In February 1987, by national referendum a new constitution was ratified. The president is elected to a single six year term and is the chief of state and head of the government of the Philippines. Two successive six-year terms is the maximum time the vice-president may serve. The current president is Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who replaced ousted President Joseph Estrada on January 20, 2001. Estrada had been President since June 30, 1998, replacing Fidel Valdez Ramos, President from 1992-1998.

A chief justice and 14 associate justices make up the highest tribunal in the Philippines, the Supreme Court. The president appoints the justices on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council. The Supreme Court recently declared the Presidential position vacant and the current President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was sworn in by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

There are 73 provinces headed by governors in the Philippines. Within these provinces are sub-divisions comprising 60 chartered cities, over 1500 municipalities, and thousand of other local units.