FL issues mock EO, orders dad Marcos to rest

MANILA, Philippines — As the world celebrated Father’s Day yesterday, the most powerful man in the land got an “executive order,” but it did not entail additional work.

In fact, the “Official Presidential Father’s Day Executive Order” from the “office of the chief dad-in-charge” directed President Marcos to take a break from his usual activities and avoid stressful discussions during his special day.

The mock executive order, signed by the “authority” of First Lady Liza Marcos and their three children, contained three “articles” stating that the President must rest, defer unnecessary and stressful meetings and enjoy a “mandatory” dessert.

Marcos posted a photo of the “executive order” on his Facebook account and proclaimed it to be “applicable to all busy dads out there.”

According to the document, which contained a mock government seal with a cartoon version of a relaxing Marcos, the President “tirelessly” attends to the affairs of the nation while fulfilling the responsibilities of fatherhood.

“Therefore, a period of well-deserved rest shall be observed on Father’s Day,” it read.

The mock issuance also barred Marcos from attending stressful meanings, saying Father’s Day is “a special occasion dedicated to family, gratitude and quality time with loved ones.”

“All non-essential meetings and stressful discussions shall be deferred for the day,” it said.

The “executive order” likewise required Marcos to indulge on a dessert since “every celebration worthy of the Office of the President deserves a sweet ending.”

In a Facebook post containing the order, Liza thanked Marcos for his “strength,” “patience,” “terrible jokes” and “big heart.”

“Happy Father’s Day. Our children may call you pops, the nation may call you Mr. President, but I’m the lucky one who gets to call you mine. Life is sweeter, funnier and far more meaningful because I get to walk through it with you,” the First Lady said. “PS: By virtue of our executive order, you are hereby directed to rest today!”

Marcos’ Father’s Day gift was signed by Liza and their children House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos of Ilocos Norte’s 1st district, Joseph Simon and William Vincent.

Meanwhile, senators recognized the sacrifice and love of Filipino fathers for their families.

In a video posted on X, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian recalled his relationship with his father as he was growing up, saying the Gatchalian patriarch instilled discipline on all of his sons.

He also said he learned hard work and how to be productive from his father, as well as his mother, and these are the virtues he would want to impart to his future children.

“To all fathers, thank you for your guidance and love,” he said.

For his part, Sen. Francis Pangilinan honored fathers and even those who stepped in as fathers such as stepfathers, single moms, elder siblings who took in the role of being the patriarchs of the house.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, greeted fathers with a dose of humor, saying that the occasion is “the only day of the year when we command respect in our households.”

“Happy Father’s Day to all dads in the world: Let’s enjoy our day off – the only day of the year when we command respect in our households. Well, almost,” he said. — Daphne Galvez