Politics of the Philippines

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Philippines

This article is part of the series:
Politics and government of
the Philippines
Government
Political history · Constitution
Executive
President (list)
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
2001 – 2010

Vice President (list)
Noli de Castro
2004 – 2010

Executive Departments
(list)
Legislative
14th Congress
2007 – 2010
Senate House
President
Manuel Villar, Jr.		 Speaker
Prospero Nograles
Judiciary
Supreme Court

Chief Justice Reynato Puno
Court of Appeals · Sandiganbayan
Court of Tax Appeals · Ombudsman
Elections
Commission on Elections
Chairman:Jose Melo
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The political system in the Philippines takes place in an organized framework of a presidential, representative, and democratic republic whereby the president is both the head of state and the head of government within a pluriform multi-party system. This system revolves around three separate and sovereign yet interdependent branches: the legislative branch (the law-making body), the executive branch (the law-enforcing body), and the judicial branch (the law-interpreting body). Executive power is exercised by the government under the leadership of the president. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the two-chamber congress -- the Senate (the upper chamber) and the House of Representatives (the lower chamber). Judicial power is vested in the courts with the Supreme Court of the Philippines as the highest judicial body.

Contents

[edit] National Government of the Philippines

[edit] Executive branch

 This section called "Executive branch" does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008)
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The executive branch is headed by the President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (party affiliation: Kampi/Lakas-CMD) 20 January 2001, who functions as both the head of state and the head of government. The president is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The president is elected by popular vote to a term of 6 years. The president, then, appoints (and may fire) his/her cabinet members whom he/she presides over. The executive seat of government is administered officially from Malacañang Palace - also the official residence of the president - in the capital City of Manila. The President may no longer run for re-election, unless he/she becomes president through constitutional succession and has served for no more than 4 years as president.

The second highest official, Vice-President Noli de Castro (party affiliation: Lakas-CMD/Independent) 30 June 2004, is also elected by popular vote. The vice-president is second in line to succession should the president resign, be impeached or die in office. The vice-president usually, though not always, may be a member of the president's cabinet. If there is a vacancy in the position of Vice President, the President will appoint any member of Congress (usually a party member) as new Vice President. The appointment will be validated by a three-fourths vote of Congress voting separately.

[edit] Legislative branch

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[edit] Philippine Government

Executive Branch
Title
President
Head of State
Head of Government
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Vice President
Executive Secretary
Press Secretary
National Economic and Development Authority/Socioeconomic Planning
Agrarian Reform Secretary
Agriculture Secretary
Budget and Management Secretary
Education Secretary
Energy Secretary
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary
Finance Secretary
Foreign Affairs Secretary
Health Secretary
Interior and Local Government Secretary
Justice Secretary
Labor and Employment Secretary
National Defense Secretary
Public Works and Highways Secretary
Science and Technology Secretary
Social Welfare and Development Secretary
Tourism Secretary
Transportation and Communication Secretary
Trade and Industry Secretary
Presidential Chief of Staff
Central Bank Governor
National Security Adviser
United Nations Permanent Representative
Legislative Branch
Senate
Title
Senate President
Senate President
Pro-Tempore
Majority Floor Leader
Minority Floor Leader
Secretary
Sergeant-at-Arms
Senate Members
House of Representatives
Title
Speaker
Dep. Speaker - Luzon
Dep. Speaker - Visayas
Dep. Speaker - Mindanao
Dep. Speaker - Central Luzon
Dep. Speaker - Woman
Majority Floor Leader
Minority Floor Leader
Secretary-General
Sergeant-at-Arms
House Members
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court
Title
Chief Justice
Official Spokesperson
Justices of the Supreme Court
Sandiganbayan
Title
Presiding Judge
Clerk of Court
Security and Sheriff
Sandiganbayan Judges
Court of Appeals
Title
Presiding Judge
Clerk of Court
Court of Appeals Justices
Constitutional Offices
Ombudsman
Title
Ombudsman
Overall Deputy
Ombudsman
Special Prosecutor
Dep. Omb. (Luzon)
Dep. Omb. (Visayas)
Dep. Omb. (Mindanao)
Deputy Ombudsman
(Military and Police)
Other Officials
Commission on Human Rights
Title
Chairman
Commissioners
Commission on Elections
Title
Chairman
Commissioners
Commission on Audit
Title
Chairman
Commissioners
Civil Service Commission
Title
Chairman
Commissioners

