- Time Period: Post-WW2 Period
- Year of Institution: 3 July 1947
- Country: Republic of The Philippines
The Philippine Legion of Honor (or Lehiyong Pandangal ng Pilipinas in Filipino, Legión de Honor Filipina in Spanish) was established by President Manuel Roxas on July 3, 1947, through Philippine Army Circular No. 60.
Modeled after the Legion of Merit of the United States of America, it was designed to recognize both civilians and military personnel, whether Filipino or foreign.
Presently, the Philippine Legion of Honor is awarded to individuals who have rendered valuable and meritorious service pertaining to the military affairs of the Republic of the Philippines. As such, it holds the distinction of being the principal order of military merit in the country.
To underscore the significance of civil service in military matters, as well as its role in upholding the honor of the Republic of the Philippines and contributing to nation-building, the Philippine Legion of Honor is bestowed on the anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence
The Philippine Legion of Honor Classes
Initially, mirroring the structure of the U.S. Legion of Merit, the Philippine Legion of Honor comprised four classes, referred to as degrees, with Legionnaire representing the basic rank and Chief Commander being the highest. Following the overhaul of the Philippine system of orders and decorations in 2003, the classes of the Philippine Legion of Honor were rebranded as “ranks” instead of “degrees,” and the ranks were expanded.
Today, the civilian segment ranks are:
Chief Commander (CCLH) (Punong Komandante) – Granted to a civilian for a lifetime of distinguished service in public affairs not otherwise qualifying for the Quezon Service Cross, or to a former or incumbent head of state and/or government.
Grand Commander (GCLH) (Marangal na Komandante) – Bestowed upon a civilian for extraordinary acts of service that significantly impact the military sphere of the Philippines, or upon individuals such as crown princes, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House, Chief Justices, or their equivalents in other nations, as well as foreign ministers or officials of cabinet rank, Ambassadors, Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, or others of similar rank, for their lifelong contributions to the military field.
Grand Officer (GOLH) (Marangal na Pinuno) – Awarded to a civilian for acts of exemplary merit benefiting the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals holding positions such as chargé d’affaires, Ministers, Minister Counselors, Consul Generals, Executive Directors, or those of comparable rank.
Commander (CLH) (Komandante) – Conferred upon a civilian for conspicuous acts of merit that serve the interests of the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals holding positions like Chargé d’affaires, Counselors, First Secretaries, Consul Generals in the consular section of an Embassy, Consular officers with a rank exceeding Second Secretary, Directors, or others of similar standing.
Officer (OLH) (Pinuno) – Granted to a civilian for commendable acts of merit benefiting the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals such as Second Secretaries, Consuls, Assistant Directors, or those with similar positions.
Legionnaire (LLH) (Lehiyonaryo) – Conferred upon a civilian for acts of merit that benefit the Republic of the Philippines, or to individuals holding positions like Third Secretaries, Vice Consuls, Attachés, Principal Assistants, or others of similar rank.
