Republic of the Philippines

Bohol Island State University

Candijay Campus
Cogtong, Candijay, Bohol

Vision: A premier Science & Technology University for the formation of a world
Class and virtuous human resource for sustainable development in Bohol and the
country.

Mission: Committed to provide quality and innovative education in strategic sectors

for the development of Bohol and the country.

COLLEGE OF ADVANCED STUDIES

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION
2nd SEMESTER S.Y. 2019-2020

Masterand : MA. CHONA C. APOLE

Subject Code : EDMA 516
Nomenclature : PHILIPPINE VALUE SYSTEM
Professor : PROF. TITA M. EJORANGO
Class Schedule : Saturday 10:30 – 2:30

REACTION ON CHAPTER 8: COUNTRY, STATE AND GOVERNMENT

(POLITICAL SYSTEM OF THE PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINE CORRUPTION REPORT)

The Philippines is a republic with a presidential form of government wherein power is equally
divided among three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The government seeks to act in the
best interests of its citizens through this system of check and balance.
All I can say is that we are blessed to have a democratic country because we have the freedom
of everything we want to do as long as we abide the laws. We exercise our rights except those people
who abuse this privilege and do things that are unlawful. Unlike other countries, we have the freedom of
expression, to vote for the right leaders, etc. But there are also downsides in the political system of the
Philippines. Philippine politics along with other aspects of society, rely heavily on kinship and other
personal relationships. To win a local election, one must assemble a coalition of families. To win a
provincial election, the important families in each town must be drawn into a wider structure. To win a
national election, the most prominent aristocratic clans from each region must temporarily come
together. There is also a “palakasan system”. In a partisan system, if they suspect you for not voting for
a certain winning candidate, your chances to get hired even though you’re qualified is lame. That’s sad
but true. This scenario has been a headache for a long time. The recent official being seated on certain
position will going to terminate all people that being hired under the term of previous official. I can say
this, because I already witnessed this when my aunt’s husband got fired in his work in their municipality
when the new mayor is seated.
Nowadays in Philippines, it is very difficult to acquire a job in the government. Even though you
have the qualities, abilities, and capabilities that match the criteria for a certain job you're applying for,
sometimes it just not enough to get the job. That's because you don't have what they call a "backer", it's
a certain people in the government with a high position or ranking that supposedly one of your relatives,
friends or acquaintances. There are lots of people getting hired easily in the government even though
they don't have what it takes for that certain position, but they made it possible because of their
contacts (red tape) in the government. It is what you called the "Palakasan System" that run for so long.
It's very unfair and disappointing to those honest and deserving Filipino job-seekers who aim to work
for the government.
 The government now is full of corrupt people. I'm still hoping that someday this system will be
changed. All corrupt must be washed out, and let the honest and dignified people work for their beloved
county, who looks equally to all people under their good governance.