAMILY-OWNED HACIENDA LUISITA IN TARLAC. APART FROM THE SAID FARM LOTS, HE ALSO PROMISED TO COMPLETE THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRIVATELY-OWNED LANDS OF PRODUCTIVE AGRICULTURAL ESTATES IN THE COUNTRY THAT HAVE ESCAPED THE COVERAGE OF THE PROGRAM. UNDER HIS ADMINISTRATION, THE AGRARIAN REFORM COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY AND ECONOMIC SUPPORT SERVICES (ARCCESS) PROJECT WAS CREATED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL GOAL OF RURAL POVERTY REDUCTION ESPECIALLY IN AGRARIAN REFORM AREAS. AGRARIAN PRODUCTION CREDIT PROGRAM (APCP) PROVIDED CREDIT SUPPORT FOR CROP PRODUCTION TO NEWLY ORGANIZED AND EXISTING AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES’ ORGANIZATIONS (ARBOS) AND FARMERS’ ORGANIZATIONS NOT QUALIFIED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF LOANS UNDER THE REGULAR CREDIT WINDOWS OF BANKS. THE LEGAL CASE MONITORING SYSTEM (LCMS), A WEB-BASED LEGAL SYSTEM FOR RECORDING AND MONITORING VARIOUS KINDS OF AGRARIAN CASES AT THE PROVINCIAL, REGIONAL AND CENTRAL OFFICES OF THE DAR TO ENSURE FASTER RESOLUTION AND CLOSE MONITORING OF AGRARIAN-RELATED CASES, WAS ALSO LAUNCHED. ASIDE FROM THESE INITIATIVES, AQUINO ALSO ENACTED EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26, SERIES OF 2011, TO MANDATE THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE-DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES-DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM CONVERGENCE INITIATIVE TO DEVELOP A NATIONAL GREENING PROGRAM IN COOPERATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
16. Rodrigo Roa Duterte (2016 - 2022)
UNDER HIS LEADERSHIP, THE PRESIDENT WANTS TO PURSUE AN “AGGRESSIVE” LAND REFORM PROGRAM THAT WOULD HELP ALLEVIATE THE LIFE OF POOR FILIPINO FARMERS BY PRIORITIZING THE PROVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES ALONGSIDE LAND DISTRIBUTION. THE PRESIDENT DIRECTED THE DAR TO LAUNCH THE 2ND PHASE OF AGRARIAN REFORM WHERE LANDLESS FARMERS WOULD BE AWARDED WITH UNDISTRIBUTED LANDS UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM (CARP). DUTERTE PLANS TO PLACE ALMOST ALL PUBLIC LANDS, INCLUDING MILITARY RESERVES, UNDER AGRARIAN REFORM. THE PRESIDENT ALSO PLACED 400 HECTARES OF AGRICULTURAL LANDS IN BORACAY UNDER CARP. UNDER HIS ADMINISTRATION THE DAR CREATED AN ANTI-CORRUPTION TASK FORCE TO INVESTIGATE AND HANDLE REPORTS ON ALLEGED ANOMALOUS ACTIVITIES BY OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT. THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PURSUES AN “OPLAN ZERO BACKLOG” IN THE RESOLUTION OF CASES IN RELATION TO AGRARIAN JUSTICE DELIVERY OF THE AGRARIAN REFORM PROGRAM TO FAST-TRACK THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CARP.
