Senator Lacson Pushes for Expanded Presidential Succession Through “Designated Survivor” Bill

To ensure the continuous functioning of the Philippine government during catastrophic events, Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has reintroduced a bill establishing a broader and more detailed presidential line of succession in the event of an unprecedented national emergency. The measure, titled the “Presidential Succession Act,” aims to guarantee that leadership remains intact, even if the President and other top constitutional successors are incapacitated or killed.

The 1987 Constitution currently provides a limited line of succession: the Vice President, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the House. However, Lacson’s proposal seeks to expand this list to include other high-ranking officials, addressing potential gaps that may arise during extraordinary circumstances such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, or large-scale emergencies.

“This bill seeks to provide an exhaustive line and order of succession in the event of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the Acting President to ensure that the office of the President is never vacated, even in exceptional circumstances,” Lacson stated in his explanatory note.

He further cited that the Constitution mandates Congress to enact a law designating who shall act as President until a new President or Vice President is elected and qualified.

Lacson's bill, initially filed during the 18th Congress as the “Designated Survivor” bill, outlines an extended order of succession that would take effect should the President and all constitutional successors be unable to serve. The additional individuals in the line of succession include:

• The most senior senator, based on length of continuous service in the Senate;

• The most senior member of the House of Representatives, based on years of continuous service; and

• A member of the President’s Cabinet, previously designated by the President.

  
  

The bill mandates that before any major event—such as the State of the Nation Address (SONA), official gatherings, or high-profile government functions—attended by the President, Vice President, and other senior officials, the President must assign a Cabinet member to serve as the “designated survivor.” This individual will be secured in a safe and undisclosed location during the event, protected by the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

In the event that a catastrophic incident kills or incapacitates the President and all other successors named in the Constitution, the designated survivor would immediately assume the role of Acting President until a new national leader is elected or the line of constitutional succession is reestablished.

Lacson emphasized the importance of readiness and continuity in governance, saying that even in the most unimaginable scenarios, the nation must never be left without a leader.

“This is about preparedness and safeguarding democracy. It’s a lesson we can draw from global events, including how other countries like the United States prepare for similar contingencies,” Lacson added.

The bill is currently awaiting deliberation in the Senate. If passed into law, it will mark a significant step in fortifying the country's constitutional resilience and ensuring that governance continues unhampered—even in the face of tragedy.