CHAPTER I

NATIONALISM AND PATRIOTISM

OBJECTIVES:
 Explain the meaning of Nationalism and Patriotism;
 identify the characteristics of nationalism and patriotism, its historical
development, and emotional basis as the human desire to belong;
 Explain the importance of Philippine flag as symbol of nationhood, and
Independence; Demonstrates the different modern Filipino values and;
 Appreciate the contributions of the unsung heroes of the nation.

The history of nationalism and patriotism in our country is as old as history of

mankind. Often times this is a part of the discussion in educational institutions since this
is the major trust of the government and the backbone of human principle, however this
basic understanding did not manifest in most part of the land. The philosophy of
nationalism nowadays does not concern itself much with the aggressive and dangerous
form of invidious nationalism that often occupies center stage in the news and in
sociological research. Although this pernicious form can be of significant instrumental
value mobilizing oppressed people and giving them a sense of dignity, its moral costs are
usually taken by philosophers to outweigh its benefits.

The term “nationalism” is generally used to describes two things, first is the
attitude that the members of a nation which includes the concept of national identity such
as common origin, ethnicity and cultural ties. The other one is the actions that the
members of the nation take when seeking to achieve (or sustain) self-determination
these involves having full statehood with complete authority over domestic and
international affairs.

Whereas, “patriotism” is love of and/or devotion to one's country. The word

comes from the Greek patris, meaning fatherland. However, patriotism has had different

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meanings over time, and its meaning is highly dependent upon context, geography and
philosophy. Although patriotism is used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for
nationalism, nationalism is not necessarily considered an inherent part of patriotism.

Likewise, patriotism is strengthened by adherence to a native religion, particularly

because such a community usually has its holy places insides its motherland. This also
implies a value preference for a specific civic or political community.

Development of Patriotism and Nationalism in the Philippines

Nationalism is characterized by an attachment of superiority to one’s country, an

aspiration for its continuity, prosperity, and maintaining a high regard and respect for the
laws, principles and policies of that country.

A country is an artificial body composed of several persons. In short, an

‘association of men’. Its purpose ranges from providing protection to providing an
identity to its, citizens, its members. At this point you will draw the most defining distinction
between a country and a government.

The government constitutes all non- political and political personnel in service of
the country. This will range from the President to the last civil servant whereas the country
is constituted of both the servants (individuals in government) and the masters (the
ordinary citizens).

Philippine Nationalism is an upsurge of patriotic sentiments and nationalistic ideal

in the Philippines in the late 1800s that came as a result of the Filipino Propaganda
Movement from 1872 to 1892. it became the main ideology of the first Asian nationalist
revolution, the Philippine revolution of 1896. Spain already ruled the Philippines for about
333 years before Philippine nationalism was developed.

Towards the 19th century, the bureaucratic centralized government established in

Manila has caused widespread discontent in the entire archipelago, but there was yet no
united front against the Spanish Regime. Many revolts were caused by either personal
discontent or territorial defense. The belated development of Philippine nationalism was
caused by the natives’ tendency to be regionalistic.
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 The geography of the Philippines did not help. The Philippines insular and the
people were divided by water. In fact, the term “Filipino” originally means Spaniards born
in the Philippines and not the native inhabitants. But certain events eventually led to the
development of native patriotism. Things that happened which transcended the cultural
and geographical boundaries that had been barriers to the unification of the inhabitants
of the archipelago.

The earliest signs of Filipino Nationalism could be seen in the writings of Luis
Rodriquez Varela, a Creole educated in liberal France and highly exposed to the
romanticism of the age. Knighted under the Order of Carlos III, Varela was perhaps the
only Philippine Creole who was actually part of European nobility.

The court gazzette in Madrid announce that he was to become a Conde and from
that point on proudly called himself "Conde Filipino". He championed the rights of Filipinos
in the islands and slowly made the term applicable to anyone born in the Philippines.
However, by 1823 he was deported together with other creoles (allegedly known as Hijos
del Pais), after being associated with a Creole revolt in Manila led by the Mexican Creole
Andres Novales. Varela would then retire from politics but his nationalism was carried on
by another Creole Padre Pelaez, who campaigned for the rights of Filipino priests and
pressed for secularization of Philippine parishes.

The Latin American revolutions and decline of friar influence in Spain resulted
in the increase of the regular clergy (friars) in the Philippines. Filipino priests were being
replaced by Spanish friars and Pelaez demanded explanation as to the legality of
replacing a secular with regulars—which is in contradiction to the Exponi nobis. Pelaez
brought the case to the Vatican almost succeeded if not for an earthquake that cut his
career short and the ideology would be carried by his more militant disciple, Jose Burgos.
Burgos in turn died after the infamous Cavite Mutiny, which was pinned on Burgos as his
attempt to start a Creole Revolution and make himself president or "rey indio".

The death of Jose Burgos, and the other alleged conspirators Mariano Gomez
and Jacinto Zamora, seemingly ended the entire creole movement in 1872.

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GovernorGeneral Rafael de Izquierdo unleashed his reign of terror in order to prevent the
spread of the creole ideology which is the Filipino nationalism (Craig, 2007).

The Philippines have cradled, from the past up to the present times, some of these
greatest heroes that inspired millions of Filipino people in every generation, and through
their works and visions, revolutionized the course of Philippine history.

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines and the pride of the Malayan
race, through his inspirational works and radical novels became the icon of freedom
during the Philippine Revolution (18961898). Filipinos have a great list of historical
personalities - people often found in books and other reading materials with abundant
discussions from their birth, legacies and death. However, we have more heroes than we
expected. There are many personages who, instead of being the central character of most
historic battles and events, find themselves more useful as undercover, or doing what
seems to be minor, yet equally significant tasks.

Unsung Heroes, were the so-called “Forgotten People” in Philippine history –

people who, unfortunately, were not given much attention in traditional studies and
mainstream histories, but are equally heroic in their own simple yet significant ways. They
are the peripherally discussed or rarely mentioned people who have nonetheless
distinguished themselves for their heroic deeds and martyrdoms. They have often worked
behind “prominent” heroes, but have done dangerous and complicated tasks which made
many battles and revolts possible, if not successful.

And now, Filipinos should recognize the heroism and patriotism of these “Unsung
Heroes” who have contributed to the development of Filipino nationalism and the
transformation of Philippine society.

Some of them were Macarico Sakay, born in Tondo in September 13, 1907; he
relentlessly fought against the American rule during the American colonization. He was
the one who founded the Tagalog Republic, an organization which pushed for Filipino
self-determination and independence. Jose Palma, born also in Tondo, he was a poet
aside from being a soldier. He wrote a Spanish poem titled “Filipinas” which was

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published in the La Liga Filipina. The verses of “Filipinas” later became the lyrics to the
Philippine National Anthem.

Galicano Apacible, he became the first president of La Solidaridad, a society of

Filipino intellectuals in Spain who tried to represent the Philippines, to bring forth its issues
and concerns, in the Spanish parliament.

History of the Philippine Flag

The Philippine National Flag is

said to be the primary symbol of the
nations camaraderie, solidarity and unity
it is therefore the symbol of Nationalism
and Patriotism in our country. And so let
learn more about its history and origin.

The national flag of the

Philippines is a horizontal bicolor with
equal bands of blue and red, and with a
white equilateral triangle based at the
hoist side; in the center of the triangle is
a golden yellow sun with eight primary
rays, each containing three individual
rays; and at each corner of the triangle is
a five-pointed golden yellow star.

The flag was first conceptualized

by Emilio Aguinaldo. The first flag was
sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela
Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Doña Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, niece of José
Rizal, the Philippines' national hero.

The flag is displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with the red
field on top in times of war. The Philippine flag is unique in the sense that it can indicate
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a state of war when the red field is displayed on top or on the observer's left when the
flag is displayed vertically, with the white equilateral triangle at the top end.

The flag is horizontally divided into two fundamental colors, royal blue and scarlet
red, with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side. The blue field stands for
peace truth and justice, red field stands for bravery, and the white field stands for
equality and fraternity. At the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight
primary rays represent the first provinces that sought independence from Spain such
as Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac ,
each containing three individual rays, and at each corner of the triangle is a five-pointed
golden yellow star.

Accordingly, the stars of the Philippine flag represent the three major geographical
subdivisions of the country, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao or the so called LUZVIMINDA.
However, in an article published by the National Historical Institute in a newspaper
correcting the common misinterpretations about the Philippine flag says that the three
stars represent the Philippine three geographic regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
is not historically correct.

The country’s flag actually tells you the story of Philippine Revolution. In the
proclamation of the country’s independence, the three stars represent the three islands
where the revolution against Spain actually started, Luzon, Mindanao and Panay, where
in this revolutionary movement broke out. Another common historical error being taught
is about the eight rays in the flag. Students were taught that the eight rays represent the
eight provinces which first revolted against Spain in 1896.

The proper historical basis is the proclamation of Philippine independence which

explains that the eight provinces – Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas – were declared in a state of war almost as soon as
revolutionary movement was initiated. (de Viana, 2008)

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 How to Display Our National Flag

In naval vessels the National Flag shall be flown n all naval vessels and on
merchant ships of Philippine registry, of more than 1,000 gross tons. When planted on
the ground the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be as such height as would
give the National Flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity. The
flagpole shall not be of equal height or higher than the Independence Flagpole at the Rizal
Park, Manila.

Whereas on from a flagpole or hanging. if flown from a flagpole, its blue field
should be on top, in time of peace & the red field if in time of war. If in hanging position,
the blue field shall be to the left (observer's point of view) in time of peace, and the
red field to the left in time of war. With Flags of other countries, when the National Flag
is flown with flag or flags of other countries, the flags must be of equal size and on
separate staffs of the same height. The National Flag shall be hoisted first and lowered
last.

