Philippines, The Archipelago

General Information

 

1. The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands covering a land area of 115,739 sq. m. (299,764 sq. km.). Main island groups are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Capital is Manila. Time Zone is GMT + 8 hours.

2. March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy, November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78°F / 25°C to 90°F / 32°C; humidity is 77%.

3. Final results of the latest Census of Population (POPCEN 2007) conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) placed the Philippine population at 88,574,614 persons as of August 1, 2007. Said results down to barangay level were made official with the signing by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Proclamation No. 1489 on April 16, 2008. (http://www.census.gov.ph/)

4. Two official languages — Filipino and English. Filipino which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.

5. Some 83% of Filipinos are Catholic. About 5% are Moslem. The rest are made up of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.

History

 

The Philippines was discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. The name of the country was given by Ruy López de Villalobos during his expedition in 1543 when he called the islands of Samar and Leyte “Las Islas Filipinas” after King Philip II who was the reigning monarch of Spain at that time. The name later on came to refer to the entire archipelago.

The Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world. It has a rich history combining Asian, European, and American influences. Prior to Spanish colonization in 1521, the Filipinos had a rich culture and were trading with the Chinese and the Japanese.

Spain’s colonization brought about the construction of Intramuros in 1571, a “Walled City” comprised of European buildings and churches, replicated in different parts of the archipelago.

The Philippines was held as a colony of Spain for more than 300 years. It declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 with the hoisting of the Philippine flag by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite. But Spain ceded control of the islands to the United States by way of the Treaty of Paris..

In 1898, the Philippines became the first and only colony of the United States. Following the Philippine-American War, the United States brought widespread education to the islands. Filipinos fought alongside Americans during World War II, particularly at the famous battle of Bataan and Corregidor which delayed Japanese advance and saved Australia.

They then waged a guerilla war against the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The Philippines regained its independence after the 2nd World War on July 4, 1946.

 

Reference:  Government Portal of the Republic of the Philippines

 

Armed Forces of the Philippines

The coat of arms of the armed forces of the Philippines is a stylized triangle divided in three colors: red, yellow, and blue, representing the national colors; defacing the triangle is the eight-rayed Philippine sun (eight major rays each of which has a minor ray to the left and right of the major ray), in turn defaced with a stylized version of the ancient Tagalog script for “K”, representing the Tagalog word “Kalayaan” or “Freedom,” the stylized “K” resembling the Roman capital “I”. Beneath the triangle is a scroll bearing the legend “Philippines” the entire surrounded by two laurel branches.

• The Philippine Army (PA) is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas.

• The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas

• The Philippine Navy (PN) is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas. Philippine Navy ships are prefixed BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas or Bapor ng Republika ng Pilipinas; in English, “Ship of the Republic of the Philippines.”)

 References:

• http://www.afp.mil.ph/
• http://www.paf.mil.ph/facilities.html
• http://www.navy.mil.ph/history.php
• http://www.army.mil.ph/

The Philippine National Anthem

On June 11, Julian Felipe showed Aguinaldo the draft of his musical composition, which was entitled Marcha Filipina Magdalo then Felipe changed the title of the march to Marcha Nacional Filipina (Philippine National March).

The following day(June 12, 1898), the music band of San Francisco de Malabon played it for the first time during the unfurling of the Filipino flag at Kawit. The beautiful melody of the anthem stirred the people’s patriotic fervor.

Towards the end of August 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma (younger brother of Dr. Rafael Palma) wrote the poem entitled Filipinas. This poem expressed in elegant Spanish verses the ardent patriotism and fighting spirit of the Filipino people. It became the words of the anthem. At last the national anthem was complete — with music and words.

1898 : National Anthem Melody : Marcha Nacional Filipina

 1899 : National Anthem in Spanish : Filipinas

• Tierra adorada,
• hija del sol de Oriente,
• su fuego ardiente
• en ti latiendo está.

• Patria de amores,
• del heroísmo cuna,
• los invasores
• no te hallarán jamás.

• En tu azul cielo, en tus auras,
• en tus montes y en tu mar
• esplende y late el poema
• de tu amada libertad.

• Tu pabellón que en las lides
• la victoria iluminó,
• no verá nunca apagados
• sus estrellas ni su sol.

• Tierra de dichas, de sol y amores
• en tu regazo dulce es vivir;
• es una gloria para tus hijos,
• cuando te ofenden, por ti morir.

