The historical absence of a continuously operating national league and a multi-division football system has made it difficult to truly determine and recognize the highest level tournament in the Philippines.
The winners of these tournaments are therefore considered the de facto football champions of the Philippines.
The latest of these national competitions is the Philippines Football League, which began its inaugural season in 2017.
However, the Visayas and Mindanao regional tournaments that was planned for the first half of 2009 was not held, as well as the subsequent national championship.
Thus, the Luzon tournament winner, Philippine Army, is not considered a "national champion".