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Government Powers Explorer

Who can actually do what?

What each office can and cannot do, according to the 1987 Constitution, the Local Government Code (RA 7160), the SK Reform Act (RA 10742) and RA 12232. Written for every citizen, not just lawyers.

PresidentVice PresidentSenatorDistrict / Party-list RepresentativeGovernorVice GovernorProvincial Board MemberCity / Municipal MayorCity / Municipal Vice MayorCity / Municipal CouncilorPunong Barangay (Barangay Captain)Barangay Kagawad (Councilor)SK Chairperson
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National level

National government

President

Head of State and head of government. Controls all executive departments, bureaus and offices, and is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Term
6 years
Term limit
No re-election. A person who has succeeded and served as President for more than four years is also barred.
Executive powers
  • Control of all executive departments, bureaus and offices
  • Ensures laws are faithfully executed
  • Appoints department heads, ambassadors, and AFP officers from colonel/captain up — many subject to Commission on Appointments confirmation
  • Commander-in-Chief; may call out the armed forces
  • May suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law for up to 60 days in cases of invasion or rebellion
  • Grants reprieves, commutations and pardons (except in impeachment)
  • Enters into treaties (valid only with Senate concurrence of two-thirds)
Legislative powers
  • Signs or vetoes bills; may veto particular items in appropriation, revenue or tariff bills
  • Certifies bills as urgent
  • Delivers the State of the Nation Address
Budget responsibilities
  • Submits the National Expenditure Program to Congress within 30 days of the opening of each regular session
  • May veto line items of the General Appropriations Bill
  • Cannot spend money without an appropriation made by law
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot appropriate public funds — only Congress can
  • Cannot increase the budget Congress approved
  • Martial law does not suspend the Constitution or the courts; Congress may revoke it by majority vote of both houses voting jointly
  • The Supreme Court may review the factual basis of martial law
  • Cannot appoint relatives within the fourth civil degree to certain posts during the term
Accountability mechanisms
  • Impeachment by the House, trial by the Senate
  • Supreme Court judicial review
  • Commission on Audit (COA) audits all executive spending
  • Congressional oversight and inquiries in aid of legislation
  • Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN)
Eligibility
  • Natural-born citizen
  • Registered voter
  • Able to read and write
  • At least 40 years old on election day
  • Resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years before the election
Removal

Impeachment for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. House impeaches (one-third vote); Senate convicts (two-thirds vote).

Legal provisions
  • Art. VII, Sec. 1 — Executive power vested in the President.
  • Art. VII, Sec. 4 — Six-year term; not eligible for any re-election.
  • Art. VII, Sec. 17 — Control of all executive departments.
  • Art. VII, Sec. 18 — Commander-in-Chief; martial law safeguards.
  • Art. VI, Sec. 27 — Veto, including item veto in appropriation bills.
  • Art. XI, Sec. 2–3 — Impeachment.

Vice President

First in the line of succession. Has no fixed executive powers of the office itself; may be appointed to the Cabinet without needing confirmation.

Term
6 years
Term limit
No more than two successive terms
Executive powers
  • Succeeds the President upon death, permanent disability, removal or resignation
  • Acts as President if the President-elect fails to qualify
  • May be appointed as a Cabinet member without confirmation
Legislative powers
  • None as Vice President
Budget responsibilities
  • Heads the Office of the Vice President, whose budget is set by Congress in the GAA
  • Confidential and intelligence funds only if appropriated by Congress
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot exercise presidential powers unless succeeding or acting as President
  • Cannot spend the OVP budget outside what Congress appropriated
Accountability mechanisms
  • Impeachment
  • COA audit of OVP funds
  • Congressional budget hearings
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Same qualifications as the President
Removal

Impeachment, on the same grounds and process as the President.

Legal provisions
  • Art. VII, Sec. 3 — Vice President's term, limit and Cabinet appointment.
  • Art. VII, Sec. 8 — Succession.

Senator

One of 24 senators elected nationwide. Makes laws, approves the budget, ratifies treaties, and tries impeachment cases.

