Republic of the Philippines

SENIOR HIGH
Pangasinan Division II SCHOOL
BENIGNO V. ALDANA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL SHS
Handouts in Philippine Politics and Government

Elections and Political Parties

The Electoral System

 Periodic election of officials by single-ballot plurality vote
 Executive and senators elected at large
 Existence of legislative districts and local government units Electorate: duly
registered citizens 18 years of age and above

History of Elections in the Philippines

Pre-Colonial Philippines
 No elections for ruling authorities
 Government was based more on intangibles – Kinship – Customs/Traditions – Favors
– Unwritten laws
Colonial Government
 In colonizing the Philippines, Spain effectively formalized and modernized
government rule
 To be able to administer the colony effectively, the colonial government created
pockets of local authority across the country
American Colonial Rule
 American colonial rule set the foundation for elections in the Philippines
 Government institutions and the electoral system were patterned after the American
system
 Filipinos could run for public office in a limited capacity
Commonwealth
 Introduced a more accommodating electoral system
 Over time, Philippine elections were dominated by a single-party
 Creation of the COMELEC to oversee the conduct of elections
1973 Constitution
 Consolidation of power under Martial Rule
 Less electoral safeguards – Weakening of the powers of the COMELEC – Lack of
checks and balances within the electoral system
American Colonial Rule – Initial dominance of the Federal Party
 Party advocating Philippine statehood within the United States – Rise and subsequent
preponderance of the Nacionalista Party
 Coalition of different groups advocating Philippine independence
Post-War Period – Split of the Liberal Party from the Nacionalista Party
 Encouraged by the Americans to avoid single-party hegemony
 Over time, the distinction between the two became blurred
 Growing importance of personalities
Martial Law – Clampdown on political institutions – Rise of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan
(KBL) as the dominant political party – Eventual emergence of regional political parties
Post-EDSA (1986) – Development of a multi-party system

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Lessons from the past
1. Effective checks and balances are needed over the electoral system
2. Elections are used to lend legitimacy to a regime
3. There are very few distinguishing characteristics between political parties in the
Philippines
4. Parties have generally been ineffective as political institutions that lend predictability
to politics in the Philippines
5. Personalities overpower parties as political entities

Contemporary issues
a. Party-list – a mechanism of proportional representation in the election of
representatives to the House of Representatives from national, regional and sectoral
parties or organizations or coalitions thereof registered with the Commission on
Elections (COMELEC). 
b. Absentee Voting - electoral process that enables persons who cannot appear at their
designated polling places to vote from another location
c. Election Fraud – a form of cheating during election
d. Political Dynasties – generally refer to traditional political families or the practices by
these political families of monopolizing political power and public offices from
generation to generation and treating the public elective office almost as their personal
property.
e. Nuisance Candidates – someone who files a certificate of candidacy (CoC) with the
intention of mocking the electoral process or putting it in disrepute; whose name is
similar to that of other registered candidates and whom the electorate can therefore
mistake for him or her; or who has no real intention to run for the office for which he
or she filed a CoC.

Suffrage - the right to vote in elections.

Who may exercise (Sec. 1, Art. V)
1. all citizens of the Philippines, not otherwise disqualified by law;
2. at least 18 years of age
3. resided in the Philippines for at least one year; and
4. resided in the place they propose to vote for at least 6 months immediately preceding the
election.

RESIDENCE has dual meaning (Sec.1, Art. V):

1. As a requirement of residence in the Philippines: synonymous with “domicile”. Imports
both intention to reside and personal presence coupled with conduct indicative of such
intention.
2. Requirement of residence in the place where one intends to vote: can mean domicile or
temporary residence

Requisites of Acquisition of Domicile by Choice:

1. residence or bodily presence in the new locality;
2. an intention to remain there; and
3. an intention to abandon the old residence. (Gallego v. Verra, 73 Phil. 453)

Direct disqualification
1. not citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
2. below 18 years old

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3. failure to qualify with the residency requirement set by law
4. not registered voter in the place he proposes to vote

Other disqualification/disabilities
1. Citizens who have been sentenced by the court for at least 1 year and have not been
granted a pardon by the President.
2. Those who have been adjudged of final judgment by competent tribunal of having
committed any crime involving disloyalty to the government.
3. Those who are declared insane or incompetent persons as declard by competent authority.

