INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATION
 LESSON 4
PROFILING THE PHILIPPINE
ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PROFILING THE PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

When talking about the Philippine Administrative System, the first thing that
comes to mind is about the government and its political divisions in the country.
It is about the nation's political hierarchy such as the central government,
provinces, municipalities and barangay. However, these divisions and
subdivisions can be attributed to our past history. It is not a plant that simply
blooms from nowhere. The Philippine Administrative System is dynamic, shaped
and evolved through time. From the Spanish colonial period to the present
administration, the mode of bureaucracy is adopted, patterned and improved
depending on the needs and wants of the administration. Needs, in terms of the
welfare of the society.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PROFILING THE PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

The Philippines operates under a representative government, a republican

character. The powers of the government are exercised by public officials
elected by the electoral body.

The 1987 Constitution vested the power of the government on the:

Legislative
Executive
Judiciary
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PROFILING THE PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

Philippine Administrative System refers to a network of organizations with

specific rules and goals, structure, resources and programs. It includes the
internal processes of and the interaction between and among public
organizations which are constituted to implement, help formulate, monitor or
assess public policies.

This system covers the Public Administration relationship with its immediate
public in contact, as well as the PA’s reactions to or how it is affected by the
greater socio-political and economic environment within it operates.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PROFILING THE PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATIVE SYSTEM

Philippine Administrative System empowers people:

Institutionalized access to Philippine Administrative System Services
Decentralizes and makes operations transparent
Listens and works with people
Procedures should be made simple and local language should be used.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LEADERS OF THE PHILIPPINE ADMINISTRATION

7 Philippine Presidents, Different Leadership Styles

PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

FERDINAND E. MARCOS (1965-1986)

While historians have branded Ferdinand Marcos as a dictator, no one has
disputed his intellectual brilliance. Many agree that Marcos had a clear,
long-term vision for the Philippines, as exemplified by the Bagong Lipunan
(New Society) Movement, a movement aimed at promoting not just law and
order, but also changing the culture of the country.
While Marcos was also known for his infrastructure projects, many do not
know that he is responsible for building much of the government
bureaucracy and filling it with good people, who have made many agencies
very stable and effective. Many government employees were able to take
post-graduate studies, which were beneficial to the country.
Two lessons in Marcos’ leadership style: Vision + Building the
infrastructure to support one’s leadership.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

CORAZON C. AQUINO (1986-1992)

A housewife catapulted into the presidency by the first EDSA People Power
Revolution, the first President Aquino had a nurturing leadership style
combined with an effort to promote integrity in public service.
It is also argued that resilience is part of President Cory’s leadership
qualities. She survived seven coup attempts to overthrow her from power.
Not bad at all for an individual who was once labeled as an “ordinary
housewife!”
The abolition of martial law also meant bringing back several freedoms that
were not present during Martial Law – a leadership style that empowers
versus controls. President Cory was also responsible for empowering
women.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

CORAZON C. AQUINO (1986-1992)

Did you know that before 1987, a married woman needed her husband’s
consent before she could open her own bank account? With a stroke of a
pen, Aquino drastically changed the civil code. Hence, women were no
longer second class citizens.

Many have observed that up to her death in 2009, she exemplified humility,
reminiscent of what is now known as “Level 5” Leadership, which emphasizes
humility as a vital ingredient for successful leadership.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

FIDEL V. RAMOS (1992-1998)

Fidel Ramos received the lowest plurality for any elected president of the
Philippines, winning less than 25% of the entire vote in 1992. Despite this,
he has produced many results that he set to undertake, much of which are
related to economic reform and liberalization.
Despite the low plurality, FVR’s strength was his ability to collaborate
across party lines and build a strong coalition of different political parties.
Ramos was also able to rally the nation under his vision of Philippines 2000,
his goal of making the Philippines a newly-industrialized country by the end
of the 20th century.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

JOSEPH E. ESTRADA (1998-2001)

Aside from Ramon Magsaysay, Joseph “Erap” Ejercito Estrada captivated the
country by being known as a “man for the masses.”
Empathizing with the plight of the masses has been his gift. His ability to
connect with people made him one of the most popular presidents of the
republic, despite the many controversies that have been hurled against him.
His tag-line was “Erap para sa Mahihirap.” His administration worked
towards the creation of pro-poor programs.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (2001-2010)

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was catapulted into power by the second EDSA
People Power Revolution in 2001. While the popularity and trust ratings had
been an area for improvement for the daughter of another Philippine
president, Diosdado Macapagal, PGMA was known to be a very hands-on
leader.
The indicator: she was abreast even with small-town road and irrigation
projects. She traveled extensively across the country to either supervise
their groundbreaking or lead the inauguration of such projects.
While her “famous temper” may have also made her notorious, in leadership,
this is also an indicator of being a results-oriented leader. She has been
filmed to not mince words when deadlines and targets are not met.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (2001-2010)