The bicameral Philippine legislature, the Congress, consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives; members of both are elected by popular vote. The Senate is elected at large. There are currently 24 senators. Of a possible 250 members of the House of Representatives, 206 are elected from the single-member districts. The remainder of the House seats are designated for sectoral representatives elected at large through a complex "party list" system, hinging on the party receiving at least 2% to 6% of the national vote total. The upper house is located in Pasay City, while the lower house is located in Quezon City. The district and sectoral representatives are elected with a term of three years. They can be reelected but they are no longer eligible to run for a fourth consecutive term. The senators elected with a term of six years. They can be reelected but they are no longer eligible to run for a third consecutive term. The House of Representatives may opt to pass a resolution for a vacancy of a legislative seat that will pave way for a special election. The winner of the special election will serve the unfinished term of the previous district representative and will be considered as one elective term. The same rule applies in the Senate however it will only apply if the seat is vacated before the regular legislative election. This case applies when Senator Teofisto Guingona was appointed as Vice President before the May 2001 election. Senator Gregorio Honasan was in the 13th position in the Senatorial election and he served the unfinished term of Guingona. Honasan is no longer eligible to run for the 2004 elections. The case did not apply in 1998 when Gloria Arroyo was elected as Vice President and in 2004 when Noli de Castro was elected as Vice President.

When Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assumed the Presidency, her Lakas-CMD party also regained its dominant position in Congress. The party leads the 187 member Sunshine Coalition composed of several major and minor parties like her party Lakas-CMD, Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party, Nationalist People's Coalition, PDP-Laban, Aksyon Demokratiko, REPORMA-LM, PROMDI and Others. In addition, she established her own party KAMPI. In the Senate, the pro-administration coalition lost its majority in the May 2007 elections.

Members of the Philippine Congress tend to have weak party loyalties and change party affiliation easily. In October 2003, the Sunshine Coalition dissolved over Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision to seek election for the presidency which she came into by succeeding Joseph Estrada during the EDSA 2 Revolution of 2001.

Senate President: Manuel Villar

Speaker of the House of Representatives: Prospero C. Nograles

Presidents of the Senate

Speakers of the House of Representatives

[edit] Judicial branch

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The judiciary branch of the government is headed by the Supreme Court, which has a Chief Justice as its head and 14 Associate Justices, all appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council.

Supreme Court Chief Justice: Reynato Puno

Chief Justices of the Supreme Court

[edit] Offices of the Ombudsman

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The government and all three of its branches are independently monitored by the Offices of the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is given the mandate to investigate and prosecute any official/s in government that is allegedly guilty of crimes, especially Graft and Corruption. The Ombudsman leads a team composed of a sheriff and 6 deputies who lead their respective divisions and/or bureaus.