Term
6 years
Term limit
No more than two consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • None — senators do not implement projects or release funds
Legislative powers
  • File, sponsor and vote on bills and resolutions
  • Conduct inquiries in aid of legislation
  • Concur in treaties (two-thirds vote)
  • Try and decide impeachment cases
  • Vote on revoking or extending martial law (jointly with the House)
Budget responsibilities
  • Amends and approves the General Appropriations Bill
  • May not increase the President's proposed budget total
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot implement or choose contractors for projects
  • Cannot intervene in the release of funds after the budget is enacted (the Supreme Court struck down PDAF 'pork barrel' in 2013)
  • Cannot hold another government office without forfeiting the seat
Accountability mechanisms
  • Senate ethics committee; suspension or expulsion by two-thirds vote
  • Courts (Sandiganbayan for graft involving high-ranking officials)
  • Office of the Ombudsman
  • Re-election by voters
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Natural-born citizen
  • At least 35 years old on election day
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered voter
  • Resident of the Philippines for at least 2 years before the election
Removal

Expulsion by two-thirds of all senators, or by court conviction carrying perpetual disqualification.

Legal provisions
  • Art. VI, Sec. 2–4 — Composition, qualifications, term.
  • Art. VI, Sec. 16(3) — Discipline, suspension and expulsion of members.
  • Art. VI, Sec. 25 — Congress may not increase appropriations recommended by the President.
  • Art. XI, Sec. 3(6) — Senate has sole power to try impeachment cases.

District / Party-list Representative

Member of the House of Representatives, elected by a legislative district or through the party-list system.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • None — does not implement projects
Legislative powers
  • Files and votes on bills
  • All appropriation, revenue and tariff bills must originate in the House
  • Sole power to initiate impeachment
Budget responsibilities
  • Deliberates and approves the General Appropriations Bill first
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot implement projects or select contractors
  • Cannot release or realign funds after enactment
  • Cannot appear as counsel before courts in certain cases
Accountability mechanisms
  • House ethics committee; suspension or expulsion by two-thirds
  • Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan
  • Voters
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Natural-born citizen
  • At least 25 years old on election day
  • Able to read and write
  • Registered voter in the district (district reps)
  • Resident of the district for at least 1 year (district reps)
Removal

Expulsion by two-thirds of all members of the House, or court conviction.

Legal provisions
  • Art. VI, Sec. 5–7 — Composition, qualifications, term of the House.
  • Art. VI, Sec. 24 — Money bills originate in the House.
  • Art. XI, Sec. 3(1) — Exclusive power to initiate impeachment.
Provincial level

Provinces

Governor

Chief executive of the province. Implements provincial programs and supervises component cities and municipalities.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • Directs provincial programs, services and personnel
  • Appoints provincial officials and employees
  • Ensures component cities and municipalities act within their powers
  • Calls on the PNP for public order (operational supervision subject to law)
  • Issues executive orders
Legislative powers
  • Approves or vetoes ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (veto can be overridden by two-thirds)
Budget responsibilities
  • Prepares and submits the executive budget to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
  • May veto particular items of the appropriation ordinance
  • Disburses funds only as appropriated by ordinance
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot spend without an appropriation ordinance
  • Cannot pass ordinances — that is the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
  • Does not control national agency projects (DPWH, DepEd, DOH) in the province
Accountability mechanisms
  • Administrative complaints before the Office of the President
  • Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan
  • COA audit
  • Recall election
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Registered voter in the province
  • Resident for at least 1 year
  • Able to read and write Filipino or a local language
  • At least 23 years old on election day
Removal

Removal only by court order (LGC Sec. 60); recall election; suspension up to 6 months in administrative cases.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 39 — Qualifications of elective local officials.
  • LGC Sec. 43 — Three-year term; three consecutive-term limit.
  • LGC Sec. 465 — Powers, duties and functions of the Provincial Governor.
  • LGC Sec. 318–319 — Local budget preparation and approval.

Vice Governor

Presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and first in line to succeed the Governor.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • Appoints officials and employees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan
  • Succeeds or acts as Governor when needed
Legislative powers
  • Presides over the Sangguniang Panlalawigan; votes only to break a tie
  • Signs warrants drawn on the provincial treasury for the Sanggunian's expenses
Budget responsibilities
  • Participates in budget deliberations as presiding officer
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot veto ordinances
  • No executive control over provincial departments
Accountability mechanisms
  • Same as Governor
Eligibility
  • Same as Governor (at least 23 years old)
Removal

By court order; recall election.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 466 — Powers and duties of the Vice Governor.