Kinds of election
1. General election. Elections are held simultaneously on the same day for all national and
local offices.
2. National election. Elections for national officials like President, Vice President, and
members of Congress.
3. Local election. Elections for the offices in the provinces, cities, and municipalities.

Types of Suffrage
1. Plebiscite. This refers to the process by which a certain question, like the proposed
amendment to, or revision of the Constitution is put to a popular vote for approval or
election.
2. Elections. It is the means through which the electorate chooses the leaders in whom they
entrust the functions and powers of the government for a fixed period of time.
3. Initiative. It is a process by which the electorate directly proposes by the people through
initiative upon a petition of at least 12 per cent of the total numbers of registered voters.
4. Referendum. It refers to when a question or law or part of it is submitted to the electoral
body for its approval or rejection.
5. Recall. It is a process of removing an incumbent officer from active duty or before the
expiration of his term of office by a vote of the people.

Political parties – group of people organized for the purpose of winning government power,
by electoral or other means
 interest holders united by a definite set of party programs and attempt to advance a
consistent line of policy
 main goal is to gain control of the levers of government so that they can realize their
policies or programs

The major types of party systems include the following:

1. One-party system – Only one party dominates and there is no political competition
between parties. Single-party systems are characterized by the oppression of democratic
freedom.
2. Two-party system – Two parties primarily dominate the political landscape and smaller
parties only play a subordinate role.
3. Dominant party systems – Other parties are present but only one party dominates and
enjoys prolonged periods in power.
4. Multiparty system – More than two parties compete for power over time. It reduces the
likelihood of a single-party government and increases chances of coalition formation

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Types of Political Parties
1. Based on membership
 Mass
 Cadre
 devotee
2. Based on arena of activities
 Constitutional
 revolutionary
3. Based on ideological orientation
 Left parties (Far-left) - goal is the eventual destruction of existing class
hierarchies in society, by violence if necessary; call for comprehensive
government intervention in the economy to redistribute wealth & guarantee
welfare security to the most vulnerable
 Center-Left parties - differ from left by their disavowal of violence and
coercion; believe that equitable distribution of wealth is still a societal goal
that should be realized by proper state intervention (with concurrence from the
people).
 Center parties - believe in the value of self- initiative & a minimal state role on
economy
 Center-Right parties - believe that the task of the government is to provide
peace and order and to ensure the proper enforcement of laws and legal
contracts
 Right parties (Far-Right) - parties of ultra conservatism& exclusionism;
believe in „natural‟ differences among humans and that there are some
persons, races, religions, classes that are more fit to rule than others.

Electoral Politics
 vital connections between state authority and society, linking the structure of
government to other social groupings • political action – seeking power to achieve
policy objectives
Elections
 a device for filling an office through choices made by a designated body of people
-the electorate.
 for the ordinary citizen - elections are seen as the clearest instance of politics entering
their lives.
Functions:
1. “Bottom-Up” functions (People Government View)
 provide the citizenry with a meaningful way of participating in government
mechanism for leadership selection
 An instrument for evaluating and changing governments
 forum for interest articulation and political socialization
2. “Top-Down” functions (Government- People View)
 instrument of rule legitimization
 guide to political strategy
 agent of political socialization and integration

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The Voting System in the Philippines:
Party-List System – Art. VI Sec. 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution
 party-list representatives will be elected to constitute 20 per centum of the total
number of the seats in the House of the Representative
 provides opportunity for under-represented sectors and parties in Philippine society to
have a legitimate chance of winning representation in Congress