 

1934 : National Anthem in English : The Philippine Hymn

In the 1920s, after the repeal of the Flag Law, it became necessary to translate the lyrics. The American colonial government commissioned the translation of the Spanish lyrics to English. A Filipino writer, Camilo Osias, and an American,A.L. Lane, translated Filipinas. The Philippine Commonwealth officially adopted the Filipino translation of the National Anthem in 1934.

The Philippine Hymn

• Land of the morning,
• Child of the sun returning,
• With fervor burning,
• Thee do our souls adore.

• Land dear and holy,
• Cradle of noble heroes,
• Ne’er shall invaders
• Trample thy sacred shore.

• Ever within thy skies and through thy clouds
• And o’er thy hills and sea,
• Do we behold the radiance, feel the throb,
• Of glorious liberty.

• Thy banner, dear to all our hearts,
• Its sun and stars alight,
• O never shall its shining field
• Be dimmed by tyrant’s might!

• Beautiful land of love, o land of light,
• In thine embrace ’tis rapture to lie,
• But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged,
• For us, thy sons to suffer and die.

1956 : National Anthem in Filipino: Lupang Hinirang

During the term of Pres. Ramon Magsaysay, the National Anthem was translated by Julian Cruz Balmaceda and Ildefonso Santos. On May 26, 1956, the National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang was finally sung in Filipino. Minor revisions were made in 1962, and it is this final version which is in use today.

Lupang Hinirang Lyrics
(Julian Felipe)

Bayang magiliw
Perlas ng silanganan
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay

Lupang Hinirang
Duyan ka nang magiting
Sa manlulupig
Di ka pasisiil

Sa Dagat at bundok sa simoy
At sa langit mo’y bughaw
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y tagumpay na nagniningning
Ang bituin at araw niya’y kailanpama’y di magdidilim

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo
Aming ligaya nang pag
May mang-aapi
Ang mamatay ng dahil sayo

References:

• ttp://www.pinoylyrics.net/lyrics/julian-felipe/lupang-hinirang-lyrics-2829.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupang_Hinirang
• http://web.archive.org/web/20070930160301/http://www.gov.ph/aboutphil/a16.asp\

The Philippine National Flag

• Adopted : June 12, 1898

• Design : A horizontal bi-color of blue (royal blue) over red (scarlet red) with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist containing three 5-pointed golden yellow star gold stars at ..its vertices and golden yellow sun with eight primary rays (containing ..three individual rays).

• Designed by : Emilio Aguinaldo

• Sewn by :Marcela Agoncillo her daughter Lorenza Agoncillo and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad,niece of José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero.

• The flag is displayed with the blue field on top in time of peace, and with the red field on top in time of war.
• The flag’s length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2.
• The sides of the white triangle are equal to the width of the flag. Each star is
• oriented such that it points towards the tip of the vertex at which it is located.
• The white triangle stands for equality and fraternity
• The blue field for peace, truth and justice;
• The red field for patriotism and valor

The eight primary rays of the sun represent the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain and were placed under martial law by the Spaniards at the start of the Philippine Revolution in 1896.

1. Batangas
2. Bulacan
3. Cavite
4. Laguna
5. Manila
6. Nueva Ecija
7. Pampanga
8. Tarlac

• The three stars represent the three major geographical divisions of the country:

1. Luzon
2. Visayas
3. Mindanao

• Flag protocol

The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas, and schools every day throughout the year.

The days from May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all government offices, business establishments, and private homes are also encouraged to display the flag.

*By law, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated at night at the following locations:

1. Malacañang Palace, the Presidential Residence
2. The Congress of the Philippines building
3. Supreme Court of the Philippines building
4. The Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
5. Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
6. Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
7. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
8. Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolución
9. All international ports of entry
10. All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute.

*The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning:

1. Upon the official announcement of the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten days.
2. The flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
3. The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven days. The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the National Historical Institute.
4. When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.

The flag may also be used to cover the caskets of the dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and outstanding civilians as determined by the local government. In such cases, the flag must be placed such that the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers the right side of the casket. The flag should not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but should be solemnly folded and handed to the heirs of the deceased.