Provincial Board Member

Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the provincial legislature.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • None
Legislative powers
  • Enacts provincial ordinances and resolutions
  • Approves the provincial appropriation ordinance
  • Reviews ordinances of component cities and municipalities
  • Levies provincial taxes and fees within the LGC
Budget responsibilities
  • Enacts the annual and supplemental appropriation ordinances
  • May override the Governor's veto by two-thirds
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot implement projects or hire executive staff
  • Cannot increase the Governor's proposed total budget
Accountability mechanisms
  • Ombudsman
  • Recall
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Registered voter in the district
  • Resident for at least 1 year
  • At least 18 years old (23 for Governor/Vice Governor)
Removal

By court order; recall election.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 467–468 — Composition and powers of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
City / Municipal level

Cities & municipalities

City / Municipal Mayor

Chief executive of the city or municipality, responsible for local services, permits, and local development.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • Directs all city/municipal programs, services and personnel
  • Issues business permits and licenses
  • Prepares the local development plan with the Local Development Council
  • Issues executive orders
  • Exercises operational supervision over the local police (with NAPOLCOM rules)
  • Leads local disaster response (chairs the local DRRM council)
Legislative powers
  • Approves or vetoes ordinances of the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan; veto may be overridden by two-thirds
Budget responsibilities
  • Prepares and submits the executive budget
  • May veto items of the appropriation ordinance
  • Disburses only appropriated funds
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot spend without an appropriation ordinance
  • Cannot enact ordinances
  • Does not run national agency projects located in the city or town
  • Cannot appoint relatives within the fourth civil degree
Accountability mechanisms
  • Administrative complaints (Sangguniang Panlalawigan for component cities/municipalities; Office of the President for highly urbanized cities)
  • Ombudsman and Sandiganbayan
  • COA audit
  • Recall election
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Registered voter in the LGU
  • Resident for at least 1 year
  • Able to read and write
  • At least 21 years old on election day
Removal

Removal only by court order; preventive suspension up to 60–90 days; recall election.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 444 — Powers of the Municipal Mayor.
  • LGC Sec. 455 — Powers of the City Mayor.
  • LGC Sec. 60–68 — Disciplinary actions against elective officials.

City / Municipal Vice Mayor

Presiding officer of the local council and first in line to succeed the Mayor.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • Appoints council staff
  • Succeeds or acts as Mayor when needed
Legislative powers
  • Presides over the Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan; votes only to break a tie
Budget responsibilities
  • Signs warrants for the council's expenses
Limitations — cannot
  • No veto power
  • No executive control over city/municipal departments
Accountability mechanisms
  • Same as Mayor
Eligibility
  • Same as Mayor
Removal

By court order; recall election.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 445 / 456 — Powers of the Municipal / City Vice Mayor.

City / Municipal Councilor

Member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (city) or Sangguniang Bayan (municipality), the local legislature.

Term
3 years
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • None
Legislative powers
  • Enacts ordinances and resolutions
  • Approves the local appropriation ordinance
  • Sets local taxes, fees and charges within the LGC
  • Approves zoning and land-use plans
  • Grants franchises (e.g. tricycles)
Budget responsibilities
  • Approves the annual budget; may override a veto by two-thirds
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot implement projects or release funds
  • Cannot increase the Mayor's proposed total budget
Accountability mechanisms
  • Ombudsman
  • Recall
  • SALN
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Registered voter
  • Resident for at least 1 year
  • At least 18 years old
Removal

By court order; recall election.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 447 / 458 — Powers of the Sangguniang Bayan / Panlungsod.
Barangay level

Barangays

Punong Barangay (Barangay Captain)

Chief executive of the barangay, the smallest unit of government. Keeps the peace, delivers basic services, and leads the barangay justice system.

