The Government in Philippines

The Philippines has a presidential form of government. The President functions as the head of state and head of government, and is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The political system works under 3 individual and interdependent branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

The Executive branch (law-enforcing body) is under the headship of the president. The president obtains the position through national voting system; the tenure is a six-year period. The executive seat of the state is run officially from the Malacañang Palace and also serves as the official residence of the president. During his or her term, the president can appoint and terminate any of the cabinet members whom he/she presides over. The Vice-President is the second highest position and is also elected for a 6-year term through a popular voting system.

Legislative branch (law-making body) is characterized by a bicameral Congress comprising the Senate and the House of Representatives. Occupying the upper house is the Senate whose 24 members are voted for in a national election with a 6-year term. On the lower house is the House of Representatives elected to a 3-year term.

The Judicial branch (law-interpreting body) demonstrates its authority to the Supreme Court of the Philippines as the highest judicial body and presided by a Chief Justice with 14 Associate Justices; all are appointed by the president under the advice of the Judicial and Bar Council.