Photo courtesy of: www.philippinesflag.net

References:

• http://www.gov.ph/1936/03/25/executive-order-no-23/
• http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8491.htm/

List of Philippines’ Presidents

Presidents of the Philippines

First Republic (Malolos Republic) (First Dictatorship) (1899-1901)

1. President : Emilio Aguinaldo (January 23, 1899-April 1, 1901)
Vice President : none (The 1899 Constitution did not provide for VP.

Commonwealth (American Era) (1935-1944)

2. President : Manuel L. Quezon (November 15, 1935 – August 1, 1944)
Vice President : Sergio Osmeña

Second Republic (Japanese Occupation) (1943-1945)

3. President                : Jose P. Laurel (October 14, 1943 – August 14, 1945)
Vice President : none (The 1943 Constitution did not provide for VP.

Commonwealth (Restored) (1944-1946)

4. President :Sergio Osmeña (August 1, 1944 – May 28, 1946)
Vice President : vacant

Third Republic (Post-American Era) (1946-1972)

5. President : Manuel Roxas (May 28, 1946 – April 15, 1948)
Vice President : Elpidio Quirino

6. President : Elpidio Quirino (April 17, 1948 – December 30, 1953)
Vice President : Fernando Lopez

7. President : Ramon Magsaysay (December 30, 1953 – March 17, 1957)
Vice President : Carlos P. Garcia

8. President : Carlos P. Garcia (March 18, 1957 – December 30, 1961)
Vice President : Diosdado Macapagal

9. President : Diosdado Macapagal Dec. 30, 1961–December 30, 1965)
Vice President : Emmanuel Pelaez

10. President : Ferdinand E. Marcos (Dec. 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986)
Vice President : Fernando Lopez

Fourth Republic (The New Society/Second Dictatorship) (1972-86 )

10.  President : Ferdinand E. Marcos (Dec. 30, 1965 – February 25, 1986)
Vice President : Arturo Tolentino

Fifth Republic (Post-EDSA Revolution) (1986-Present)

11. President : Corazon C. Aquino – February 25, 1986 – June 30, 1992)
Vice President : Salvador Laurel

12. President : Fidel V. Ramos (June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1998)
Vice President : Joseph Ejercito Estrada

13 .President : Joseph Ejercito Estrada (June 30, 1998 – Jan. 20, 2001)
Vice President : Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

14. President :Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (January 20, 2001 – 2010)
Vice President : Noli de Castro

15. President :Benigno Simeon C. Aquino (2010 – Present)
Vice President : Jejomar Binay

Presidents who headed revolutionary governments:

1. Emilio Aguinaldo (1941)
2. Corazon C. Aquino (1986)

Presidents who became President after predecessor was deposed through EDSA Revolution: 

1. Corazon C. Aquino (1986)
2. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001)

Vice Presidents who succeeded to the Presidency:

1. Sergio Osmeña (1944)
2. Elpidio Quirino (1948)
3. Carlos P. Garcia (1957)
4. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001)

Vice Presidents who were later elected President:

1. Elpidio Quirino (1948)
2. Carlos P. Garcia (1957)
3. Joseph Ejercito Estrada (1998)
4. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001)

Presidents who were elected after serving the remaining term of predecessor:

1. Elpidio Quirino (1949)
2. Carlos P. Garcia (1957)
3. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001)

Presidents who were re-elected:

1. Manuel L. Quezon (1941)
2. Ferdinand E. Marcos (1969, 1981, 1986)

Longest serving President: Ferdinand Marcos (5,259 days)

Shortest serving President: Jose P. Laurel (479 days)

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Presidents_of_the_Philippines
• http://www.chanrobles.com/1935constitutionofthephilippines.htm
• http://www.chanrobles.com/1973constitutionofthephilippines.htm
• http://www.chanrobles.com/philsupremelaw2.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_current_heads_of_state_and_government

 

The Government of the Philippines

The new Philippine Constitution was ratified in early 1987, signaling the country’s return to democracy.