[edit] Political parties and elections

 This section (tables and article paragraphs) called "Political parties and elections" does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008)
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For other political parties see List of political parties in the Philippines. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in the Philippines.
Main article: Philippine general election, 2007
[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the final official congressional canvass of the 10 May 2004 Philippine presidential election results
Candidate Party Votes %
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats / Koalisyon ng Katapatan at Karanasan sa Kinabukasan 12,905,808 39.99
Fernando Poe, Jr. Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino 11,782,232 36.51
Panfilo Lacson Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (Agapito Aquino Wing) 3,510,080 10.88
Raul Roco Aksyon Demokratiko / Alyansa ng Pag-Asa 2,082,762 6.45
Eduardo Villanueva Bangon Pilipinas Movement 1,988,218 6.16
Total 32,269,100 100.0
[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the 14 May 2007 Senate of the Philippines election results
Rank Candidate Coalition - Party Votes
1. Loren B. Legarda Genuine Opposition - NPC 18,501,209
2. Francis Joseph G. Escudero Genuine Opposition - NPC 18,264,889
3. Panfilo M. Lacson Genuine Opposition 15,508,966
4. Manuel B. Villar, Jr. Genuine Opposition - NP 15,338,249
5. Francis N. Pangilinan Independent - LP 14,534,322
6. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III Genuine Opposition - LP 14,309,093
7. Edgardo J. Angara, Jr. TEAM Unity - LDP 12,657,538
8. Joker P. Arroyo TEAM Unity - KAMPI 11,802,870
9. Alan Peter S. Cayetano Genuine Opposition - NP 11,787,475
10. Gregorio B. Honasan Independent 11,605,433
11. Antonio F. Trillanes IV Genuine Opposition - UNO 11,189,467
12. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri TEAM Unity - Lakas CMD 11,004,099
13. Aquilino D.L. Pimentel III Genuine Opposition - PDP-LABAN 10,984,807
14. Ralph G. Recto TEAM Unity - Lakas-CMD 10,721,088
15. Michael T. Defensor TEAM Unity - Lakas-CMD 9,938,816
16. Prospero A. Pichay, Jr. TEAM Unity - Lakas-CMD 9,798,355
17. Sonia M. Roco Genuine Opposition - AD 8,457,710
18. Cesar M. Montano TEAM Unity - Lakas-CMD 7,800,179
19. Vicente C. Sotto III TEAM Unity - NPC 7,638,260
20. John Henry R. Osmeña Genuine Opposition - UNO 7,266,905
21. Vicente P. Magsaysay TEAM Unity - Lakas-CMD 6,357,769
22. Anna Dominique M. Coseteng Genuine Opposition - Independent 5,274,571
23. Teresa S. Aquino-Oreta TEAM Unity - NPC 4,361,969
24. Luis C. Singson TEAM Unity - Lakas-CMD 4,353,556
25. Richard I. Gomez Independent 2,725,618
26. Sultan Jamalul D. Kiram III TEAM Unity - PDSP 2,488,553
27. Melchor G. Chavez Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 843,675
28. Martin D. Bautista Ang Kapatiran 761,157
29. Zosimo Jesus M. Paredes II Ang Kapatiran 713,812
30. Joselito Pepito P. Cayetano* Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 510,340
31. Adrian O. Sison Ang Kapatiran 402,324
32. Oliver O. Lozano Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 305,637
33. Antonio L. Estrella Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 285,479
34. Victor N. Wood Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 283,033
35. Felix C. Cantal Philippine Green Republican Party 123,602
36. Eduardo F. Orpilla Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 107,512
37. Ruben C. Enciso Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 100,517
Note: A total of 37 candidates ran for senator.[1] Source: COMELEC.gov.ph website
[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the 14 May 2007 House of Representatives of the Philippines election results
Parties Seats
This is the division of seats as published on the website of the House of Representatives.
The first party affiliation mentioned is counted. This is not the result of the elections.
Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Includes SARRO, BO-PK, PROMDI, KDT and UNA) 70
Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Includes Padajon Surigao, 1-CEBU, UNA and PTM) 47
Nationalist People's Coalition (Includes Achievers with Integrity Movement) 26
Liberal Party 16
Nacionalista Party (Includes Abante Viscaya) 6
Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan 4
Partido Demokratiko Sosyalista ng Pilipinas 3
Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino 3
United Opposition 3
Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino 3
Koalisyon ng mga Pulitikong na Maka-Administrasyon 3
Independents (Caucuses with the Genuine Opposition) 5
Buhay Hayaan Yumabong 3
Bayan Muna 2
Citizen's Battle Against Corruption 2
Gabriela Women's Party 2
Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives 2
Kilusang Bagong Lipunan 1
Abono 1
Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action, Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reforms, Inc. 1
Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines, Inc. 1
Akbayan ! Citizens' Action Party 1
Alliance of Rural Concerns 1
Anak Mindanao 1
Anak Pawis 1
An Waray 1
Cooperative NATCCO Network Party 1
Luzon Farmers Party 1
Total 240
Source: Congress Web site
[discuss] – [edit]
Summary of the 14 May 2007 House of Representatives of the Philippines Party-List election result
Party-list Votes % Seats
Below is the result of the party-list vote. Most seats in the Congress are not elected through the party list system.
Buhay Hayaan Yumabong 1,169,248 7.42 3
Bayan Muna 976,699 6.20 2
Citizen's Battle Against Corruption 755,605 4.79
Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives 621,211 3.94 1
Gabriela Women's Party 621,086 3.94
Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment Through Action, Cooperation and Harmony Towards Educational Reforms, Inc. 487,354 3.09
Akbayan ! Citizens' Action Party 466,019 2.96
Alagad 423,090 2.68
Cooperative NATCCO Network Party 409,812 2.60
Luzon Farmers Party 409,133 2.60
Bagong Alyansang Tagapagtaguyod ng Adhikaing Sambayanan 385,654 2.45
Alliance of Rural Concerns 373,840 2.37
Anak Pawis 369,366 2.34
Abono 339,897 2.16
Anak Mindanao 338,125 2.15
Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines, Inc. 328,649 2.09
Total 30,049,524 21
Source: COMELEC

