Years since declaring independence: 79 years (since 1946).
Population: 114.9 million (2023).
Literacy rate: 99.27% in 2021.
Average years of schooling: 10.
Average monthly wage: 18,423 Philippine pesos, approximately 339 USD.
GDP: 437.1 billion USD.
Major Religion: Roman Catholic.
Major Ethnicity: Tagalog.
Language: Filipino and English are the official languages.
Type of Government
The Philippines operates as a constitutional republic with a presidential form of government. Power is equally divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Current President: Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
Current Vice President: Sara Duterte.
The executive branch includes the president, vice president, Cabinet, executive departments, independent agencies, boards, commissions, and committees.
The Philippines is considered a flawed democracy or a hybrid regime due to the concentration of political power within a few families, leading to corruption.
Presidential Powers
The President is the Head of State, Head of government, and commander-in-chief of the military, also leads the executive branch.
Term length: Six years.
Powers include suggesting laws, appointing top government officials, and managing international relations and treaties.
The President can be investigated by Congress for serious wrongdoings.
The President can veto laws passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a sufficient number of votes.
Current/Recent Events
The Philippines recently held a midterm election.
There is a reported feud between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte, who were formerly allies.
If Marcos wins, Duterte won’t be able to run for president in 2028.
Power
Examples of manifest power:
Martial law under Marcos Sr. in 1972.
The president's ability to veto laws passed by Congress.
Examples of implicit power:
Political dynasties impacting politics (e.g., Marcoses).
Connection Between Legitimacy, Power, and Authority
Legitimacy: Tied to the concept of "people power," where the government's right to govern is based on the consent of the governed (e.g., elections).
Power: Resides in the President (executive power), Congress (legislative power), and the judiciary.
Authority: The legitimate right to exercise power (e.g., the President's authority to govern stems from being elected through democratic processes).
Struggles arise because, although the three areas are balanced in some categories, they sometimes fail to address the most basic needs of their citizens, leading to corruption.
Reflection of Filipino Values
The Philippines’ democratic government reflects values such as freedom, family, and community.
Citizens have the power to vote and express their opinions.
Despite issues like corruption and political dynasties, the system provides citizens with a voice and the chance to shape their future.