Term
4 years (from the November 2026 elections, per RA 12232)
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms in the same position (RA 12232)
Executive powers
  • Enforces laws and ordinances in the barangay
  • Maintains public order; organizes barangay tanods
  • Chairs the Lupong Tagapamayapa (Katarungang Pambarangay) for settling disputes
  • Issues barangay clearances and certifications
  • Implements barangay development plans
Legislative powers
  • Presides over the Sangguniang Barangay; votes only to break a tie
  • Approves or vetoes barangay ordinances
Budget responsibilities
  • Prepares the barangay budget for Sangguniang Barangay approval
  • Signs disbursements together with the barangay treasurer
  • Barangay budget is reviewed by the city/municipal council
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot spend without an appropriation ordinance
  • Cannot decide criminal cases — only mediate and conciliate eligible disputes
  • SK funds (10% of barangay funds) are managed by the SK, not the captain
Accountability mechanisms
  • Administrative complaints before the city/municipal Sanggunian
  • Ombudsman
  • COA audit
  • Barangay Assembly (meets at least twice a year)
  • Recall
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Registered voter in the barangay
  • Resident for at least 1 year
  • Able to read and write
  • At least 18 years old on election day
Removal

By court order; recall election; administrative discipline by the city/municipal council.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 389 — Powers of the Punong Barangay.
  • LGC Sec. 397–398 — Barangay Assembly.
  • LGC Sec. 399–422 — Katarungang Pambarangay.
  • RA 12232 — Four-year terms; elections every four years starting November 2026.

Barangay Kagawad (Councilor)

One of seven elected members of the Sangguniang Barangay.

Term
4 years (from the November 2026 elections)
Term limit
No more than three consecutive terms
Executive powers
  • Assists the Punong Barangay; may chair committees (peace and order, health, etc.)
Legislative powers
  • Enacts barangay ordinances
  • Approves the barangay budget
Budget responsibilities
  • Votes on the barangay appropriation ordinance
Limitations — cannot
  • Cannot release funds
  • Cannot override national or city/municipal ordinances
Accountability mechanisms
  • Same as Punong Barangay
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Registered voter in the barangay
  • Resident for at least 1 year
  • At least 18 years old
Removal

By court order; recall election.

Legal provisions
  • LGC Sec. 390–391 — Composition and powers of the Sangguniang Barangay.

SK Chairperson

Head of the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) and an ex officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay.

Term
4 years (from the November 2026 elections)
Term limit
One term only (RA 12232)
Executive powers
  • Implements youth development programs
  • Presides over the SK and the Katipunan ng Kabataan
Legislative powers
  • Ex officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay; chairs the committee on youth and sports
Budget responsibilities
  • Manages the SK fund — 10% of the barangay's general fund — under the SK's own annual budget
  • SK funds may be held in a separate bank account
Limitations — cannot
  • SK funds cannot be used for administrative or personal expenses outside approved youth programs
  • Cannot run if related within the second degree to an incumbent elected official in the area
Accountability mechanisms
  • COA audit of SK funds
  • Ombudsman
  • Mandatory training
Eligibility
  • Filipino citizen
  • Resident of the barangay for at least 1 year
  • At least 18 and not more than 24 years old on election day
  • Registered voter of the Katipunan ng Kabataan
  • Able to read and write Filipino, English or the local dialect
  • Must not be related within the second civil degree to any incumbent elected national, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality (anti-dynasty rule)
Removal

By court order or the applicable disciplinary process.

Legal provisions
  • RA 10742, Sec. 10 — Qualifications, including the anti-dynasty provision.
  • RA 10742, Sec. 20 — SK funds.
Oversight & implementing agencies

Key agencies

COA

Commission on Audit — audits all public funds; can disallow illegal spending.

Office of the Ombudsman

Investigates and prosecutes erring public officials.

Sandiganbayan

Anti-graft court for cases involving high-ranking officials.

COMELEC

Administers elections; canvasses votes and proclaims national winners with Congress.

DBM

Prepares the national budget and releases allotments to agencies.

DILG

Supervises local governments; runs the Seal of Good Local Governance.

DPWH

Plans, builds and maintains national roads, bridges and flood control.

DepEd

Runs public basic education, classrooms and teachers.

PhilGEPS / GPPB

Government procurement portal and the policy board that sets procurement rules.