This system revolves around three separate and sovereign yet interdependent branches: the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch.

Executive power is exercised by the government under the leadership of the president.

Legislative power is vested in both the government and the bicameral Congress: the Senate and the House of Representatives .

Judicial power is vested in the courts with the Supreme Court of the Philippines as the highest judicial body.

Elections are administered by an independent Commission on Elections every three years starting 1992.

Held every second Monday of May, the winners in the elections take office on the following June 30.

Local government is produced by local government units from the provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.

While most regions do not have political power and exist merely for administration purposes, autonomous regions have expanded powers more than the other local government units.

While local government units enjoy autonomy, much of their budget is derived from allocations from the national government, putting their true autonomy in doubt.