With a semi-circle formation,, when the National Flag is displayed in a semi-circle

of flags with other countries or house flags, the National Flag should be at the center.
When in a row or parade, when displayed in a row or in a parade with flags of other
countries, the National Flag shall be on the left (observer's point of view) of the other flags
is flown with flag or flags of other countries.

The flags of other countries should be arranged in alphabetical order from left to
right. When honoring the dead, The National Flag may be used to cover the caskets
of the honored dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, National Artists and of
civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation, as may be determined by
the local government unit concerned.

In such cases, the National Flag shall be placed such that the white triangle shall
be at the head and the blue portion shall cover the right side of the casket. The National
Flag shall not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but shall be
folded solemnly and handled over to the heirs of the deceased or next of kin.

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 National Flag shall be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised in
the open flag-staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan); May 1
(Labor Day); (National Flag Days) from May 28 to June 12 (Independence Day); last
Sunday of August (National Heroes Day); Nov. 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30
(Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared or approved by the President
and/or local chief executives. On the other hand, it is prohibited to mutilate, deface, defile,
trample on, cast contempt, or commit any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule
upon the National Flag or over its surface. It is prohibited to use the National Flag as
drapery, festoon and tablecloth.

Also, the National Flag cannot be used as covering for ceilings, walls, statues or
other objects. The use as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicle were
not allowed. The use of National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform, under
any painting or picture, using as trademarks, or industrial, commercial or agricultural
labels or designs were also exclusion in the use of National Flag.

National Symbol

Symbols can signify many

things and domination; nationalism
and national identity are no
exclusion. The most common
symbols of sovereignty and
nationhood are the national flag and
national anthem but there many
others, such as a pledge of
allegiance. These were some of the
Philippine National Symbols that
has been recognized by Filipinos.

Philippine Mango is a
tropical fruit prevalently known to be yellow in color which achieves its delicious and sweet
taste through its scrupulous harvest procedures. Philippine Mango is recognized
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worldwide for its best qualities, which cannot be beaten by any kind of mangoes around
the globe.

Narra tree is a striking, large and strong shady tree. It is one of the most wanted
wood for furniture but because there are only a few trees left, cutting down a narra tree is
no longer allowed.

Philippine Eagle or also known as the monkey eating eagle stands over 3 feet
(1m) tall. It has a large, sharp, curved beak. It has feathers that seem to bristle on its
head. It is a giant forest raptor and is considered excellent hunters.

The carabao or kalabaw in Filipino is a tamed type of water buffalo in the

Philippines. Being the farm animal of choice for pulling the plow and cart used to tow farm
produce to the market; carabaos are warmly associated with farmers.

Lechon is a very popular and famous food among Filipinos. Lechon (litson in
tagalong) is roasted whole pig cooked over burning charcoals. It is a dish that is almost a
fixed part and menu centerpiece of any Filipino celebration which is usually prepared for
fiestas, family celebrations (like parties and marriages) and also a favorite dish during
Christmas.

Reference Constantino, Renato, “A Past

Revisited” Constantino,
Renato, “Continuing the Past”
De Leon, Hector, “The 1987
Philippine Constitution”

Video Links Topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efjH-lSwdNE Patriotism Vs Nationalism |
What is the difference
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 between Patriotism and
Nationalism?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FexJw9l5A0 EVOLUTION OF
PHILIPPINE FLAG with Phil.
National Anthem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnuhdPmrTSc Symbols of the Philippines

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 CHAPTER II

Roots of the Filipino Character

Objectives:
 Enumerate the strength and weaknesses of the Filipino;
 Explain the role of different sectors to our character.

Strength and weaknesses of the Filipino

Home environment
Social environment
Culture and language
History
Educational system
Religion
Economic environment
Political environment
Mass media
Leadership and role models

Family and Home Environment

Child bearing practices, family relations, and family attitudes and orientations are the main
components of the home environment.
Child rearing in the Filipino family generally is characterized by high nurturance, low
independence training and low discipline.
Filipino child grows up in an atmosphere of affection and overprotection, where one learns
security and trust on the one hand, and dependence
Subtle comparisons among siblings are also used by mothers to control their children.
These may contribute to the “crab mentality.”

In large family where we are encourage to get along with our siblings and other relatives,
1
we learn pakikipagkapwa-tao.
In an authoritarian settings we learn respect for age and authority; at the same time, we
become passive and dependent on authority.
In the family, children are taught to value family and to give primary importance

Social Environment
The main components of the social structures and social system such as interpersonal,
religious, and community interaction.
The social environment of the Filipino is characterized by a feudal structure with great
gaps between the rich minority and the poor majority

Culture and Language

Much has been written about Filipino cultural values.
Such characteristics as warmth and person orientation, devotion to family, and sense of
joy and humor are part of our culture and are reinforce by all socializing forces like the
family, school, and peer group.

Aside from emphasizing interpersonal values, Filipino culture is also characterized by an

openness to the outside world which easily incorporates foreign elements without a basic
consciousness of our cultural core.
This is related to our colonial mentality and to the use of English as the medium of
instruction in school
Introduction of English as the medium of education de-Filipinized the youth and taught
them to regard American culture as superior

Use of English contributes also to a lack of self-confidence on the part of the Filipino
The fact that doing well means using a foreign language, which foreigners inevitably can
handle better, leads to an inferiority complex.
Use of a foreign language may also explain the Filipino’s reflectiveness and mental
laziness.

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Thinking in our native language, but
expressing ourselves in English,
results not only in a lack of confidence,
but also in our power of expression,
imprecision, and a stunted
development of one’s intellectual
powers

History
We are the product of our colonial history, which is regarded by many as the culprit behind
our lack of nationalism and our colonial mentality
Colonialism develop a mindset in the Filipino which encourage us to think of the colonial
power as superior and more powerful.

The American influence is more ingrained in the Philippines because the Americans set
up a public school system where we learned English and the America way of life.
Another vestige of our colonial past is our basic attitude toward the government, which
we have learned to identify as foreign and part from us.

Educational System
Aside from the problems inherent in the use of foreign language in our educational
system, the educational system leads to other problems for us as a people.
Lack of suitable local textbooks and dependence on foreign textbooks, particularly in the
higher schools levels, force Filipino students as well as their teachers to use school
materials that are irrelevant to the Philippine setting. This comes a mindset that things
learned in school are not related to real life

Aside from the influences of the formal curriculum, there are the influences of the “hidden
curriculum,” i.e., the values taught informally by the Philippine school system.
Schools appears to be highly authoritarian, with the teachers as the central focus.

3
The Filipino student is taught to be dependent on the teacher as we attempt to record
verbatim what the teacher says and to give this back during examination in its original
form and with little processing.
Teachers reward well-behaved & obedient students.

Religion
The root of the Filipinos’ optimism and capacity
to accept life’s hardships.
Also instill in us attitudes of resignation and a
preoccupation with the afterlife and
superstitions.

Economic Environment
Local traits are rooted in the poverty and hard
life that is the lot of most Filipinos.
Our difficulties drive us to take risks, impel us to work very hard, and develop in us the
ability to survive.
Poverty, also become an excuse for graft and corruption, particularly among the lower
rungs of the bureaucracy.

Political Environment
Philippine political environment is characterized by a centralization of power.
Political power or authority is concentrated in the hands of the elite and the participation
of most Filipinos often is limited to voting in elections.

Basic services from the government are concentrated in Manila and its outlying towns
and provinces
A great majority of Filipinos are not reached by such basic services of water, electricity,
roads, and health services.
Government structures and systems-e.g., justice and education-are often ineffective or

4
inefficient

The fact that the political power is still very much concentrated in the hands of a few may
lead to passivity.
The inefficiency of government structure and system also lead to a lack of integrity and
accountability in our public servants.

Mass Media
Reinforce our colonial mentality. Advertisements using Caucasian model and
emphasizing a product’s similarity with imported brands are part of our daily lives.

Leadership and Role Models

Filipinos look up to their leaders as role models.
Political leaders are the main models, but all others leaders serves as role models as well
When our leaders violate the law or show themselves to be self-serving and driven by
personal interest, when there is lack of public accountability, there is a negative impact
on the Filipinos.

Nationalism and Patriotism

Nationalism- used to described two things

Attitude of the members of a nation which includes the concepts of national identity, origin,
ethnicity, and culture ties.
The action is that the members of a nation take when seeking to achieve or sustain full
statehood with complete authority over domestic and international affairs

Patriotism – is love of and devotion to one’s country.

comes from the Greek patris, meaning “fatherland”.
5
used in certain vernaculars as a synonym for nationalism, nationalism is not necessary
considered an inherent part of patriotism
It is strengthened by adherence to a native religion, particularly some communities that
may have their own holy places.
It implies a value preference for a specific civic or political community

Reference Constantino, Renato, “A

Past Revisited” Constantino,
Renato, “Continuing the
Past” De Leon, Hector, “The
1987 Philippine Constitution”

Video links Topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXJQuY-17_I STRENGTH &
WEAKNESSES OF
FILIPINO CHARACTER: A
SOCIO CULTURAL ISSUE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfxLJEbOwL8 Tracing our roots: Support
preservation of Filipino
heritage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSBKbwWXArs 14 Good Filipino Traits and
Habits

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 CHAPTER III

RIGHTS AND CITIZENSHIP

Objectives:

 Enumerate the types of rights;

 Explain the different legal rights given to each individual.

A right is described as an entitlement or justified claim to a certain kind of positive

and negative treatment from others, to support from others or non-interference from
others. In other words, a right is something to which every individual in the community is
morally permitted, and for which that community is entitled to disrespect or compulsorily
remove anything that stands in the way of even a single individual getting it.

