Philippines · Government
Government and administration in Philippines
How the executive, legislature and administrative state are organised, and which body is responsible for what.
The three branches
- Head of state and government — President
- Single six-year term, no re-election; elected directly.
- Legislative — Congress: Senate and House of Representatives
- 24 senators nationally; the House includes party-list seats for marginalised sectors.
- Judicial — Supreme Court
- Appointments from a shortlist prepared by the Judicial and Bar Council.
- Constitutional commissions — COMELEC, Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission
- Independent bodies with constitutional status.
- Accountability — Office of the Ombudsman
- Investigates and prosecutes public officials before the Sandiganbayan.
How legislation is made
A bill passes three readings in each chamber, is reconciled in a bicameral conference committee, and goes to the President, who may veto it in whole or — uniquely for appropriation, revenue and tariff bills — line by line. Congress may override by two-thirds of each house voting separately. The Constitution also reserves a people's initiative for amendments, though the enabling machinery has repeatedly been held inadequate.
Enforcement institutions
- Philippine National Police
- Civilian national force under the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
- National Bureau of Investigation
- Investigates major and complex crime under the Department of Justice.
- Office of the Ombudsman
- Corruption and misconduct by public officers.
- Commission on Human Rights
- Constitutional body; investigates violations but cannot prosecute.
- Securities and Exchange Commission
- Corporate registration and securities regulation.
Government bodies and regulators
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