The new Philippine Constitution was ratified in early 1987, signaling the country's return to democracy.

Executive Branch

• Chief of state

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro; The president is both the chief of state and head of government. President and vice president elected on separate tickets for six-year terms

• Cabinet

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

Legislative Branch

Bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats - one-half elected every three years; members elected to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan ( members elected 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)

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)

Flag Description

Two equal horizontal bands of blue (top; representing peace and justice) and red (representing courage); a white equilateral triangle based on the hoist side represents equality; the center of the triangle displays a yellow sun with eight primary rays, each representing one of the first eight provinces that sought independence from Spain; each corner of the triangle contains a small, yellow, five-pointed star representing the three major geographical divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; the design of the flag dates to 1897; in wartime the flag is flown upside down with the red band at the top

Military

Military branches: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): Army, Navy (iincluding Marine Corps), Air Force