GOVERNMENT

Published in July 2009

Police Forces: The Department of Interior and Local Government oversees the Philippine NationalPolice (PNP), which has an active force of about 115,000. The PNP, which had been entrusted with internal security in 1996, lost this role two years later, when the Armed Forces of the Philippines—particularly the army—reasserted its lead role in internal security. In September 2002, the PNP regained some of its authority when it was allowed to form a counterinsurgency task force in northeast Mindanao. Meanwhile, the army established a parallel task force in southwest Mindanao.

Continue reading “Internal Security and Terrorism”

Supreme Court of the Philippines

15 justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age

Court of Appeals

Sandigan-bayan

a special court for hearing corruption cases of government officials

The Philippine legal system is based on Spanish and Anglo-American law. The government accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservation.

The current Philippine constitution was ratified in February 1987. It has been in effect since 11 February 1987.

The Republic of the Philippines participates as a member, signatory or observer in the following international organizations:

ADB, APEC, APT, ARF, ASEAN, BIS, CP, EAS, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, MINUSTAH, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, PIF (partner), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNMIL, UNMIS, UNMIT, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the United States

Chief of mission: Ambassador Willy C. GAA     
Chancery: 1600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: [1] (202) 467-9300                  FAX: [1] (202) 467-9417                

Consulates general: Chicago, Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands), San Francisco, Tamuning (Guam)      

Diplomatic representation from the United States

Chief of mission: Ambassador Kristie A. KENNEY               
American embassy: 1201 Roxas Boulevard, Ermita 1000, Manila                 
Mailing address: PSC 500, FPO AP 96515-1000     
Telephone: [63] (2) 301-2000                  FAX: [63] (2) 301-2399      

This page was published in 2009 and is due to be updated.

Chief of State

President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)

Vice President Jejomar BINAY (since 30 June 2010)

Note: the president is both chief of state and head of government

Head of government: President Benigno AQUINO (since 30 June 2010)

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with consent of Commission of Appointments

Philippine Presidential Elections

The president and vice president are elected on separate tickets by popular vote for a single six-year term.

An election was last held on 10 May 2010 — Benigno AQUINO was declared winner and took office on 30 June 2010.

Next election to be held in May 2016.

2010 Presidential Election Results

Benigno AQUINO elected president.

Percent of vote – Benigno AQUINO 42.1%, Joseph ESTRADA 26.3%.

This page was published in 2009 and is due to be updated.

Continue reading “Legislative Branch of the Philippines”

The Republic of the Philippines claims sovereignty over certain of the Spratly Islands, known locally as the Kalayaan (Freedom) Islands, also claimed by China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The 2002 “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea” has eased tensions in the Spratly Islands but falls short of a legally binding “code of conduct” desired by several of the disputants.

In March 2005, the national oil companies of China, the Philippines, and Vietnam signed a joint accord to conduct marine seismic activities in the Spratly Islands.

The Philippines retains a dormant claim to Malaysia’s Sabah State in northern Borneo based on the Sultanate of Sulu’s granting the Philippine Government power of attorney to pursue a sovereignty claim on his behalf

Maritime delimitation negotiations continue with Palau.