NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B. NO. 2
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of Hie fe I' I ft M u
24 JUL 23 P 2 :20
RrCEIVLii s:
°749
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE ORDER OF PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 8, Article VII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides:
"SECTION 8, In case of death, permanent disability, removal from 
office, or resignation of the President, the Vice-President shall become 
the President to serve the unexpired term. In case of death, 
permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of both the 
President and Vice-President, the President of the Senate or, in case 
of his inability, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall then 
act as President until the President or Vice-President shall have been 
elected and qualified.
The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in 
case of death, permanent disability, or resignation of the Acting 
President. He shall serve until the President or the Vice-President shall 
have been elected and qualified, and be subject to the same 
restrictions of powers and disqualifications as the Acting President."
The principle of ensuring continuity of government and safeguarding 
national leadership during critical events is paramount to the stability and resilience 
of any democratic nation. Ensuring continuity of executive leadership is crucial for 
maintaining governance and national security.


This bill underscores the importance of national preparedness and resilience 
in safeguarding national interest and democratic processes. By estabiishing clear 
procedures for presidential succession, the functions of the government can 
continue under any possible circumstances.
This proactive measure ensures that in the event of a catastrophic incident, 
capable leadership remains intact to sustain and guide the country through 
challenges. By enacting this bill into law, we reaffirm our commitment to 
safeguarding the Filipino people and maintaining stability in times of crisis.
This bill was originally filed by Senator Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson in the first 
reguiar session of the 18th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.
MARIA LOURDES NANCY S. BINAY


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Third Regular Session 
)
24 JUL23 P2:20
RtCEI\/cOBV: 
I ___
SENATf( 
S.B. NO.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
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AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE ORDER OF PRESIDENTIAL SUCCESSION
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or 
resignation of both the President and Vice-President, the President of the Senate 
or, in case of his inability, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall serve 
as the Acting President until the President or Vice-President shall have been 
elected and qualified.
Sec. 2. In the event of permanent disability, death, removal from office or 
resignation of the Acting President before the President or Vice-President shall 
have been elected and qualified, the following elected and appointed officers of 
the Republic of the Philippines and who is not under any disability to discharge the 
powers and duties of the Office of the President shall act as President in the 
following order:
(1) the most senior Senator based on the length of service in the Senate 
or if there be none, or in the event of his removal, death, resignation or of 
his inability to act as President,
(2) the most senior Representative based on the length of service in the 
House of Representatives or if there be none, or in the event of his removal, 
death, resignation or of his inability to act as President,
(3) the member of the Cabinet designated by the President.
Prior to any public or private activity, event or function with the attendance 
of the President, Vice President and other high-ranking officials which may include 
those mentioned in Sections 1 and 2 of this Act, the President shall designate a


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member of the Cabinet to be sequestered in a secret and secure location. In the 
event of an extraordinary circumstance resulting in the death or permanent 
disability of the President, Vice President and the officials mentioned in Sections 1 
and 2 of this Act, the designated member of the cabinet shall act as the President.
Sec. 3. Official actions of the Acting President pertaining to the day-to-day 
operation of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines shall remain 
effective unless revoked by the elected President within ninety (90) days from his 
or her assumption or reassumption of office.
Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved,