Does Vic Rodriguez Have It Takes To Be Executive Secretary?

The Executive Secretary is often called the “Little President” because of the immense power that the position holds.

Among the Executive Secretary’s duties include: Implementing presidential directives, orders and decisions; supervise various agencies under the Office of the President, and appoint officials whose appointments do not need the President’s approval.

The Executive Secretary also has the power to sign papers such as executive orders “by authority of the President,” and decide on matters for and on behalf of the President if they don’t require the Chief Executive’s personal attention.

The post of Executive Secretary has been held by distinguished men since it was created in 1936. Lawyer Jorge Vargas, the first Executive Secretary, was appointed by President Manuel Quezon after serving as chief clerk of the Department of Interior and legislative secretary to then-Speaker Sergio Osmeña.