The council of state became a law in the 1943 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. It was stated in Section 11 saying:
There shall be a Council of State to advise the President on matters of national policy. It shall be composed of not more than twenty members to be appointed by the President from among citizens who may have rendered distinguished service to the Nation.
The Philippine council of state by defintion means:
1. The name of an organ of government in many states, and especially in republics. The name Council of State is applied to different types of bodies in different states, from the formal name for the cabinet to a non-executive advisory body surrounding a head of state. It is sometimes (arguably erroneously) regarded as the republican equivalent of a privy council.
2. A top-level and exclusive body but with a limited membership, to advise her (GMA) on matters of national importance
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo convened once again the council of state in January 2003 with EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 168: RECONSTITUTING AND REVITALIZING THE COUNCIL OF STATE (refer to the powerpoint presentation to get the complete details of this Executive Order). Arroyo shouted out her concern in having the need for a consultative body, bound by a common respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, which will help serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas, foster national cooperation, propose meaningful reforms in government, and mopst importantly to give advise to her (the President) on matters of public policy.
In the reviving of the council of state, indeed many were alarmed, some are questioning its purpose while some is furious for they know that Arroyo is up to no good. Many speculations have been made with regard to the convening of the council of state. Although it shoots toward our country's development and welfare, still some are arguing that the agenda of GMA is not solely for our country's condition but to her personal interest/agenda.
In the history of our govenrment, the council of state was used a couple of times by Presidents such as Jose P. Laurel, Corazon Aquino etc. Now lets focus on the time where Aquino was the President of this country. What can be the logic behind the creation of such an advisory council? Doesn’t every incumbent operate on the policy that he/she sought the presidency because he/she is capable of discharging the responsibilities of its office? When former President Corazon Aquino created her Council of State, having former Philippine presidents sit there must have been the farthest thing from her mind. I don’t think it’s logical to assume that she intended the only surviving ex-President, Ferdinand Marcos, to fly in from Hawaii from time to time to share some advice. The only reasonable presumption is that Mrs. Aquino needed an advisory body because she has had no previous experience in running the affairs of the country and any insights were welcome. It was an act of desperation, a humble admission of lack of experience and, at the same time, a serious political move to create a perception of the brand of democracy that she intended to institute. This is why Aquino convened the council of state, and yes it was qutie obvious and reasonable.
In the scenario of Arroyo, it was different. We all know for a fact that she has been in public service for a long time. She was a senator and a vice president. In other words, by this time, she is presumed to know her job. As a matter of fact, she has been known for vigorously pursuing policies that most of us feel are antipeople and pro-IMF? The small but terrible as they say. Yet, despite the pressure of public opinion, she has done things her way. Misguided or not, that attitude shows a certain amount of confidence. So what does she need a Council of State for? Of course, it is a political maneuver. Let's look at it this way, the Council of State has no real power except to serve as a consultative body at the pleasure of the President, it can achieve nothing except to serve as a meeting place where opposing political and social forces can try to smooth their ruffled feathers. For the benefit of the public, it is an act of magnanimity and generosity. It is just for show, at the taxpayers’ expense, of course. We won’t pay them salaries but we will still pay for their food, drinks and incidental accommodations.
Now do you see the difference as to how the council of state is being used? Well of course, we should not judge President Arroyo by merely with our opinions. It is undeniable that the convening of the council of state has its purpose, and that is for our country's welfare. I guess we will never know what's the real deal behind the council, not unless we witness one of their council meetings. What I'm trying to say here is that, we should give Gloria Arroyo a chance, being the President of this country, I think she knows her responsibility and how to discharge her power in situations like this. Even though it is somewhat obvious as to the reason behind the convening of the council of state is for. Still we have to pay respect with her decision and lets just hope for the best!