Anomalies in Philippine Elections:

1) lack of human manpower in the COMELEC
2) influence of “gold, guns and goons”
3) flying voters - It means double/multiple registration
4) vote buying – It is usually viewed as a purely economic exchange in which the voter sells
his or her vote to the highest bidder.
5) tampering with the election returns
6) dagdag-bawas‟

Prevention of electoral frauds:

1) vigilance of the citizens
2) relevant government bodies
3) reforms such as computerization and continuous registration
4) political education
5) poll observers (local and international) during elections

Characteristics of a Political Party:

1. Has an organized structure with lines of authority and power distribution.
2. Seek to attract popular support in the form of votes.
3. Seeks political power directly thru electoral method
4. Prepared to support a candidate and fight for victory in an election. (to gain power)

Party Membership means formal attachment to a political party, usually involving the
assumption of obligations to the party and receiving privileges from the party.
1. For patronage
2. To get special treatment from the government
3. To enhance their own career
4. Economic benefit
5. Personal gratification
6. To have and to use an influence on the others
7. Ideological fulfillment

Party Membership Rules:

 Usually require a person to apply formally for membership, and party officials can
accept or reject the application (though in fact they are usually accepted).
 The person must at least pay annual dues and sometimes take an oath to support the
party’s principles and candidates.

Functions of Political Parties

1. Leadership Recruitment- The political party is still likely to be a structure that identifies
potential leaders, brings them to public attention, and secures them the support necessary for
taking public office.
2. Coordinate policy across different branches of Gov’t

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3. Mobilize voters – get out the vote drives -President, Congress, local party cooperation to
win elections. -Leaders stress party loyalty to proposed policies.
4. Provide accountability- unintended side effect Used by voters to hold elected official
accountable
5. nominate candidates - by most common method today.
6. contest election- “wage war” in the general election 7. form governments- organized along
party lines government appointments in executive

Principal activities of Parties

1. Selecting candidates - parties virtually monopolize nominations, which give them
tremendous power to shape governments and policies.
2. Election campaigning - those professionals, hired by the candidates for substantial fees,
organize high-tech campaigns that feature such up-to-date (and costly) techniques and raising
money by computerized direct mail advertising.
3. Nominate candidates - recruit, choose, and present candidates for public office.
4. Inform and Activate Supporters - campaign, define issues, and criticize other candidates.
5. Act as a bonding agent - guarantee that their candidate is worthy of the office.
6. Govern - members of government act according to their partisanship, or firm allegiance to
a party.
7. Act as a watchdog - parties that are out of power keep a close eye on the actions of the
party in power for a blunder to use against them in the next election.

Some Philippine Political Parties

1. NACIONALISTA PARTY
2. LIBERAL PARTY PARTIDO LIBERAL NG PILIPINAS
3. PWERSA NG MASANG PILIPINO Force of the Filipino Masses
4. PARTIDO DEMOKRATIKO PILIPINO Lakas ng Bayan

Civil Society and Social Movement

The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines, forged and shaped in the aftermath of the
1986 People Power Revolution, clearly recognizes participation and empowerment,
including the important role of CSOs. This may be seen in several provisions of the
Constitution. For instance, Article II, Section 23: “The State shall encourage non-
governmental, community-based, or sector organizations that promote the welfare of the
nation.”
The basis for civil society in the Philippines comes from the Filipino concepts of
pakikipagkapwa (holistic interaction withothers) and kapwa (shared inner self). Voluntary
assistance or charity connotes for Filipinos an equal status between the provider of
assistance and the recipient.
There are many types of CSOs in the country, but the more important types are
people’s organizations, development NGOs, and cooperatives. People’s organizations are
membership organizations representing marginalized groups and often organized based on
sector, issue, or geographical area.

Civil Society
 Civil Society is the aggregate of non- governmental organizations and institutions that
manifest interest and will of citizens.

