MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles®) – For centuries, the Philippines has been a society known for its deeply-ingrained machismo, where men rule and women are relegated to the sidelines.

Not any more.

The Philippines is among the few countries where women are, or have been, heads of state.  In fact, there had been two women Philippine presidents — the late Cory Aquino and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (who remains in hospital arrest).

Fast forward to 2016.

It is predicted that a woman will be elected president,  as well as vice president!

The Philippines’ unique electoral process allows voters to vote across party lines.  This means they could vote for the presidential candidate of one party and for the vice presidential bet of another.

In fact, incumbent President NoyNoy Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay are from opposing political parties.

One woman candidate, Senator Grace Poe, has so far declared her candidacy for president while another, Leni Robredo, is about to named vice presidential candidate for an opposing party.  Both are popular and have done extremely well in national polls.

The Philippine Supreme Court is already headed by a woman chief justice – Maria Lourdes Sereno.

It is further predicted that the next Senate president and next Speaker of the House will both be women.  Among the candidates are Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Representative Imelda Romualdez Marcos, respectively.

So the possibility of all three branches of government being ruled by women is just around the corner.  When it happens, the Philippines will be known not for the Iron Lady, but its Butterfly (sleeves) ladies!

Meanwhile, male politicians are gearing up to be part of Gilas, the Philippines’ national basketball team — either as players or members of the coaching team, their best chance of maintaining some semblance of machismo.