During the American occupation, the Nacionalista Party (more like the Republicans) was the dominant party at the time. This, however, was interrupted by World War II, when during the Japanese occupation, a new party, the Kapisanan ng Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas (KALIBAPI), was formed. It was the only party that was allowed to operate during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

After the war, KALIBAPI was abolished and the Nacionalistas returned to power. However, a new party, the Liberal Party (similar to the Democrats), was formed after some Nacionalistas led by Jose P. Laurel split from the original party. This de facto two-party system was kept until 1972.

However, when Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law, he formed his own monolithic party, the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL, New Society Movement). The traditional parties were sidelined. Worse, most of his political opponents were incarcerated, tortured or even killed. But, a majority of the KBL members were ex-Nacionalistas, ex-Liberals and others. In 1978, Marcos called an election to the interim Batasang Pambansa and an opposition party was formed known as LABAN. Among the candidates then were Benigno Aquino, Ernesto Maceda, Alex Bongcayao to name a few. During that election, Only Maceda was elected .

In 1984, many opposition parties sprang up. Among them are PDP-LABAN (different from the original LABAN party) of Aquilino Pimentel, the UNIDO, or the United Nationalist Democratic Organization of Salvador Laurel, the Liberal Party-Kalaw Wing and Lakas ng Bansa. The UNIDO would later be an umbrella coalition of opposition against Ferdinand Marcos.

The Liberal Party-Salonga Wing, National Union Of Christian Democrats and BANDILA joined the leftist forces.

After Marcos was overthrown in the People Power Revolution, other parties appeared, such as Partido Nacionalista ng Pilipinas, the National Union of Christian Democrats, the Philippine Democratic Socialist Party and BANDILA.

in 1987 the opposition parties merge into the Grand Alliance for Democracy (GAD) these parties are: the Nacionalista Party, the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, the Partido Nacionalista ng Pilipinas, the Liberal Party-Kalaw Wing, the Mindanao Alliance, the Muslim Federal Party and other opposition groups.

in 1988 the Lakas ng Bansa headed by Ramon Mitra and PDP-LABAN (Cojuangco Wing) joined forces to form the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino or LDP that caused also the ruling coalition split and the unification of the Nacionalista Party.

in 1989 the anti-Aquino elements reunited at PICC for the Unification of the Nacionalista Party this leaders of NP are: Blas Ople, Isidro Rodriguez, Rafael Palmares, Rafael Recto, Francisco Tatad, Jose Rono, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jose Zubiri, Zossimo Jesus Paredes II, Romeo Jalosjos, Mamintal A.J. Tamano, Salvador Laurel, Sotero Laurel, Frisco San Juan, Alfonso Roy Jr., Ernesto Maceda, Arturo Tolentino, Roilo Golez, Eva Estrada Kalaw, Edith Rabat, Vicente Puyat, Jose B. Laurel Jr. and Others.