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  Non-Governmental Aid Organization (NGO's) provide assistance to people for a little
or no fee. NGO's fall into the category of civil society because they are not operated
by the government.

Role of Civil Society

 Civil Society as an instrument for securing rights and interest at the people.
 Civil Society works for discharging several economic, social, cultural, moral and
other responsibilities which fall in the domain of private activities.

Social Movement
 Social Movements are large informal groupings of individuals or organizations which
focus on specific political or social issues.
 Social Movements are deigned to either bring about or prevent societal changes.
DJANGOs (Development, Justice and Advocacy NGOs)
 commonly called development NGOs
 perform direct and indirect support service functionswith POs
FUNDANGOs (Funding agency NGOs or Philanthropic Foundations)
 grant-giving organizations linked to grassroots organizations through
providing financial and other forms of support
MUNGOs (Mutant NGOs)
 largely composed of government-run NGOs that are essentially extensions
of the state or personal interests of state actors
COME N’GOs (Fly-by-Night or paper NGOs)
 fly-by-night organizations that package proposals to attract outside
funding and promptly disappear with the funds.
As organizers: forming community &popular grassroots organization
As advocates: mobilizing, articulating people’s interests, political demands, and institutional
reforms
As mediators: linking the powerful and disempowered strata of the society
As deliverers: alternative mechanism for delivery of social services

Types of Movements
1. Reactionary – These people desire to turn back changes that have occurred and
return to an earlier time. Example might be the KKK – they oppose the rights that
minorities have been given
2. Conservative – These people work to prevent changes from taking place. Example:
the movement to ensure that marriage remains legal between one man and one
woman only
3. Reformist (Revisionist) – Also known as liberal, these people desire moderate
changes. Example: Movement to legalize the use of marijuana
4. Pluralist – Rather than seeking assimilation, Pluralists seek acceptance without
claiming to be the same as the majority. For example, the Gay Rights movement.
Members of a pluralist movement say there is more than one way to live (plural).
They might say, “Yes we are different. Why should you care?”
5. Expressive – Rather than be specific about their goals, an expressive movement tries
to influence how people think and then let them decide how to act. Example: Commit
a random act of kindness
6. Alternative – Seek to get people to change their lifestyle. An example is the 10,000
man movement or the Million Man March.
7. Redemptive – Attempt to get people to make life- altering changes. Example: AA

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 8. Revolutionary – This type of movement is designed to bring about major change,
such as a coup or the movement to legalize the use of all illegal substances. Example:
Communists
9. Escapist (Retreatist) – People who belong to this type of movement “dropout” of
society by isolating themselves. Such groups could be religious cults or
survivalist militias.
10. Assimilationist – This movement is designed to help minority groups become
assimilated or accepted into society. The Civil Rights movement or Women’s Lib are
examples. People in these movements ask: “Why do you treat us differently. We are
the same as you”.

Citizenship and Youth Empowerment

Citizenship
 Pertains to an individual’s membership in a political community. It indicates a person’s
belongingness to a larger community, which is the nation. The Philippine nationality law
is based upon the principles of jus sanguinis and therefore descent from a parent who is a
citizen or national of the Republic of the Philippines is the primary method of acquiring
Philippine citizenship. This is contrasted with the legal principle of jus soli where being
born on the soil of a country, even to foreign parents, grants one citizenship.
 It is indispensable as it is considered as one of the elements of the state. They have both
rights and responsibilities and that their rights are distinct from those provided by the
Philippine Constitution.

Nationality - encompasses all those who render allegiance to the State, be it a citizen or
otherwise.

Alien is a foreigner who temporarily resides in another country or one who passes through
another border. It receives limited protection over his person and property.
Classification of Aliens
1. Resident alien. A foreigner residing in the jurisdiction of another State, and to some
extent, his rights and property are protected.
2. Non-resident alien. Refers to the citizen of the State as provided in Art IV, Sec 1.