Rights belong to individuals, and no organization has any rights not directly
derived from those of its members as individuals; and, just as an individual's rights cannot
extend to where they will intrude on another individual's rights, similarly the rights of any
organization whatever must yield to those of a single individual, whether inside or outside
the organization. Rights are those important conditions of social life without which no
person can generally realize his best self. These are the essential conditions for health of
both the individual and his society. It is only when people get and enjoy rights that they
can develop their personalities and contributes their best services to the society.

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Types of Rights:

1. Natural Rights:

Many researchers have faith in

natural rights. They stated that
people inherit several rights from
nature. Before they came to live in
society and state, they used to live in
a state of nature. In it, they
appreciated certain natural rights,
like the right to life, right to liberty and
right to property. Natural rights are
parts of human nature and reason.
Political theory maintains that an
individual enters into society with
certain basic rights and that no
government can deny these rights.

In classical political philosophy “natural

right” denotes to the objective rightness of the right things, whether the virtue of a soul,
the correctness of an action, or the excellence of a regime. Aristotle stated in Politics
(1323a29-33) that no one would call a man happy who was completely lacking in courage,
temperance, justice, or wisdom. A man who was easily terrified, unable to restrain any
impulse toward food or drink, willing to ruin his friends for a trifle, and generally senseless
could not possibly lead a good life. Even though chance may occasionally prevent good
actions from having their normal consequences, so that sometimes cowards fare better
than brave men, courage is still objectively better than cowardice. The virtues and actions
that contribute to the good life, and the activities intrinsic to the good life, are naturally
right.

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The modern idea of natural rights grew out of the ancient and medieval doctrines of
natural law, but for other scholars, the concept of natural rights is unreal. Rights are the
products of social living. These can be used only in a society. Rights have behind them
the recognition of society as common claims for development, and that is why the state
protects these rights. John Locke (1632–1704), the most influential political philosophers
of the modern period, argued that people have rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and
property that have a foundation independent of the laws of any particular society. Locke
claimed that men are naturally free and equal as part of the justification for understanding
legitimate political government as the result of a social contract where people in the state
of nature conditionally transfer some of their rights to the government in order to better
ensure the stable, comfortable enjoyment of their lives, liberty, and property. Since
governments exist by the consent of the people in order to protect the rights of the people
and promote the public good, governments that fail to do so can be resisted and replaced
with new governments.

2. Moral Rights:

Moral Rights are based on human consciousness. They are supported by moral force of
human mind. These are based on human sense of goodness and justice. These are not
assisted by the force of law. Sense of goodness and public opinion are the sanctions
behind moral rights.

If any person disrupts any moral right, no legal action can be taken against him. The state
does not enforce these rights. Its courts do not recognize these rights. Moral Rights
include rules of good conduct, courtesy and of moral behaviour. These stand for moral
perfection of the people.

Moral rights were first acknowledged in France and Germany, before they were included
in the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works in 1928. Canada
recognized moral rights in its Copyright Act. The United States became a signatory to the
convention in 1989, and incorporated a version of moral rights under its copyright law
under Title 17 of the U.S. Code. There are two major moral rights under the U.S. Copyright
3
Act. These are the right of attribution, also called the right of paternity and the right of
integrity.

Legal Rights:

Legal rights are those rights which are

accepted and enforced by the state. Any
defilement of any legal right is punished
by law. Law courts of the state enforce
legal rights. These rights can be
enforced against individuals and also
against the government. In this way,
legal rights are different from moral rights.
Legal rights are equally available to all the citizens. All citizens follow legal rights without
any discrimination. They can go to the courts for getting their legal rights enforced.

Legal Rights are of three types:

1. Civil Rights:

Civil rights are those rights which provide opportunity to each person to lead a
civilized social life. These fulfil basic needs of human life in society. Right to life,
liberty and equality are civil rights. Civil rights are protected by the state.

2. Political Rights:

Political rights are those rights by virtue of which inhabitants get a share in the
political process. These allow them to take an active part in the political process.
These rights include right to vote, right to get elected, right to hold public office
and right to criticise and oppose the government. Political rights are really
available to the people in a democratic state.

3. Economic Rights:

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 Economic rights are those rights which provide economic security to the people.
These empower all citizens to make proper use of their civil and political rights.
The basic needs of every person are related to his food, clothing, shelter, and
medical treatment. Without the fulfilment of these no person can really enjoy his
civil and political rights. It is therefore essential, that every person must get the
right to work, right to adequate wages, right to leisure and rest, and right to social
security in case of illness, physical disability and old age.

Human and Legal Rights:

There is some difference between moral or human rights and legal rights. Legal rights
require for their justification an existing system of law. Legal rights are, roughly, what the
law says they are, at least insofar as the law is enforced. Legal rights gain their force first
of all through legislation or decree by a legally authorized authority. Those who support
adoption of laws establishing legal rights often appeal to a notion of human rights. Laws
against theft might appeal to notions of a moral right to own property. But human or moral
rights must gain their validity through some other source other than legal rights, since
people can appeal to human or moral rights to criticize the law or advocate changes in
the law (or legal rights), and people could not do this if moral rights were based upon the
law.

Contractual Rights:

Contractual rights originated from the practice of promise-keeping. They apply to

particular individuals to whom contractual promises have been made. Contractual rights
ascend from specific acts of contract making. They normally come into being when the
contract is made, and they reflect the contractual duty that another party has acquired at
the same time. As a result of a contract, party A has a contractual duty, say, to deliver
some good or service to party B, who has a contractual right to the good or service.
Contractual rights may be upheld by the law, and in that sense can rest upon legal rights,
but it is possible to conceive of contracts made outside of a legal framework and to rest
purely upon moral principles. However, such contracts are less secure than contracts
5
made within a legal framework, for obvious reasons. There are numerous examples of
contractual rights such as:

-Rights to purchase a particular product or service

-Rights to be sell a product or service

-Rights to be the only seller or buyer

-Rights to delivery and timely payment

-Rights to refunds or repairs

-Various rights according to the specific intentions of each party

Who are classified as Philippine citizens?

Under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, it states that:

Section 1The following are citizens of the Philippines:

1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of this
Constitution;
2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
3. Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect
Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and
4. Those who are naturalized in accordance of law

What are the modes in acquiring Philippine citizenship?

There are two (2) generally recognized forms of acquiring Philippine citizenship:

1. Filipino by birth

6
 1. Jus soli (right of soil) which is the legal principle that a person’s
nationality at birth is determined by the place of birth (e.g. the
territory of a given state)
2. Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that, at
birth, an individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural
parent/s. The Philippine adheres to this principle.
2. Filipino by naturalization which is the judicial act of adopting a foreigner
and clothing him with the
privileges of a native-born citizen.
It implies the renunciation of a
former nationality and the fact of
entrance into a similar relation
towards a new body politic
(2Am.Jur.561,par.188).

Reference https://immigration.gov.ph/faqs/citize
nship

Video Links Topics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrF2aYm Human Rights in Two Minutes
INoA (Filipino)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxQiCw1 Bill of Rights in General,
K4zU Natural Rights, Constitutional
Rights, Statutory Right
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZaTH_ Article 4 of the Philippine
6of_o Constitution: Citizenship

7
 CHAPTER IV

FILIPINO CORE VALUES

Objectives:
 Recognize and relate Filipino values, its structures, models philosophical
foundations and elements.

Basic concept of Values

Core values are a person’s or organization’s fundamental beliefs. These guiding

principles dictate conduct and can assist individuals to know the distinction between right
and wrong. It also assists organizations by establishing an unwavering guide to determine
if they are on the correct track and fulfil their objectives. Values are essential because
they assist us to grow. They assist us build the future that we want to experience.

Hundreds of choices are made every day by every person and every organization.
The choices we make reflect our values and beliefs and are always aimed at a particular
purpose. That aimed is our person or collective (organizational) needs to be satisfied.
When we make choices using our values, we create decision to concentrate on what
matters to us. They create inner cohesion within a group when values are shared.

Filipino Values System

Race strains and cultural components

such as Aeta have derived Filipino values.
Indonesians, Malayan, Hindu and
Chinese who created our moral scruples
core. Cultural individuality combined
with Spain-derived cultural
components. The U.S and the
contemporary planetary society (Panopio and
1
Rolda. 2000). You can find Filipinos in almost every part of the globe. We rejoice at the
sight of other co-Filipinos we’re in a foreign nation as if there’s something that connects
us.
Landa Jacano, a famous sociologist says that “there are no negative Filipino
Vaues”. Values slowly alter, but it depends on how powerful families are to preserve,
promote and pass on our cultural values from one generation to the next.

The Filipino values system relates to the set of values or he value system that
has historically been held by a majority of Filipinos in their life. This system of the
Philippine values involves the distinctive combination of coherent ideologies, moral
codes, ethical procedures, cultural etiquette and private values promoted by the
Philippine society. However, as with any culture, the values held sacred by any person
may vary on the grounds of religion, education, and other variables.

Philosophical Foundation of Filipino Values

For the most part, Filipino values are focused on preserving social harmony, mainly
driven by a group’s willingness to be accepted. The primary sanction against diverging
from these values are “Hiya” ideas, approximately translated as “ a sense of shame” and
“Amor proper” or “self-esteem.” Social approval, group recognition, and group
membership are significant issues. Caring for what others believe, say or do is a powerful
influence on Filipinos ‘social behavior.
The Filipino philosophy is basically “non-dualistic” according to antrhropologist
Leonardo Mercado. He concludes, based on his linguistic analysis of Filipino value terms
such as “loob” that Filipinos desire harmony, not only in interpersonal relationships, but
also in nature and religion, while remaining non-dichotomous. The Filipino wants to
harmonized the object and the subject while keeping both as distinct at the same time.