In 1992 elections, the LDP was split in half. Fidel V. Ramos formed his own party known as the Partido Lakas ng Tao, which coalesced with the National Union of Christian Democrats. Their union was later known as the Lakas-NUCD, now known as Lakas-Christian and Muslim Democrats. The LDP was bannered by Ramon Mitra. During these elections, the Nacionalista Party was also split into two. The Nacionalistas were led by Salvador Laurel while the splinter group led by Danding Cojuangco was known as the Nationalist People's Coalition or NPC.

In the 1998 elections, three new political parties were formed: the Partido ng Masang Pilipino of Joseph Estrada, the Aksyon Demokratiko (Democratic Action) of Raul Roco, and the Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino (KAMPI) of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

There are other regional political parties, such as Panaghiusa (precursor of the Osmeñas' BO-PK) and the Mindanao Alliance in Mindanao. However, many of these parties are now defunct.

It is believed that Philippine political parties share one common platform. However, it is also perceived that Philippine political parties are also not based on political platform, but rather on personality. Turncoatism is so widespread that there were moves from lawmakers in the past to make this illegal, since it is believed that switching party allegiances are easy in Philippine politics. The image of turncoatism among politicians also fuels the belief that many Philippine politicians are opportunist, using their political power for personal gain.

[edit] Local government/administrative subdivisions

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The Philippines is divided into a hierarchy of local government units (LGUs) with the province as the primary unit. As of 2007, there are 81 provinces in the country. Provinces are further subdivided into cities and municipalities, which are in turn, composed of barangays. The barangay is the smallest local government unit. A Philippine province is headed by a Governor. The Provincial Council (Sangguniang Panlalawigan) is composed of the Vice Governor (Presiding Officer) and Provincial Board Members. A Philippine city and municipality is headed by a Mayor. The City Council (Sangguniang Panlungsod) or Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan) is composed of the Vice Mayor (Presiding Officer) and City or Municipal Councilors. A barangay is headed by a Barangay Captain who is also the presiding officer of the barangay council. The Barangay Council is composed of kagawads. A similar unit called Youth Council (Sangguniang Kabataan) is headed by an SK Chairperson who had similar rank of a Barangay Captain. The council is composed of SK Members.

The term of office of all local elective officials elected is three (3) years, starting from noon of June 30 of an election year. No local elective official shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms in the same position. Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the elective official concerned was elected. Barangay and SK officials are elected to a term of five years starting from noon of the date as prescribed by law. The current barangay organic law sets the date of November 12, 2007 as effectivity date. The current barangay and SK officials started terms August 15, 2002. The next barangay and SK election will be on October 29, 2007.

All provinces are grouped into 17 regions for administrative convenience. Most government offices establish regional offices to serve the constituent provinces. The regions themselves do not possess a separate local government, with the exception of the Muslim Mindanao region, which is autonomous. The Cordillera Administrative Region will become an autonomous region and will receive the setup granted to Muslim Mindanao if voters would approve an organic law that would create a Cordillera Autonomous Region.

[edit] International organization participation

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The Philippines is a founding and active member of the United Nations since its inception on October 24, 1945 and is a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The Philippines is also a member of the East Asia Summit (EAS), an active player in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Latin Union and a member of the Group of 24. The country is a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., but also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement. Memberships: APEC (1989), AsDB (1966), ASEAN, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, ITUC, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNMIL, UNMISET, UNOCI, UNU, UPU, ITUC, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO,

[edit] See also