Refugees are stateless persons who have fled their home State for shelter and asylum in
another State. They deliberately withdraw their citizenship and denounce allegiance to the
State and laws.

Doctrines of citizenship
a. Jus sanguinis- the citizenship of a child is determined by blood relationship. This is
the doctrine the Philippines apply in determining one’s membership to the political
society.
b. Jus soli/jus loci- the citizenship of a child is determined by the place of birth.

Modes of acquiring citizenship:

1. By birth. This is called the involuntary method. Citizenship is acquired through blood
relationship to the parents.
Natural Born Citizens (Sec. 2, Art. IV)
1. Citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire
or perfect their Philippine citizenship;

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 2. Those born before January 17, 1973 of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority
2. By naturalization. This is called the voluntary method of acquiring citizenship through
naturalization process.
Naturalization, it means the act of formally adopting a foreigner into the political
body of the State, and clothing him with the rights and privewleges of citizenship.
Three ways of acquiring naturalization process
a. Act of court. This suggests that citizenship may be granted to an applicant pursuant
to the judgment of the court. Regional Trial Ocurt has the jurisdiction
b. Direct act of Congress. The legislative normally promulgates an act directly
bestowing citizenship on an alien applicant.
c. Derivative method. Citizenship is conferred on the wife of naturalized husband,
minor children of naturalized person, and alien woman upon marriage to a national.
3. By marriage

Citizens of the Philippines (Sec. 1, Art. IV):

1. Those who are Filipino citizens at time of adoption of the 1987 Constitution;
a. Those who are citizens under the Treaty of Paris;
b. Those declared citizens by judicial declaration applying the jus soli principle, before
TioTiam v. Republic (25 April 1957, G.R. No. L-9602);
c. Those who are naturalized in accordance with law (Act 2927);
d. Those who are citizens under the 1935 Constitution;
e. Those who are citizens under the 1973 Constitution.
2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
3. Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippines
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority;
 Time to elect: 3 years after age of majority
4. Those naturalized in accordance with law.
Caram Rule – under the 1935 Constitution, those born in the Philippines of foreign
parent, who before the adoption of the Constitution had been elected to public office in
the Philippines, are considered Filipino citizens.

Effects of Naturalization :
1. ON THE WIFE. It vests citizenship on wife who might herself be lawfully naturalized;
She need not prove her qualifications but only that she is not disqualified. (Moy Ya Lim
Yao v. Comm. of Immigration, 41 SCRA 292).
2. ON THE MINOR CHILDREN
(i) If born in the Philippines – automatically becomes a citizen;
If born abroad
If born before the naturalization of the father
(ia) residing in RP at the time of naturalization – automatically becomes citizen;
(ib) if not residing in RP at the time of naturalization – considered citizen only
during minority, unless begins to reside permanently in the Philippines;
(ii) If born born outside the Philippines after parents’ naturalization considered
Filipino, provided registered as such before any Philippines consulate within 1
year after attaining majority age and takes oath of allegiance.

Doctrine of Indelible Allegiance– an individual may be compelled to retain his original

nationality notwithstanding that he has already renounced or forfeited it under the laws of
the second state whose nationality he has acquired.

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LOSS OF PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP:
1. Naturalization in a foreign country;
2. Express renunciation of citizenship (expatriation);
– The mere application or possession of an alien certificate of registration does not
amount to renunciation (Mercado vs. Manzano, G.R. No. 135083, May 26, 1999)
3. Subscribing to an oath of allegiance to constitution or laws of foreign upon attaining of 21
years of age;
 Citizens may not divest citizenship when Philippines is at war.
4. Rendering service to or accepting commission in the armed forces of a foreign country;
5. Cancellation of certificate of naturalization;
6. Having been declared by final judgment a deserter of Philippines Armed Forces in times
of war.