2
MODELS OF THE FILIPINO VALUES

1.) Exogenous Model or The Foreign Model

A “legal and formal” model is defined as the international model. Filipino from
Western cultures, particularly from the Spaniards and the Americans, inherited the foreign
model. An example of foreign or exogenous is the bureaucracy displayed in the Philippine
government.

2.) Indigenous Model or The Traditional Model

Described as a “traditional and non-formal” model o guide, the indigenous model
is deeply integrated in the Filipinos ‘subconscious.

STRUCTURES AND ELEMENTS OF FILIPINO VALUES

The Filipino value system is known to possess significant key components based
on research, surveys, observations, anecdotes and other literatures developed by
scholars and researchers in relation to Filipino social values or core values, together with
the Filipino character or identity of a person or individual known as the Filipino.

One may notice how Hiya (ownership / dignity) ,Pakikisama (companionship /

esteem, and Utang na loob (gratitude / solidarity) are simply Surface Values- readily seen
and appreciated by many Filipinos. These three values are deemed branches of a single
origin- Filipino personality’s real core value- Kapwa

It implies’ totality,’ referring to society, or not doing stuff alone. Ibang Tao (other
people) and Hindi Ibang Tao (not other people) are two types of Kapwa. The surface
values spin of the core value through Pakikiramdam’s Privotal aspects or mutual internal
perception (feeling for someone else).

The values of the Filipinos specifically uphold the following elements: family unit

3
solidarity, security of Philippine economy, orientation towards small groups, personalism,
the concepts of “loob” or “kalooban” (meaning “what’s inside the self”), existence and
maintenance of smooth interpersonal realtionships, and the sense of the self.
In a broader image, these values are categorized into particular clusters or
“macroclusters”.
1.) Cluster of Relationships
2.) Social Cluster
3.) Cluster of Livelihoods
4.) Cluster of Inwardness
5.) Cluster of Optimism

THE FIVE (5) FILIPINO CORE VALUES

Based on Dr. Ramirez’s study “The Filipino Worldwide and Values” and her
perspective as a phenomenological sociologist from centuries of practice, here are The
Five Filipino Core Values based on a Filipino’s Basic Aspirations.

Magpasalamat
This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to
“Pamumuhay’ (Life) and “Pananalig sa Diyos at Kapwa”
(God and People Faith). Filipinos understand how life
can be enjoyed. We have plenty of vacations,
celebrations, occasions, and meetings. Filipino are
cheerful and sociable of course. Even in depressing
circumstances, we wear smiles on our faces. That’s
because we’re always looking at life’s bright side.
We always have a positive outlook because, even in the
smallest things, we always find things to be grateful for. We would always say “Salamat
sa Diyos” (Thank God) whenever excellent things occur because Filipinos would attribute
the blessings of life to the Higher Being from what ever religion. We also recognize other
people’s excellent acts towards us and do our utmost to return the favor.

4
Matatag
Filipinos, being in a nation susceptible to natural disasters, have adjusted and
learned to be powerful in moments of need and in difficult circumstances that life throws
at us. This power is derived from our love for our family and our belief in the greater being.
This is based on Filipino’s “Kaayusan” (Order) aspiration.
In reality, the popular phrase of the Philippines is “Ayos Na.” We Filipinos are
longing for “Kaayusan,” and we will endure all and be powerful in the midst of hardships
and challenges until we overcome the barriers.

Masigasig
We do everything we can to get it when Filipinos dream of something. We’re doing
it for our loved ones and relatives. This is based on the “Kasaganaan” (abundance) and
“Ginhawa” (Relief) aspiration of Filipinos. Not for himself, but for his family, a Filipino
aspires to abundance. Masaganang Bagong Taon (Bountiful New Year) is the Filipino
translation for Happy New Year because we match happiness and celebration with
abundance.

“Ginhawa” in Bisaya implies breath. And the soft breath flow is the soft life flow
we call “Ginhawa.” “Ginhawa” is the feeling of well-being in a Filipino, according to lay
theologian Dr. Jose De Mesa. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) would be an instance
of enduring being away from home to offer their families a healthy life- abundance and
relief from hardships.

Mapagmalasakit

It is because of our family love extended to friends, neighbors and others that
naturally sympathetic Filipinos. This compassion allows us to assist others without in
exchange asking for anything. This is based on the aspiration of Filipinos to “Loob at
Damdamin” and “Kapwa”(Other People). “Loob” is the seat of the dignity of the
Philippines. Filipino’s personality is expressed in his “Kalooban.” Filipinos tune in the

5
“kalooban” of each other by checking the situation of each other and talking about the life
of each other.
Filipinos use “Kapwa” to refer not only a stranger, but to a relative, a neighbor next
door, a distant relative, or a friend because of our family culture. Our characteristic of
“Mapagmalasakit” makes it simple for us to promote the spirit of Bayanihan- to and assist
one another during calamities and to celebrate together on unique occasions.

Magalang
The use of “Po”, “Opo,” and “Pagmamano” (hand kissing) are separate methods
of regard for Filipino people. We say these phrases and use this gesture to demonstrate
our respect and love to elderly. The Filipinos’ respect is not just limited to the elderly but
also to other people’s properties, emotions, and ideas. We are polite people. Our
language is also respectful because it has no sex bias.
THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP) CORE VALUES
Being a noble profession the police service demands from its members specialized
understanding and abilities, as well as great standard of ethics and morality.
The members of the PNP must therefore conform to and internalize the key
principles of:
Love of God
Respect for authority
Respect for Women
Respect for sanctity of marriage
Stewardship over material things
Responsible dominion
Truthfulness

The Police service in the Philippines is expressed in the acronym SERVICE. The
acronym SERVICE stands for:

SERVANT HOOD

6
 As police affirm its unconditional service and love for the nation and individuals,
Police value a supportive and professional role serves and protects its clientele and
community with honesty, utmost devotion and commitment above private concern.

EXCELLENCE

Police are committed in doing

and making things occur effectively and
efficiently in all of their efforts as they
strive to accomplish more consistently
and outstandingly with tangible
outcomes and far beyond their best.

RESPONSIBILITY WITH
ACCOUNTABILITY

Police carry out and execute their responsibilities and tasks as their moral duty is
to serve the public with due diligence and always bearing in mind that they are
accountable and duty bound to promote the public interest.

VALUING PEOPLE AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS

Police always maintain their fellow human beings’ dignity whenever they cater their
needs and are delicate and cautious in serving and protecting them with compassion and
utmost regard for their human rights.

INTEGRITY

Police take an uncompromising and coherent position in the fulfillment of their

7
obligation to live an honest, upright and dignified life according to the highest ethical and
moral norms where their advocacy, values and convictions are compatible with their
words and actions.

COURAGE

From their moral strength police draw their collective and individual power of
approach to always accept difficult duties, and they are courageous enough to speak out
against temptation, anomalies, corruption and exploitation and stand film.

EMPOWERMENT

Police reach out and create bridges of collaboration, nurture volunteerism and
operate in harmony with their clientele by training individuals for a better and safer society
in the process.

Reference Constantino, Renato, “A Past

Revisited” Constantino, Renato,
“Continuing the Past” De Leon,
Hector, “The 1987 Philippine
Constitution”

Video Links Topics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCjYaatMJuY Values | Ethics Defined
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcgiG4Tadw The Filipino Value System
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHfbtn3QtqU PNP CORE VALUES Crim 4

8
 CHAPTER V

RIGHTS TO SUFFRAGE

Objectives:
a) Describe the nature of elections in the Philippines;
b) identify the types of electoral systems; and
c) discuss the implications of the electoral systems on politics and
governance.

 ARTICLE V SECTION 1 of the 1987 Constitution of the

Philippines

Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines, not otherwise

disqualified by law, who are at least 18 years of age and who shall have resided in
the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they
propose to vote for at least 6 months
immediately preceding the election. No
literacy, property or other substantive
requirement shall be imposed on the
exercise of suffrage.

On the other hand, suffrage is one of the

political rights enjoyed by the citizens of the country. This is because through the
exercise of suffrage, citizens can participate in the establishment and
administration of government. Thus, it includes election, plebiscite, referendum,
initiative and recall.

1
  ARTICLE V SECTION 2 of the Philippine Constitution

The Congress shall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity of the
ballot as well as a system for absentee voting by qualified Filipinos abroad. The
Congress shall also design a procedure for the disabled and the illiterates to vote
without the assistance of other persons. Until then, they shall be allowed to vote
under existing laws and such rules as the Commission on Elections may
promulgate to protect the secrecy of the ballot.
Scope of Suffrage

Election – means by which people choose their officials for

definite and fixed periods and to whom they entrust, for the time
being as their representatives, the exercise of powers of
government.
Plebiscite – the vote of the people .expressing their choice for or
against a proposed law or enactment submitted to them
Referendum – the submission of a law by the national or local
legislative to the voting citizens of a country for their ratification.
Initiative – the process whereby the people directly propose and
enact laws
Recall – method by which a public officer may be removed from
office during his tenure or before the expiration of his term by a
vote of the people after registration of a petition signed by a
required percentage of voters.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is the agency that enforces and

administers all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections in the
country.

2
The functions of the COMELEC based on Section 2, Article IX-C of the 1987
Constitution are as follows:
Enforce and administer all laws and regulations
relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite,
initiative, referendum, and recall.

Exercise exclusive original jurisdiction

over all contests relating to the elections, returns,
and qualifications of all elective regional, provincial,
and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all
contests involving elective municipal officials decided by trial
courts of general jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials
decided by trial courts of limited jurisdiction.

