GOVERNMENT

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 January 2001) and Vice President NOLI DE CASTRO (since 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 11 May 1998 (next to be held 10 May 2004)

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; note: 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 14 May 2001 (next to be held 10 May 2004); House of Representatives - last held 14 May 2001 (next to be held 10 May 2004)

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)

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