REACQUISITION OF CITIZENSHIP
1. By naturalization;
2. By repatriation;
 RA 8171 is an act providing for the repatriation of:
a. Filipino women who have lost their Philippine citizenship by marriage to aliens
and;
b. Natural-born Filipinos who have lost their Philippine citizenship on account or
political or economic necessity.
3. By direct act of Congress.

RA 9225 also known as the "Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003,"
approved on August 29, 2003 provides that, upon taking the oath of allegiance to the
Republic:
a. Natural born citizens of the Philippines who have lost their Philippine citizenship by
reason of their naturalization as citizens of a foreign country are deemed to have re-
acquired Philippine citizenship; and
b. Natural born citizens of the Philippines who, after the effectivity of the said RA
become citizens of a foreign country shall retain their Philippine citizenship.

Derivative Citizenship - The unmarried child, whether legitimate, illegitimate or adopted,

below eighteen (18) years of age, of those who re-acquire Philippine citizenship upon
effectivity of the said RA shall be deemed citizens of the Philippines.

Dual Allegiance
 Refers to the situation where person simultaneously owes, by some positive act,
loyalty to two or more states.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Filipino Citizen

The prime duty of the government is for its citizens to serve and protect in turn it shall be
obligation of the entire citizen to do their duties and responsibilities as a Filipino citizens of
the country as listed below:
1. Defend our country from enemies and invaders.
2. Pay his/her taxes willingly and promptly.
3. Be loyal to our country.
4. Take care and conserve our natural resources.
5. Help our country for growth and development.
6. Keep our surroundings clean.

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7. Study well and become a productive individual.
8. Obey the laws and maintain peace and order in the community.
9. Preserve the Filipino culture and identity.
10. Participate actively in various government programs.
11. Vote wisely and chose candidates who can serve the people and our country.
12. Respect the rights of others.

The more important duties and obligations of every citizen in a democratic society are
the following:
1. To be loyal to the Republic.
2. To defend the State
3. To contribute to the development of welfare of the State
4. To uphold the Constitution and obey laws
5. To cooperate with duly constituted authorities.
6. To exercise rights responsibility and with due regard for the rights of others.
7. To engage in gainful work.
8. To register and vote

LEGAL BASIS FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

1. Republic Act 8044 or known as The Youth in Nation-Building Act. This refers to an
act creating the National Youth Commission, establishing a National Comprehensive
and Coordinated Program on Youth Development, Appropriating Funds Therefore,
and for Other Purposes. The State recognizes its responsibility to enable the youth to
fulfill their vital role in nation-building and hereby establishes the National
Comprehensive and Coordinated Program on Youth Development, creates the
structures to implement the same and appropriate adequate funds to provide support
for the program and implementing structures on a continuing sustained basis.
2. National Service Training Program – The inclusion of the NSTP in the Philippine
higher education curricula allows the youth to be educated about civic involvement.
Moreover, the NSTP also instills in the youth the value of volunteerism through
participation in different activities that involve community building and the like. Such
involvement in civic affairs brings forth a realization among the youth that they are
proactive movers of the society.
3. SK and Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) were created through the Local Government
Code of 1991(Republic Act 7160) that provides opportunity for young people to
directly participate in local governance. Composed of all youth aged 15 to 21 years
old. In 2015, Republic Act 10742 an act known as the “Sangguniang Kabataan
Reform Act of 2015” amended the previous law on SK and KK and made a vast
reform. One of which is the age bracket. In 1995, with the passage of R.A. 8044, that
created the National Youth Commission, the secretariat functions of SK were
transferred to the NYC which in effect replaced PCYA. In 2002, the age bracket for
KK membership was changed, through R.A. 9164, from 15 to 21 years old to15 to 17
years old. But under the present law, youth shall refer to those persons whose ages
range from fifteen (15) to thirty (30) years old.

Prepared by: Approved by:

SANDRA MAE DULAY CALPITO RUSS DV. BASBAS

Teacher II SHS Asst. Principal II

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