Decisions, final orders, or rulings of the Commission on election

contests involving elective municipal and barangay offices shall be
final, executory, and not appealable.

Decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions

affecting elections, including determination of the number and
location of polling places, appointment of election officials and
inspectors, and registration of voters.

Deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement

agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the
Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of
ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections.

Register, after sufficient publication, political parties, organizations,

or coalitions which, in addition to other requirements, must present

3
their platform or program of government; and accredit citizens' arms
of the Commission on Elections.

Religious denominations and sects shall not be registered. Those

which seek to achieve their goals through violence or unlawful
means, or refuse to uphold and adhere to this Constitution, or which
are supported by any foreign government shall likewise be refused
registration.

Financial contributions from foreign governments and their agencies

to political parties, organizations, coalitions, or candidates related to
elections, constitute interference in national affairs, and, when
accepted, shall be an additional ground for the cancellation of their
registration with the Commission, in addition to other penalties that
may be prescribed by law.

File, upon a verified complaint, or on its own initiative, petitions in

court for inclusion or exclusion of voters; investigate and, where
appropriate, prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including
acts or omissions constituting election frauds, offenses, and
malpractices.

Recommend to the Congress effective measures to minimize

election spending, including limitation of places where propaganda
materials shall be posted, and to prevent and penalize all forms of
election frauds, offenses, malpractices, and nuisance candidacies.

Recommend to the President the removal of any officer or employee

it has deputized, or the imposition of any other disciplinary action, for
violation or disregard of, or disobedience to, its directive, order, or

4
 decision.

Submit to the President and the Congress, a comprehensive report

on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or
recall.

Reference Constantino, Renato, “A Past

Revisited” Constantino, Renato,
“Continuing the Past” De Leon,
Hector, “The 1987 Philippine
Constitution”

Video Links Topics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aayEAooF3Hs Article 5 of the Philippine
Constitution: Suffrage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efO54ewIALo Issue Elections: Referendums
and Initiatives
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toZmcFzHDV8 Commission on Elections: Duties
and Functions

5
 CHAPTER VI

RA 6713

Objectives:
 Define the public officials;
 Enumerate the Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees.

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for
Public Officials and Employees."

Section 2. is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service.
Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall
discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act
with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal
interest.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the term:

(a) "Government" includes the National

Government, the local governments, and all
other instrumentalities, agencies or branches
of the Republic of the Philippines including
government-owned or controlled
corporations, and their subsidiaries.

(b) "Public Officials" includes elective and

appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the career
or non-career service, including military and police personnel, whether or not they
receive compensation, regardless of amount.

1
(c) "Gift" refers to a thing or a right to dispose of gratuitously, or any act or liberality,
in favor of another who accepts it, and shall include a simulated sale or an
ostensibly onerous disposition thereof. It shall not include an unsolicited gift of
nominal or insignificant value not given in anticipation of, or in exchange for, a favor
from a public official or employee.

(d) "Receiving any gift" includes the act of accepting directly or indirectly, a gift
from a person other than a member of his family or relative as defined in this Act,
even on the occasion of a family celebration or national festivity like Christmas, if
the value of the gift is neither nominal nor insignificant, or the gift is given in
anticipation of, or in exchange for, a favor.

(e) "Loan" covers both simple loan and commodatum as well as guarantees,
financing arrangements or accommodations intended to ensure its approval.

(f) "Substantial stockholder" means any person who owns, directly or indirectly,
shares of stock sufficient to elect a director of a corporation. This term shall also
apply to the parties to a voting trust.

(g) "Family of public officials or employees" means their spouses and

unmarried children under eighteen (18) years of age.

(h) "Person" includes natural and juridical persons unless the context indicates
otherwise.

(i) "Conflict of interest" arises when a public official or employee is a member of

a board, an officer, or a substantial stockholder of a private corporation or owner
or has a substantial interest in a business, and the interest of such corporation or
business, or his rights or duties therein, may be opposed to or affected by the
faithful performance of official duty.

(j) "Divestment" is the transfer of title or disposal of interest in property by

voluntarily, completely and actually depriving or dispossessing oneself of his right
2
 or title to it in favor of a person or persons other than his spouse and relatives as
defined in this Act.

(k) "Relatives" refers to any and all persons related to a public official or employee
within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, including bilas, inso and
balae.

Section 4. Norms of Conduct of Public Officials and Employees. - (A) Every public
official and employee shall observe the following as standards of personal conduct in the
discharge and execution of official duties:

(a) Commitment to public interest. - Public officials and employees shall

always uphold the public interest over and above personal interest. All
government resources and powers of their respective offices must be
employed and used efficiently, effectively, honestly and economically,
particularly to avoid wastage in public funds and revenues.

(b) Professionalism. - Public officials and employees shall perform and

discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence,
professionalism, intelligence and skill. They shall enter public service with
utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage
wrong perceptions of their roles as dispensers or peddlers of undue
patronage.

(c) Justness and sincerity. - Public officials and employees shall remain
true to the people at all times. They must act with justness and sincerity and
shall not discriminate against anyone, especially the poor and the
underprivileged. They shall at all times respect the rights of others, and shall
refrain from doing acts contrary to law, good morals, good customs, public
policy, public order, public safety and public interest. They shall not
dispense or extend undue favors on account of their office to their relatives
whether by consanguinity or affinity except with respect to appointments of
3
such relatives to positions considered strictly confidential or as members of
their personal staff whose terms are coterminous with theirs.

(d) Political neutrality. - Public officials and employees shall provide

service to everyone without unfair discrimination and regardless of party
affiliation or preference.

(e) Responsiveness to the public. - Public officials and employees shall

extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public. Unless
otherwise provided by law or when required by the public interest, public
officials and employees shall provide information of their policies and
procedures in clear and understandable language, ensure openness of
information, public consultations and hearings whenever appropriate,
encourage suggestions, simplify and systematize policy, rules and
procedures, avoid red tape and develop an understanding and appreciation
of the socio-economic conditions prevailing in the country, especially in the
depressed rural and urban areas.

(f) Nationalism and patriotism. - Public officials and employees shall at all
times be loyal to the Republic and to the Filipino people, promote the use
of locally produced goods, resources and technology and encourage
appreciation and pride of country and people. They shall endeavor to
maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign intrusion.

(g) Commitment to democracy. - Public officials and employees shall

commit themselves to the democratic way of life and values, maintain the
principle of public accountability, and manifest by deeds the supremacy of
civilian authority over the military. They shall at all times uphold the
Constitution and put loyalty to country above loyalty to persons or party.

4
 (h) Simple living. - Public officials and employees and their families shall
lead modest lives appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not
indulge in extravagant or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.

(B) The Civil Service Commission shall adopt positive measures to promote (1)
observance of these standards including the dissemination of information
programs and workshops authorizing merit increases beyond regular progression
steps, to a limited number of employees recognized by their office colleagues to
be outstanding in their observance of ethical standards; and (2) continuing
research and experimentation on measures which provide positive motivation to
public officials and employees in raising the general level of observance of these
standards.

Reference: https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_
6713_1989.html
Video Links Topics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_ discussion on conduct and ethical standards
nczCGaMc8 for public officials and employees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K Ano ang conflict of interest at paano ito
0b9No-5BGI maiiwasan?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt The Civil Service Commission
mQy8ahN2M

5
 CHAPTER VII.
THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Objectives:
a) Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Senate and the
House of Representatives;
b) Explain the functions of Executive branch;
c)

ARTICLE VII

Executive Department

 The executive power shall be vested in the President of the Philippines.

 No person may be elected President unless he is a natural-born citizen of
the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, at least forty years
of age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for at
least ten years immediately preceding such election.

1
  There shall be a Vice-President who shall have the same qualifications and
term of office and be elected with and in the same manner as the President.
He may be removed from office in the same manner as the President.
 The Vice-President may be appointed as a Member of the Cabinet. Such
appointment requires no confirmation.

The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people
for a term of six years which shall begin at noon on the thirtieth day of June next following
the day of the election and shall end at noon of the same date six years thereafter. The
President shall not be eligible for any reelection. No person who has succeeded as
President and has served as such for more than four years shall be qualified for election
to the same office at any time.

No Vice-President shall serve for more than two consecutive terms. Voluntary
renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption
in the continuity of the service for the full term for which he was elected.

Unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election for President and Vice-
President shall be held on the second Monday of May.

The returns of every election for President and Vice-President, duly certified by the
board of canvassers of each province or city, shall be transmitted to the Congress,
directed to the President of the Senate. Upon receipt of the certificates of canvass, the
President of the Senate shall, not later than thirty days after the day of the election, open
all certificates in the presence of the Senate and the House of Representatives in joint
public session, and the Congress, upon determination of the authenticity and due
execution thereof in the manner provided by law, canvass the votes.

The person having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected, but in
case two or more shall have an equal and highest number of votes, one of them shall
forthwith be chosen by the vote of a majority of all the Members of both Houses of the
Congress, voting separately.
2
 The Congress shall promulgate its rules for the canvassing of the certificates.

The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the
election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice- President, and may
promulgate its rules for the purpose.

Before they enter on the execution of their office, the President, the Vice-President,
or the Acting President shall take the following oath or affirmation:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties as
President (or Vice-President or Acting President) of the Philippines, preserve and defend
its Constitution, execute its laws, do justice to every man, and consecrate myself to the
service of the Nation. So help me God.” (In case of affirmation, last sentence will be
omitted.)

In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the

President, the Vice-President shall become the President to serve the unexpired term. In
case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of both the
President and Vice-President, the President of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall then act as President until the President
or Vice-President shall have been elected and qualified.