Three branches of Philippine Government:

A.   Executive Branch

1. President & Vice President ( note: the president is both the chief of state and head of government)
2. The Cabinet (Secretaries/Head are appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission on Appointments)         
   1. Department of Agrarian Reform
   2. Department of Agriculture
   3. Department of Budget and Management
   4. Department of Education
   5. Department of Energy
   6. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
   7. Department of Finance
   8. Department of Foreign Affairs
   9. Department of the Interior and Local Government
   10. Department of Health
   11. Department of Justice
   12. Department of Labor and Employment
   13. Department of National Defense
   14. National Economic and Development Authority
   15. Office of the Press Secretary
   16. Department of Public Works and Highways
   17. Department of Science and Technology
   18. Department of Social Welfare and Development
   19. Department of Tourism
   20. Department of Trade & Industry
   21. Department of Transportation & Communications
   22. Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas

B.  Legislative Branch (Bicameral Congress or Kongreso)

1. The Philippine Senate or Senado ng Pilipinas (24 Senators)
2. House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members

C.  Judicial Branch

1. Supreme Court of the Philippines (justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age).
2. Court of Appeals
3. Sandiganbayan

Regional Division / Local Government Units (17 Regions) of the Philippines

The Philippines three mail group of islands were further divided into 17 regions comprising different provinces. Provincial Local Government is headed by the elected governor, vice-governor & the” Sangguniang Panlalawigan”.

Region I (ILOCOS REGION)

1. Ilocos Norte – The Best Of Culture And Nature
2. Ilocos Sur – Heritage Village Of The Philippines
3. La Union – Pilgrimage Center Of North Luzon
4. Pangasinan – Hundred Islands And A Hundred Flavors

Region II (CAGAYAN VALLEY)

1. Cagayan – A True Spelunker’s Paradise
2. Isabela – Rice Granary Of The North
3. Nueva Viscaya – Watershed Haven Of The Valley
4. Quirino – Forest Heartland Of Cagayan
5. Batanes – Land Of The True Insulars

Region III (CENTRAL LUZON)

1. Bulacan – Land Of Heroes
2. Nueva Ecija – Rice Bowl Of The Philippines
3. Pampanga – Culinary Center Of The Philippines
4. Tarlac – Melting Pot Of Central Luzon
5. Zambales – Wreck Diving Capital Of The Philippines
6. Bataan – History Hub Of Central Luzon
7. Aurora – Sanctuary Of Nature’s Splendor

Region IV-A (CALABARZON) & MIMAROPA)

1. Batangas – From The Lowest Volcano To Deeper Dives
2. Cavite – A Place With A Glorious Past
3. Laguna – Resort Province Of The Philippines
4. Quezon – Land Of A Thousand Colors
5. Rizal – Cradle Of Philippine Art

Region IV-B ( MIMAROPA)

1. Marinduque – Lenten Mecca Of Southern Tagalog
2. Occidental Mindoro – Marine Wonderland Of Luzon
3. Oriental Mindoro – The Islands’ Loveliest Harbor
4. Palawan – The Philippines’ Last Frontier
5. Romblon – Marble Country Of The Philippines

Region V (BICOL REGION) 

1. Camarines Norte – Bicolandia’s Goldmine
2. Camarines Sur – World’s Smallest Fish And Higher Climbs
3. Catanduanes – Eco-adventure Paradise
4. Masbate – Rodeo Country Of Bicol
5. Sorsogon – Bicol’s Whale shark Paradise
6. Albay – Land Of The World’s Most Perfect Cone

Region VI (WESTERN VISAYAS)

1. Capiz – Seafood Capital Of The Philippines
2. Iloilo – Heritage Haven Of Panay
3. Negros Occidental – Sugar Bowl Of The Philippines
4. Guimaras – Mango Country Of The Visayas
5. Aklan – The Philippines’ Oldest Province
6. Antique – Marble Central Of Panay
7. Boracay – Beach Capital Of The Philippines

Region VII (CENTRAL VISAYAS) 

1. Bohol – Bohol – Splendor Underwater And Over Hills
2. Cebu – Cebu – Queen Of The South
3. Negros Oriental – Negros Oriental – Whale And Dolphin Haven
4. Siquijor – Marine Paradise Of Central Visayas

Region VIII (EASTERN VISAYAS)

1. Eastern Samar – Gateway To Philippine Discovery
2. Leyte – Land Of History
3. Northen Samar – A Journey Back In Time
4. Western Samar – Splendor Between Mountain And Sea
5. Southern Leyte – The Centuries-old Charmer
6. Biliran – Paradise Undiscovered

Region IX (ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA)

1. Zamboanga del Norte – From Orchid City To Shrine City
2. Zamboanga del Sur – The Colors Of Ethnic Zamboanga
3. Zamboanga Sigubay – The Islands’ Seasnake Sanctuary
4. Zamboanga City – The Philippines’ Little Spain

