The Government
The Republic of the Philippines is a constitutional democracy, with the President elected as Head of State. The national government has three separate and co-equal branches, the executive, legislative, and judicial, which exercise a system of checks and balances.
Local governments are similar to the executive branch in structure and function. Provinces are headed by governors; cities and municipalities by mayors; and the barangays, locally organized communities, by barangay chairpersons. ( Link: http://www.pcgenla.org/PhilHistcon.htm)
The new Philippine Constitution was ratified in early 1987, signalling the country's return to democracy.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 30 June 2004) and Vice-President Noli de Castro (since 30 June 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments' elections: president and vice-president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for six-year terms; election last held 16 May 2004 (next elections to be held on May 2010)
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats: one-half elected every three years; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (214 seats: members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms. Additional members may be appointed by the President but the Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members) Elections: Senate - last held 16 May 2004 (next elections to be held on May 2010); House of Representatives - elections last held 16 May 2004 (next elections to be held on May 2010)
JUDICIAL BRANCH
Supreme Court (justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age)
(All details are taken from 3rd party) |