The Congress shall, by law, provide who shall serve as President in case of death,
permanent disability, or resignation of the Acting President. He shall serve until the
President or the Vice-President shall have been elected and qualified, and be subject to
the same restrictions of powers and disqualifications as the Acting President.

Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office of the Vice-President during the term
for which he was elected, the President shall nominate a Vice-President from among the
Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives who shall assume office upon
confirmation by a majority vote of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting
separately.

3
The Congress shall, at ten o’clock in the morning of the third day after the vacancy in the
offices of the President and Vice-President occurs, convene in accordance with its rules
without need of a call and within seven days enact a law calling for a special election to
elect a President and a Vice-President to be held not earlier than forty-five days nor later
than sixty days from the time of such call. The bill calling such special election shall be
deemed certified under paragraph 2, Section 26, Article VI of this Constitution and shall
become law upon its approval on third reading by the Congress. Appropriations for the
special election shall be charged against any current appropriations and shall be exempt
from the requirements of paragraph 4, Section 25, Article VI of this Constitution. The
convening of the Congress cannot be suspended nor the special election postponed. No
special election shall be called if the vacancy occurs within eighteen months before the
date of the next presidential election.

Whenever a majority of all the Members of the Cabinet transmit to the President
of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration
that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice-
President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting
President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President of the Senate and to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists,
he shall reassume the powers and duties of his office. Meanwhile, should a majority of all
the Members of the Cabinet transmit within five days to the President of the Senate and
to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President
is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Congress shall decide the
issue. For that purpose, the Congress shall convene, if it is not in session, within forty-
eight hours, in accordance with its rules and without need of call.

If the Congress, within ten days after receipt of the last written declaration, or, if not in
session, within twelve days after it is required to assemble, determines by a two-thirds
vote of both Houses, voting separately, that the President is unable to discharge the

4
powers and duties of his office, the Vice-President shall act as the President; otherwise,
the President shall continue exercising the powers and duties of his office.

Two months immediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end
of his term, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except
temporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein will
prejudice public service or endanger public safety.

The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on
Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other
public ministers and consuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or
naval captain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this
Constitution. He shall also appoint all other officers of the Government whose
appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be
authorized by law to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other
officers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments,
agencies, commissions, or boards.

The President shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the
Congress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments shall be effective only
until after disapproval by the Commission on Appointments or until the next adjournment
of the Congress.

The President shall have control of all the executive departments, bureaus, and
offices. He shall ensure that the laws be faithfully executed.

The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the

Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to
prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or
rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days,
suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part
thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or
5
the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a
report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of
at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such
proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President.
Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such
proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion
or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.

The Congress, if not in session, shall, within twenty-four hours following such
proclamation or suspension, convene in accordance with its rules without any need of a
call.

The Supreme Court may review, in an appropriate proceeding filed by any citizen,
the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of
the privilege of the writ or the extension thereof, and must promulgate its decision thereon
within thirty days from its filing.

A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant
the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment
of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to
function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ.

The suspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons judicially charged
for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with the invasion.

During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus arrested or
detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released.

Except in cases of impeachment, or as otherwise provided in this Constitution,

the President may grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, and remit fines and
forfeitures, after conviction by final judgment.

6
 Article VII

Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch enacts legislation, confirms or rejects

Presidential appointments, and

has the authority to declare war. This branch includes Congress (the
Senate and House of

Representatives) and several agencies that provide support services to

Congress.

The Philippines is a republic with a presidential form of government

wherein power is equally divided among its three branches:
executive, legislative, and judicial.

One basic corollary in a presidential system of government is the

principle of separation of powers wherein legislation belongs to
Congress, execution to the Executive, and settlement of legal
controversies to the Judiciary.

The Legislative branch is authorized to make laws, alter, and repeal

them through the power vested in the Philippine Congress. This
institution is divided into the Senate and the House of
Representatives.

According to the 1987 Constitution, legislative power shall be vested in

the Congress of the Philippines, which shall consist of a Senate and
a House of Representatives.

The Senate shall be composed of twenty-four Senators who shall be

elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines, as may be
provided by law; the House of Representatives shall be composed
of not more than 250 (unless otherwise fixed by law), 20 percent of
7
 whom must be Party-list representatives.

The Philippine Congress

The Philippine Congress is the country’s legislative department (Art. VI,

Sec. 1)

Congress is bicameral (1) Upper House: Senate (2) Lower House:

House of

Representatives

The qualifications to become a senator, as stipulated in the

constitution, are:

 a natural-born citizen of the Philippines;

 at least thirty-five years old;
 is able to read and write
 a registered voter; and
 a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years before
election day.
Meanwhile, the constitution provides for the following criteria to
become a member of

the House of Representatives:

 a natural-born citizen of the Philippines;

 at least twenty-five years old;
 is able to read and write; and
 except the party-list representatives, a registered voter and a
resident for at least one year in the district where s/he shall be
elected.

8
Legislative process

Congress - is responsible for making enabling laws to make sure the

spirit of the constitution is upheld in the country and, at times, amend
or change the constitution itself. In order to craft laws, the legislative
body comes out with two main documents: bills and resolutions.

Resolutions - convey principles and sentiments of the Senate or the

House of Representatives. These resolutions can further be divided
into three different elements:

Joint resolutions — require the approval of both chambers of Congress

and the signature of the President, and have the force and effect of
a law if approved.

concurrent resolutions — used for matters affecting the operations of

both chambers of Congress and must be approved in the same form
by both houses, but are not transmitted to the President for his
signature and therefore have no force and effect of a law.
9
 Simple resolutions — deal with matters entirely within the prerogative
of one chamber of Congress, are not referred to the President for his
signature, and therefore have no force and effect of a law.

Bills - are laws in the making. They pass into law when they are
approved by both houses and the President of the Philippines. A bill
may be vetoed by the President, but the House of Representatives
may overturn a presidential veto by garnering a 2/3rds vote. If the
President does not act on a proposed law submitted by Congress, it
will lapse into law after 30 days of receipt.

Article VIII

Judicial Department

The Judicial branch holds

the power to settle
controversies involving
rights that are legally
demandable and
enforceable. This branch
determines whether or not
there has been a grave
abuse of discretion
amounting to lack or
excess of jurisdiction on
the part and instrumentality of the government. It is made up of a Supreme Court and
lower courts.

10
The Constitution expressly grants the Supreme Court the power of Judicial Review
as the power to declare a treaty, international or executive agreement, law,
presidential decree, proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance or regulation
unconstitutional.
Judicial power rests with the Supreme Court and the lower courts, as established
by law (Art. VIII, sec. 1 of the 1987 Constitution). Its duty is to settle actual
controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and enforceable (Art.
VIII Sec. 1 (2)).

The judiciary enjoys fiscal autonomy. Its appropriation may not be reduced by
the Legislature below the appropriated amount the previous year (Art. VIII, Sec. 3)

RULES AND PROCEDURES

The Rules of Court of the Philippines, as amended and the rules and regulations
issued by the Supreme Court, define the rules and procedures of the judiciary.
These rules and regulations are in the form of administrative matters,
administrative orders, circulars, memorandum circulars, memorandum orders, and
OCA circulars. The Supreme Court disseminates these rules and regulations to
all courts, publishes important ones in newspapers of general circulation, prints
them in book or pamphlet form, and uploads them to the Supreme Court website
and the Supreme Court E-Library website.

On June 21, 1988, the Supreme Court promulgated the Code of Professional
Responsibility for the legal profession. The draft was prepared by the Committee
on Responsibility, Discipline and Disbarment of the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines.

11
 APPOINTMENTS TO THE JUDICIARY
By virtue of Article VIII, Section 8, appointments to the judiciary
are made by the President of the Philippines based on a list
submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council which is under the
supervision of the Supreme Court. Its principal function is to
screen prospective appointees to any judicial post. It is composed
of the chief justice as ex-officio chairman, the Secretary of Justice
and representatives of Congress as ex-officio members, and a
representative of the Integrated Bar, a professor of law, a retired
member of the Supreme Court and a representative of the private
sector as members.

HISTORY OF THE SUPREME COURT

The royal audencia was established on May 5, 1583, composed of a president,

four oidores (justices) and a fiscal. The audencia exercised both administrative
and judicial functions. Its functions and structure were modified in 1815 when a
chief justice replaced its president and the number of justices was increased. It
came to be known as the Audencia Territorial de Manila with two branches, civil
and criminal. A royal decree issued on July 24, 1861 converted it to a purely
judicial body with its decisions appealable to the Court of Spain in Madrid. A
territorial audencia in Cebu, and audencia for criminal cases in Vigan were
organized on February 26, 1898.

Philippine Revolution and First Republic

In the three phases of the revolution: 1896-1897; 1898; 1899-1901, the exigencies
of war prevented the thorough organization of the administration of justice.
Katipunan councils, then the provisional governments of Tejeros, Biak-na-Bato,
and the Revolutionary Republic proclaimed in Kawit, essentially had General
12
 Emilio Aguinaldo exercising decree-making powers instituting ad hoc courts and
reviewing any appeals concerning their decisions.

In 1899, when the Malolos Constitution was ratified, it provided for a Supreme
Court of Justice. President Aguinaldo proposed the appointment of Apolinario
Mabini as Chief Justice, but the appointment and the convening of the Supreme
Court of Justice never materialized because of the Philippine-American War.

