The Republic of the Philippines achieved its independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 and on July 4, 1946 from the US. The constitution was effective as of February 11, 1987. The Philippines have a mixed legal system of civil, common, Islamic and customary law. Since June 30, 2010 the President of the Philippines has been Benigno Aquino III. The president of the Philippines is the head of the state as well as the head of the government. President and vice president are elected on a six-year term. Therefore the next election will be held in May 2016.
The national anthem is called "Lupang Hinirang" which means “chosen land”. Originally written in Spanish, later English and Filipino versions have been created. Today only the Filipino version is used.