Philippine Legion of Honor

Philippine Legion of Honor
Name	Philippine Legion of Honor
Awarded by	Republic of the Philippines
Type	Order
Status	Currently constituted
First award	1947

Philippine Legion of Honor. It is the Philippines' premier order of diplomatic and civic merit, established to recognize outstanding service to the nation. The award is conferred by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of a special committee. It honors both Filipino citizens and foreign nationals for distinguished conduct and achievement in their respective fields.

History and establishment

The Philippine Legion of Honor was formally established on July 3, 1947, through Executive Order No. 236 signed by President Manuel Roxas. Its creation was inspired by the historic Legion of Honor of France, adapting the concept to the national context following the country's independence after World War II. The order was initially managed by the Philippine Army before its administration was transferred to the National Government. A significant reform occurred in 2003 with the issuance of Executive Order No. 214, which reorganized the honors system and clarified the award's protocols and precedence.

Classes and ranks

The order is divided into four main classes, each with a distinct collar rank and nomenclature. The highest rank is **Legionnaire Grand Cross (Chief Commander)**, followed by the **Legionnaire Grand Officer (Grand Officer)**, the **Legionnaire Commander (Commander)**, and the **Legionnaire Officer (Officer)**. The lowest rank is the **Legionnaire (Legionnaire)**. This structure is similar to many European orders of chivalry, such as those in Italy and Spain. The specific rank conferred corresponds to the magnitude and impact of the recipient's service to the Republic of the Philippines.

Criteria and eligibility

Eligibility for the award extends to individuals who have rendered exceptional meritorious service to the Philippines, characterized by singular acts of bravery, significant civic achievement, or exemplary public service. The order specifically recognizes contributions in areas such as public administration, science and technology, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and international diplomacy. Both military personnel and civilians, including foreign nationals, are eligible, with the award often presented during state visits or major national events like the Independence Day celebrations.

Notable recipients

The roster of recipients includes prominent global figures and national heroes. Among foreign honorees are several U.S. Presidents like Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as world leaders such as Deng Xiaoping of China and President Corazon Aquino. Distinguished Filipinos include General Douglas MacArthur, astronaut Neil Armstrong, and statesman Carlos P. Romulo. The award has also been bestowed posthumously, as seen with the recognition of Jose Rizal during the centennial of his martyrdom.

Insignia and design

The insignia is a five-armed, white-enameled maltese cross with ball-tipped finials, suspended from a ribbon. The central disc features the coat of arms of the Philippines surrounded by a blue ring bearing the words "Philippine Legion of Honor". For the Legionnaire Grand Cross, the badge is worn on a sash, while lower ranks wear it on a neck ribbon or chest ribbon. The design incorporates national symbols and is manufactured under the authority of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The ribbon's colors—red, white, and blue—mirror those of the national flag.

Administration and awarding process

The award is administered by the Honors and Awards Secretariat, which operates under the Office of the President. The process begins with a formal nomination, which is reviewed by the Philippine Legion of Honor Committee. This committee, composed of senior government officials, evaluates the merits of each nomination before submitting a final recommendation to the President. The conferment ceremony is a formal state event, often held at Malacañang Palace or during official functions attended by dignitaries from institutions like the United Nations or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Category:Awards and decorations of the Philippines Category:Orders, decorations, and medals of the Philippines Category:1947 establishments in the Philippines