Present Day Supreme Court

Pursuant to the provisions of the 1987 Constitution, the Supreme Court is

composed of a chief Justice and 14 associate justices who serve until the age of
70. The court may site banc or in one of its three divisions composed of five
members each. The chief justice and associate justices are appointed by the
President of the Philippines, chosen from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial and
Bar Council. The president must fill up a vacancy within 90 days of occurrence.
Article VIII, Section 4 (2) of the constitution explicitly provides for the cases that
must be heard en banc, and Section 4 (3) for cases that may be heard by divisions.
The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980 transferred the administrative
supervision of all courts and their personnel from the Department of Justice to the
Supreme Court. This was affirmed by Article VIII, Section 6 of the 1987
Constitution. To effectively discharge this constitutional mandate, the Office of the
Court Administrator (OCA) was created under Presidential Decree No. 828, as
amended by Presidential Decree No. 842 (and its functions further strengthened
by a resolution of the Supreme Court en banc dated October 24, 1996). Its principal
function is the supervision and administration of the lower courts throughout the
Philippines and all their personnel. It reports and recommends to the Supreme
Court all actions that affect the lower court management. The OCA is headed by

13
the court administrator, three deputy court administrators, and three assistant court
administrators.

According to the 1987 Constitution, Article VIII, Section 5, the Supreme Court
exercises the following powers:

 Exercise jurisdiction over cases affecting ambassadors, other

public ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari,
prohibition, mandamus, quo warranto, and habeas corpus.
 Review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm, on appeal or certiorari,
as the law or the Rules of Court may provide, final judgments and
orders of the lower courts in:
 All cases in which the constitutionality or validity of any treaty,
international or executive agreement, law, presidential decree,
proclamation, order, instruction, ordinance, or regulation is in
question;
 All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or
toll, or any penalty imposed in relation thereto;
 All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue;
 All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion
perpetua or higher;
 All cases in which only an error or question of law is involved;
 Assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other stations as
public interest may require. Such temporary assignments shall
not exceed six months without the consent of the judge
concerned.
 Order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage
of justice.
 Promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement of
constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all

14
 courts; the admission to the practice of law, the Integrated Bar;
and legal assistance to the underprivileged. Such rules shall
provide a simplified and inexpensive procedure for the speedy
disposition of cases, shall be uniform for all courts the same
grade, and shall not diminish, increase or modify substantive
rights. Rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial
bodies shall remain effective unless disapproved by the Supreme
Court.
 Appoint all officials and employees of the Judiciary in accordance
with the Civil Service Law (Sec. 5 , id.).
Court of Appeals

The Court of Appeals is the second highest tribunal in the country, which was
established on February 1, 1936 by virtue of Commonwealth Act No. 3. The current
form of the Court of Appeals was constituted through Batas Pambansa Blg. 129,
as amended by Executive Order No. 33, s. 1986, Republic Act No. 7902, and
Republic Act No. 8246.

The jurisdiction of the Court of Appeals are as follows:

 Original jurisdiction to issue writs of mandamus, prohibition,

certiorari, habeas corpus, and quo warranto, and auxiliary writs
or processes, whether or not in aid of its appellate jurisdiction;
 Exclusive original jurisdiction over actions for annulment of
judgements of Regional Trial Courts; and
 Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all final judgements,
resolutions, orders or awards of Regional Trial Courts and quasi-
judicial agencies, instrumentalities, boards or commission.
 The Court of Appeals shall also have the power to try cases and
conduct hearings, receive evidence and perform acts necessary
15
 to resolve factual issues raised in cases falling within its original
and appellate jurisdiction, including the power to grant and
conduct new trials or proceedings.

 The Court of Appeals is composed of one presiding justice and

68 associate justices, all of which are appointed by the President
from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar Council. The
associate justices shall have precedence according to the dates
(or order, in case of similar appointment dates) of their respective
appointments. The qualifications for the justices of the Supreme
Court also apply to members of the Court of Appeals.

 The current presiding justice of the Court of Appeals is Andres

Reyes Jr., who is set to retire on May 11, 2020.

Court of Tax Appeals

` The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), which is of the same level as the Court of
Appeals, was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 1125, which was signed into
law on June 16, 1954. Its present-day form was constituted through RA 1125, as
amended by Republic Act No. 9282 and Republic Act No. 9503.

The CTA exercises jurisdiction in the following:

 Exclusive appellate jurisdiction to review by appeal, as herein

provided:
 Decisions of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in cases
involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue
taxes, fees or other charges, penalties in relation thereto, or other
matters arising under the National Internal Revenue or other laws
administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue;

16
 Inaction by the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in cases
involving disputed assessments, refunds of internal revenue
taxes, fees or other charges, penalties in relations thereto, or
other matters arising under the National Internal Revenue Code
or other laws administered by the Bureau of Internal Revenue,
where the National Internal Revenue Code provides a specific
period of action, in which case the inaction shall be deemed a
denial;
 Decisions, orders or resolutions of the Regional Trial Courts in
local tax cases originally decided or resolved by them in the
exercise of their original or appellate jurisdiction;
 Decisions of the Commissioner of Customs in cases involving
liability for customs duties, fees or other money charges, seizure,
detention or release of property affected, fines, forfeitures or
other penalties in relation thereto, or other matters arising under
the Customs Law or other laws administered by the Bureau of
Customs;
 Decisions of the Central Board of Assessment Appeals in the
exercise of its appellate jurisdiction over cases involving the
assessment and taxation of real property originally decided by the
provincial or city board of assessment appeals;
 Decisions of the Secretary of Finance on customs cases elevated
to him automatically for review from decisions of the
Commissioner of Customs which are adverse to the Government
under Section 2315 of the Tariff and Customs Code;
 Decisions of the Secretary of Trade and Industry, in the case of
non-agricultural product, commodity or article, and the Secretary
of Agriculture in the case of agricultural product, commodity or
article, involving dumping and countervailing duties under
Section 301 and 302, respectively, of the Tariff and Customs

17
 Code, and safeguard measures under Republic Act No. 8800,
where either party may appeal the decision to impose or not to
impose said duties.
 Jurisdiction over cases involving criminal offenses as herein
provided:
 Exclusive original jurisdiction over all criminal offenses arising
from violations of the National Internal Revenue Code or Tariff
and Customs Code and other laws administered by the Bureau
of Internal Revenue or the Bureau of Customs: Provided,
however, that offenses or felonies mentioned in this paragraph
where the principal amount of taxes and fees, exclusive of
charges and penalties, claimed is less than P1 million or where
there is no specified amount claimed shall be tried by the regular
courts and the jurisdiction of the CTA shall be appellate.
 Exclusive appellate jurisdiction in criminal offenses:
 Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders of the
Regional Trial Courts in tax cases originally decided by them, in
their respective territorial jurisdiction.
 Over petitions for review of the judgments, resolutions or orders
of the Regional Trial Courts in the exercise of their appellate
jurisdiction over tax cases originally decided by the Metropolitan
Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal Circuit Trial
Courts in their respective jurisdiction.
 Jurisdiction over tax collection cases as herein provided:
 Exclusive original jurisdiction in tax collection cases involving final
and executory assessments for taxes, fees, charges and
penalties: Provided, however, that collection cases where the
principal amount of taxes and fees, exclusive of charges and
penalties, claimed is less than P1 million shall be tried by the
proper Municipal Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court and

18
 Regional Trial Court.
 Exclusive appellate jurisdiction in tax collection cases:
 Over appeals from the judgments, resolutions or orders of the
Regional Trial Courts in tax collection cases originally decided by
them, in their respective territorial jurisdiction.
 Over petitions for review of the judgments, resolutions or orders
of the Regional Trial Courts in the Exercise of their appellate
jurisdiction over tax collection cases originally decided by the
Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts and Municipal
Circuit Trial Courts, in their respective jurisdiction.

The CTA is composed of one presiding justice and 8 associate justices, all of which
are appointed by the President from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial and Bar
Council. The associate justices shall have precedence according to the dates (or
order, in case of similar appointment dates) of their respective appointments. The
qualifications for the justices of the Court of Appeals also apply to members of the
CTA.

The current presiding justice of the CTA is Roman del Rosario, who is set to retire
on October 6, 2025.

Sandiganbayan

To attain the highest norms of official conduct among officials and employees in
the government, the creation of a special graft court to be known as the
Sandiganbayan was provided for in Article XIII, Section 5 of the 1973 Constitution.
This court was formally established through Presidential Decree No. 1606, which
was signed into law on December 10, 1978.

19
Through Article XI (Accountability of Public Officers), Section 4 of the 1987
Constitution, the Sandiganbayan was carried over to the post-EDSA Revolution
republic. The current form of the Sandiganbayan was constituted through PD 1606,
s. 1978, as amended by Republic Act No. 7975 and Republic Act No. 8245.

The Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over the following:

 Violations of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt

Practices Act, as amended, and Chapter II, Section 2, Title VII,
Book II of the Revised Penal Code, where one or more of the
accused are officials occupying the following positions in the
government whether in a permanent, acting or interim capacity,
at the time of the commission of the offense:
 Officials of the executive branch occupying the positions of
regional director and higher, otherwise classified as grade 27 and
higher, of the Compensation and Position Classification Act of
1989 (Republic Act No. 6758), specifically including:
 Provincial governors, vice-governors, members of the
sangguniang panlalawigan and provincial treasurers, assessors,
engineers and other provincial department heads;
 City mayors, vice-mayors, members of the sangguniang
panlungsod, city treasurers, assessors engineers and other city
department heads;
 Officials of the diplomatic service occupying the position of consul
and higher;
 Philippine army and air force colonels, naval captains, and all
officers of higher rank;
 Officers of the Philippine National Police while occupying the
position of provincial director and those holding the rank of senior
superintendent or higher;

20
  City and provincial prosecutors and their assistants, and officials
and prosecutors in the Office of the Ombudsman and special
prosecutor;
 Presidents, directors or trustees, or managers of government-
owned or -controlled corporations, state universities or
educational institutions or foundations;
 Members of Congress and officials thereof classified as grade 27
and up under the Compensation and Position Classification Act
of 1989;
 Members of the judiciary without prejudice to the provisions of the
constitution;
 Chairmen and members of constitutional commissions, without
prejudice to the provisions of the constitution; and
 All other national and local officials classified as Grade 27 and
higher under the Compensation and Position Classification Act of
1989.
 Other offenses or felonies whether simple or complexed with
other crimes committed by the public officials and employees
mentioned in subsection a of this section in relation to their office.
 Civil and criminal cases filed pursuant to and in connection with
Executive Order Nos. 1, 2, 14 and 14-A, s. 1986.

