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The Constitution of ‘Second Republic’ was adopted by a constitutional convention sitting in Manila in March of 1942. It was a radical departure from the ‘presidential-unitary republic’ that preceded it – drawing far more upon European traditions than those of the United States. Some observers even likened it to that practice of the Roman Republic, for the new constitution placed all real decision-making power in the hands of the Philippine Senate.

The new constitution called for an expanded Senate of forty members, who were to be elected at large and to sit for eight-year, staggered terms, with one quarter of the members being elected every two years. Senators could be re-elected without term limits.

The former House of Representatives was replaced by a Legislative Council of one hundred and sixty members, who would be elected from among the notables of each province, two per province, serving two year terms.

Replacing the former executive branch was a Council of Ministers responsible to the Senate, which was responsible for appointing the President of the Council, the Vice President of the Council and the ministers of the various executive departments. It was provided that no sitting Senator or sitting member of the Legislative Council could serve on the Council of Ministers; it was further provided that the Senate might dismiss the President and/or Vice President of the Council, or any minister, for cause or lack of confidence.

Responsibility for appointing provincial governors and other magistrates for the provinces from among the notables of the region was vested in the Senate. Likewise, the Senate was responsible for the appointment of justices and judges of the courts.

Responsibility for drafting legislation lay with the Council of Ministers; the role of the Legislative Council was to review legislation proposed by the Council of Ministers and recommend approval or disapproval to the Senate; the role of the Senate was to approve, or disapprove, proposed legislation.

The government of the Philippines is organized as a presidential-unitary republic, similar to the United States, where el Presidente functions as head of state, the head of government, and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president is elected by popular vote to a 4-year term, during which he appoints and presides over the cabinet of secretaries and ministers. Secretaries may be fired or replaced at any time by the President. Ministers are appointed to 8 year terms by Congress, and can only be removed by that institution.

Congress is composed of a Senate (elected nationally) and a House of Representatives (elected by district). The 24 senators serve 6-year terms, with half retiring every three years, while the House of Representatives comprises 250 members serving 3-year terms.

On paper, Manila is the designated capital and seat of the Filipino government, but in practice, the seats of government are all around Metro Manila (the National Capital Region). The executive and administrative seat of government is located in Manila proper, as is the judiciary. The upper house of the legislature (Senate of the Philippines) is located in Pasay City, and the lower house (Congress of the Philippines) in Rizal City.

De la Vega: 1928-1932
Filipino Liberty And Nationality Party (FLAN)


El Presidente: Almirante Juan Diego de la Vega
Vice-Presidente: José Avelino

Secretary of State: Aquilino Favila - A more moderate Secretary of State than de Varga, he is currently occupied with mending fences and treads carefully. A "peacemaker".

Secretary of the Treasury: Pieter Buencamino - AKA "Littlefinger" - The most brilliant and ambitious member of the cabinet, and close adviser to El Presidente. Has achieved a meteoric rise to political power in the past two years.

Secretary of War: Manuel Araullo - One of the few "old guard" generals that did not back Greco's revolution. Loyal and reliable, if a bit dull.

Secretary of the Navy: Naval matters personally overseen by El Presidente

Attorney General: Ernesto Maceda - Efficient and mostly apolitical. Has his hands full dealing with ex-Reds. Note: the Attorney General is technically a Ministerial position under Filipino law, and as such is appointed by Congress every 8 years.

Secretary of Commerce and Labor: Cayetano Arellano - The youngest member of the cabinet, he is one of the prime movers of the post-Revolution civil projects. The only Secretary who really stands up to Littlefinger at cabinet meetings.

Minister of Health: Eduardo Quirino - Has been in the cabinet since 1922, under Monastario. Quirino is intelligent and politically reliable, but has never truly proven himself. Ministerial term set to expire in August 1932, but Quirino is expected to be re-selected.

Minister of Agriculture: Felipe González Márquez - A career politician, he has not brought any expertise to the office. Congress is expected to select a more talented Minister in August 1932.