Anything Under the Sun
The President in parliamentary system
As discussed earlier, under the parliamentary system, the legislative department is the Parliament, the executive - the Prime Minister and judiciary - the courts
So where does the President comes in? Under the parliamentary system, the President is only a ceremonial officer elected by the Parliament also from among themselves but with a fixed term. In case of dissolution of the parliament, he retains his position. However, the parliament may also render a no-confidence vote in him.
In constitutional monarchies like England, Belgium and Netherlands, there is no president but the position is like that of the President which is only ceremonial. So, it is said in England that the Queen reigns but does not rule.
Furthermore, one becomes a king or queen by hereditary succession. His/her term of office is until death or if he/she abdicates his/her throne.
What we are discussing here so far, is the English model of parliamentary government. But there is a variation here - the French model.
Under the French model, the President is strong with ample powers. He has a fixed term and is elected by direct vote of people like our own President. At present, in our country there are many who advocate the French model.
The reason is we are used to having a strong President who can discipline the country. Why we are weak today is because under the present Constitution, the President is weak. Just an example - look at the power to declare martial law. If we follow the Constitution, it is very remote for the President to declare martial law for it has to be approved by Congress. But in case of a sudden emergency wherein events fly very fast, there is even no more time for congress to meet and approve the declaration of martial law.
That is why there are opinions stating that if that happens, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has the power to take over the reigns of the government. And we know the consequences of that - military rule which is worse than martial law.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - The first set of five booklets (Books 1 to 5) of West Visayas Beautiful and Wonderful, authored by this writer is now available for P500 at his office address at No.4 Santa Ana St. Molo, Iloilo Ci ty 5000. We are starting the second set (Books 6 to 10) this January.