In addition, the Sandiganbayan exercises exclusive appellate jurisdiction over final

judgments, resolutions or orders or regional trial courts whether in the exercise of
their own original jurisdiction or of their appellate jurisdiction as herein provided.

The Sandiganbayan also has exclusive original jurisdiction over petitions for the
issuance of the writs of mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, habeas corpus,
injunctions, and other ancillary writs and processes in aid of its appellate
jurisdiction and over petitions of similar nature, including quo warranto, arising or

21
 that may arise in cases filed or which may be filed under Executive Order Nos.
1,2,14 and 14-A issued in 1986.

In case private individuals are charged as co-principals, accomplices or

accessories with the public officers or employees, including those employed in
govemment-owned or controlled corporations, they shall be tried jointly with said
public officers and employees in the proper courts which shall exercise exclusive
jurisdiction over them.

The Sandiganbayan comprises of one presiding justice and 14 associate justices,

all of which are appointed by the President from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial
and Bar Council. The associate justices shall have precedence according to the
dates (or order, in case of similar appointment dates) of their respective
appointments.

The qualifications to become a member of the Sandiganbayan are as follows:

a natural-born citizen of the Philippines;

at least 40 years of age
has been a judge of a court for at least ten years, or been
engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines or has held office
requiring admission to the bar as a prerequisite for at least ten
years.
Reference https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/about/go
v/judiciary/
Video Links Topics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyDn The Executive Department
uRltFc4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmjo The Legislative Branch Of Philippine
sgipKOs Government
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfC ARTICLE 8 Judicial Branch of The
X_rtNPPo Philippines

22
 CHAPTER VIII

RA7160

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991

Objectives:
o Identify the different levels of the local government;
o Explain the functions of the local government units

Relations with the Philippine National Police

SECTION 28. Powers of Local Chief Executives over the Units of the Philippine
National Police. – The extent of operational supervision and control of local chief
executives over the police force, fire protection unit, and jail management personnel
assigned in their respective jurisdictions shall be governed by the provisions of Republic
Act Numbered Sixty-nine hundred seventy-five (R.A. No. 6975), otherwise known as “The
Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990”, and the rules and
regulations issued pursuant thereto.

Decentralization

Decentralization Push Post-Marcos Dictatorship/ People Power Revolution

Local Autonomy
(Self-governing”) The granting of more powers, authority,
responsibilities and resources by the national government to local
government units in order to be self-reliant and active partners.
Decentralization •
Transfer of power and authority from central institution to lower or local
levels of a government system. According to Raul P. De Guzman,
generally refers to the systematic and rational dispersal of power,

1
 authority and responsibility from the center to the periphery, from top to
lower levels, or from national to local governments.

THE LOCAL GOVERNANCE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Government
Republican form
Executive, Legislative (Bicameral), Judiciary

Local Government Units

80 PROVINCES
143 CITIES
1491 MUNICIPALITIES
42,028 BARANGAYS

Local Government – It
pertains to the activity by
which local officials, both
elected and appointed,
implement the goals and
manage the resources of
the local government unit.

2
Region A sub-national administrative unit comprising of several
provinces having more or less homogenous characteristics, such
as ethnic origin of inhabitants, dialect spoken, agricultural
produce.

Province The largest unit in the political structure of the

Philippines. It consists, in varying numbers, of municipalities and,
in some cases, of component cities. Its functions and duties in
relation to its component cities and municipalities are generally
coordinative and supervisory. Sanguniang Panlalawigan.

City There are three classes of cities in the Philippines: the highly
urbanized, the independent component cities which are
independent of the province, and the component cities which are
part of the provinces where they are located and subject to their
administrative supervision. Sanguniang Panlungsod.

3
Municipality Is a political corporate body which is endowed with
the facilities of a municipal corporation, exercised by and through
the municipal government in conformity with law. It is a subsidiary
of the province which consists of a number of barangays within
its territorial boundaries, one of which is the seat of government
found at the town proper (poblacion). Sanguniang Bayan.

Barangay The smallest political unit into which cities and

municipalities in the Philippines are divided. It is the basic unit of
the Philippine political system. It consists of less than 1,000
inhabitants residing within the territorial limit of a city or
municipality and administered by a set of elective officials,
headed by a barangay chairman (punong barangay). •
Sanguniang Barangay • Sanguniang Kabataan

4
ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

Aims of the Local Government Code 1991 Purpose:

transform LGUs into self-reliant communities and active partners in nation building
by giving them
more powers, authority, responsibilities and resources • Hopes to achieve
economic development at
the regional and local levels by giving LCE more freedom in carrying out their
programs that are
suitable in their areas (RA 7160)

5
 SOME EFFECT OF DECENTRALIZATION IN GOVERNANCE
 Effect of Decentralization in Governance
• Improved delivery of basic services such as providing
medicines, equipments and other essential supplies in
government hospitals.
• The people will be closer to government • Improved
receptiveness of the government to the people’s needs.

Reference https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7160_1991.html
Topic Links
The Philippine Local https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23vknSpPF20
Government | Part 1
Panayam kay Czarina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpkAK4GSCJ4
Medina-Guce ukol sa
1991 Local
Government Code of
the Philippines
Philippine Politics and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFKqprhvHw8
Governance - The
Local Government
Unit

6
 CHAPTER IX

POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE PHILIPPINES

Objectives:
 Describe the nature of political parties in the Philippines;
 Discuss the implications of the existing political party system in the
Philippines on the governance of the country; and
 Propose different advocacies and how to address them through the
methods unutilized by political parties.

Political parties in the Philippines are of diverse ideologies and are plentiful in
number. Most of these parties do not have actual grassroots membership among ordinary
voters but rather that of political figures and leaders.

What is a Political Party ?

A group of people that is

organized for the purpose of
winning government power, by
electoral or other means. Voluntary
association of individuals who
advocate certain principles or
policies as superior to all others for
the general conduct of government
and which nominates and supports
certain of its leaders as electoral
candidates.

1
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

THE 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
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.

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 6. Contest election- “wage war” in the general election
7. Form governments- organized along party lines government appointments in
executive

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.

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.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF PARTY SYSTEM

1. One-Party System. There is a monopoly of power; as the name

suggests, there is just one existing part.

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 2. Two-Party System. There are two parties going against each other
for domination in the government. In some cases, such as in the
United States, there are only two parties. In other countries, there is
two plus one or more party system where there are two “major”
parties and several minor ones.
3. Multiparty System. As the name implies, more than two parties
compete with almost equal capabilities in affecting and winning in the
political competition.
Reference https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the
_Philippines
Video Links Topic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H19 Political Party Functions and Structure
KlkKI1_g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH Political Parties in the Philippines
ROXfFsco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEm Political Parties: Crash Course Government
OUHxessE and Politics #40

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 CHAPTER X

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW

Objectives:
Discuss the different laws protecting our environment.

REPUBLIC ACT 9003 ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF 2000

In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and
ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure the protection of public
health and environment. The law ensures
proper segregation, collection, storage,
treatment and disposal of solid waste
through the formulation and adaptation of
best eco-waste products.

REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN

WATER ACT OF 2004

The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from land-based sources
(industries and commercial establishments, agriculture and community/household
activities). It provides for comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize
pollution through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the
stakeholders.

REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999

The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air Quality
guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the
possible associated impacts to the economy

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REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR WASTE
CONTROL ACT OF 1990

The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation, manufacture, processing,
sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures the present
unreasonable risk to human health. It likewise prohibits the entry, even in transit, of
hazardous and nuclear wastes and their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for
whatever purpose; and to provide advancement and facilitate research and studies on
toxic chemicals.

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS)

STATEMENT OF 1978

The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in 1978 with the
enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the attainment and maintenance
of rational and orderly balance between socio-economic development and environmental
protection. EIA is a planning and management tool that will help government, decision
makers, the proponents and the affected community address the negative consequences
or risks on the environment. The process assures implementation of environment-friendly
projects.

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BFP CORE VALUES

R Reliability - We serve 24/7

E Efficiency - We find ways
- We risk our lives
S Selflessness so that others may
live.
- We conduct
ourselves in a
P Professionalism professional
manner.
- We work as a
O Oneness team.
- We contribute in
N Nationalism the preservation of
our country's gains.
- We continually
S Service improve our
services.
- We uphold ethical
I Integrity norms and moral
standards.
- We adapt to
V Vibrancy positive change.
- We do the right
E Effectiveness things at the right
time.

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BJMP CORE VALUES

 Commitment
 Respect for Human Rights
 Efficiency/Competence
 Self-Discipline
 Teamwork
Reference https://www.chanrobles.com/legal9.htm
Topic Video Links
Environmental Laws (Philippines) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVhOEehUyIA
RECEPTION RITES FOR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky5NyvAediQ
PNP,BJMP AND BFP NEWLY
ABSORBED OFFICERS|AFTER
PASSING RECRUITMENT
PROCESS
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIb3NxW6Oe8