Region X (NORTHERN MINDANAO)

1. Bukidnon – Pineapple Capital Of The World
2. Camiguin – An Ancestral Homecoming
3. Misamis Occidental – Christmas Capital Of Mindanao
4. Misamis Oriental – Mindanao’s Nature Front
5. Iligan City – Land Of Majestic Waterfalls

Region XI (DAVAO REGION)

1. Davao Del Norte – Beach Paradise Of The North
2. Davao Del Sur – Land Of Heights And Flight
3. Davao Oriental – The Islands’ Ethnic Charmer
4. Compostela Valley – Nature’s Work Of Art

Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)

1. North Cotabato – Land Of The Mightiest Mountain
2. Sarangani – Archeologist’s Paradise
3. Sultan Kudarat – Tuna Country Of Mindanao
4. South Cotabato – Conference Capital Of Mindanao
5. Kidapawan City – A Spring In The Highland
6. Koronadal – Trade Center Of Mindanao

Region XIII (CARAGA)

1. Agusan Del Norte – Land Of Antiquated Finds
2. Agusan Del Sur – Treasures Of Old
3. Surigao Del Norte – Surfing Capital Of The Philippines
4. Surigao Del Sur – Nature Pride Of Caraga
5. Butuan City – History Haven Of Caraga
6. Surigao City – Land Of Peace

(CAR) CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION 

1. Abra – The Philippines’ Natural Dye Capital
2. Benguet – Salad Bowl Of The Philippines
3. Kalinga – Whitewater Rafting Capital Of The North
4. Apayao – Cordillera’s Last Nature Frontier
5. Mountain Province – Weaver’s Paradise
6. Ifugao – Land Of The Eighth World Wonder
7. Baguio City – Summer Capital Of The Philippines

(NCR) NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

1. Manila City – Cosmopolitan Capital Of The Philippines
2. Quezon City – City Of New Horizons
3. Calookan City – Home Of Heroes
4. Pasay City – Cultural Center Of Metro Manila
5. Pasig City – The Urban Rainforest
6. Makati City – Wall Street Of The Philippines
7. Mandaluyong City – The New Tiger Of Metro Manila
8. Marikina City – Shoe Capital Of The Philippines
9. Valenzuela City – Industrial Boomtown
10. Muntinlupa City – Residential Haven
11. Paranaque City – Parañaque City – Novena Mecca Of Metro Manila
12. Las Pinas City – Salt Center Of Metro Manila
13. Malabon City – A Coastal Capital
14. Navotas – Fishing Capital Of Greater Manila
15. Taguig – Rice Bowl Of Greater Manila
16. Pateros – The Philippines’ Duck Egg Capital
17. San Juan – Brave Men In History

AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM)

1. Basilan – A Province To Be Watched
2. Lanao Del Norte – Land Of Beauty And Bounty
3. Lanao Del Sur – Cradle Of Muslim Art
4. Tawi-Tawi – The Seat Of Muslim Mindanao
5. Sulu – Land Of Treasures And Farers Of The Sea

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_the_Philippines

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/

http://www.census.gov.ph/

 

The Government of the Philippines

The new Philippine Constitution was ratified in early 1987, signaling the country’s return to democracy.

Three branches of Philippine Government:

A.   Executive Branch

1. President & Vice President ( note: the president is both the chief of state and head of government)
2. The Cabinet (Secretaries/Head are appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission on Appointments)         
   1. Department of Agrarian Reform
   2. Department of Agriculture
   3. Department of Budget and Management
   4. Department of Education
   5. Department of Energy
   6. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
   7. Department of Finance
   8. Department of Foreign Affairs
   9. Department of the Interior and Local Government
   10. Department of Health
   11. Department of Justice
   12. Department of Labor and Employment
   13. Department of National Defense
   14. National Economic and Development Authority
   15. Office of the Press Secretary
   16. Department of Public Works and Highways
   17. Department of Science and Technology
   18. Department of Social Welfare and Development
   19. Department of Tourism
   20. Department of Trade & Industry
   21. Department of Transportation & Communications
   22. Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas

B.  Legislative Branch (Bicameral Congress or Kongreso)

1. The Philippine Senate or Senado ng Pilipinas (24 Senators)
2. House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members

C.  Judicial Branch

1. Supreme Court of the Philippines (justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age).
2. Court of Appeals
3. Sandiganbayan