What are the powers and privileges of the Philippine president?

As the highest office in the land, the presidency comes with a lot of power and privileges. While the executive, legislative, and judiciary are co-equal branches of government, the president has a wide influence as the country's head of state.

In the first installment of the "Dapat Totoo: Eleksyon 2022 Special Reports," Pia Arcangel discussed the scope of the president's power and the different perks that come with the position.

Aside from the monthly salary of P411,382 or around P5 million per year, the Philippine president has a car, yacht (BRP Ang Pangulo), plane (Kalayaan One), and helicopter for his use.

He also has the Presidential Security Group with him everywhere he goes to keep him safe.

As the chief executive, the president has the power of appointment—he can place people he trusts as heads of executive departments, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, ambassadors, military officials, and and members of constitutional commissions. Some of them will have to go through the Commission of Appointments.

The president also appoints the members of the Judicial and Bar Council, Supreme Court and Court of Appeals justices, and members of High Court and lower courts.

In terms of the legislative, the president may exert his influence through his alliances among the lawmakers. His office may benefit from the Congress' power of the purse or ability to allocate the national budget annually.

"Kung 'yung mga kaaldyadong 'yun ng pangulo ay malapit sa kanya o merong ni-lo-lobby para makakuha ng additional share ng halimbawa funds sa Office of the President, natutunaw 'yung aspeto ng check and balance," said Prof. Roland Simbulan, Vice Chair of the Center for People Empowerment in Governance.

["If the president's allies are close to him or lobby additional share, for example, to the funds of the Office of the President, the aspect of check and balance is weakened."]

The president also has veto power on bills and items on appropriation, revenue or tariff bills.

The Office of the President has control of confidential funds and intelligence funds, which are difficult to audit according to the Commission on Audit.

Meanwhile, the president is also the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces and may suspend the writ of habeas corpus or declare martial law.

—MGP, GMA News