Preparation is also key in leadership, and Macapagal-Arroyo did prepare to

become president. While many women of her time and status were expected
to be housewives, she pursued her doctorate in economics. Aside from
English and Filipino, Mrs. Arroyo also fluently speaks Spanish, Bisaya,
Ilocano, and of course, Kapampangan.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III (2010-2016)
The second Aquino to be President of the Philippines prided himself in his
vision of “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path).
Hence, President Noynoy prided in an administration that is free from
corruption as much as possible. He has also fought against the abuse of
privileges of many leaders and public officials who would use their positions
for personal gain, as exemplified by his no “wang-wang” principle or policy.
Servant leadership seemed to be the quality of Pnoy, who referred to the
public as his “boss,” and this guided his stay in Malacanang. During his
presidency, different international bodies upgraded the investment ratings
of the Philippines.
Many employees in the bureaucracy have said that his leadership style of
integrity and being corruption-free has influenced the culture of
government.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

RODRIGO R. DUTERTE (2016-2022)

Rodrigo Roa Duterte won a landslide victory in 2016 and will be president
until 2022. Many observe that he is much different from his predecessors.
He has become popular and well-loved because of his frankness as a leader.
He is direct to the point, does not mince words, and takes a no-nonsense
approach to governance. He says it as it is to his fellow politicians and avoids
the confusing, even contradictory communication styles of other officials.
President Duterte is observed to be action-oriented and is bent on keeping
his promises. The man people love to refer to as “President DU30” wants his
presidency free from corruption, and has promised to fire people who are
involved in corruption – a promise that he has fulfilled.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

RODRIGO R. DUTERTE (2016-2022)

While the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs has been

controversial, from a leadership point-of-view, his determination shows
clarity and commitment to his purpose and vision.
He has promised, “Change is coming.” This line has energized the
government bureaucracy and is slowly changing the culture throughout
different agencies. Likewise, it has also energized the Filipino people, who
have all been thirsty for change and meaningful reforms.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BASIS OF PUBLIC

ADMNINISTRATION

The Philippines is a republic with a presidential form of government wherein

power is equally divided among its three branches: executive, legislative, and
judicial. The government seeks to act in the best interests of its citizens through
this system of check and balance.

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.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

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.

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.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The Senate is composed of 24 Senators who are elected at large by the

qualified voters of the Philippines.

The House of Representatives is composed of about 250 members elected

from legislative districts in the provinces, cities, and municipalities, and
representatives elected through a party-list system of registered national,
regional, and sectoral parties or organizations.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

The party-list representatives shall constitute twenty percent of the total

number of representatives including those under the party list. For three
consecutive terms after the ratification of this Constitution, one-half of the
seats allocated to party-list representatives shall be filled, as provided by
law, by selection or election from the labor, peasant, urban poor, indigenous
cultural communities, women, youth, and such other sectors as may be
provided by law, except the religious sector.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The Executive branch is composed of the President and the Vice President who
are elected by direct popular vote and serve a term of six years. The
Constitution grants the President authority to appoint his Cabinet. These
departments form a large portion of the country’s bureaucracy.

The executive branch carries out and enforces laws. It includes the President,
Vice President, the Cabinet, executive departments, independent agencies,
boards, commissions, and committees.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The President leads the country. He or she is the head of state, leader of the
national government, and Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the
Philippines. The President serves a six-year term and cannot be re-elected.
The Vice President supports the President. If the President is unable to
serve, the Vice President becomes President. He or she also serves a six-
year term.
Cabinet members serve as advisors to the President. They include the Vice
President and the heads of executive departments. Cabinet members are
nominated by the President and must be confirmed by the Commission of
Appointments.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

JUDICIAL BRANCH

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.

The judicial branch interprets the meaning of laws, applies laws to individual
cases, and decides if laws violate the Constitution. The judicial power shall be
vested in one Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by
law.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

JUDICIAL BRANCH
Each branch of government can change acts of the other branches as follows:
The President can veto laws passed by Congress.
Congress confirms or rejects the President's appointments and can remove
the President from office in exceptional circumstances.
The Justices of the Supreme Court, who can overturn unconstitutional laws,
are appointed by the President.

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.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORK

PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORK

PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FRAMEWORK

PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PHILIPPINE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

While the Philippines is divided into 18 regions, these regions do not necessarily
represent political or administrative units below the national government. Local
government units are sub-divided into provinces or highly urbanized cities, such
as the city of Manila, which is not a part of a province but its own separate
political unit, and then further sub-divided into municipalities and barangays.
The barangay is the smallest administrative or local government unit in a
province or independent city.

Like the American federal system, each local government unit is sovereign and
has its own rights, responsibilities, and duties, but each local unit is also
subservient to the respective higher governmental authority.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PHILIPPINE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

In the case of the Philippines, the barangay is under municipalities, which is

under the province, which is under the federal government. Each local
government unit has the right to exist and its boundaries cannot be altered
without a plebiscite by the political unit’s population.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution limits local office holders to three year terms
and not more than three consecutive terms. Each local unit of government will
participate in elections to select the local government officials. Each local
government unit has the right to generate revenue to be used exclusively by
that respective political unit.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

PHILIPPINE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Each highly urbanized city must have a population of at least 200,000 and each
province a population of at least 250,000. Each barangay must have at least
2,000 inhabitants. In large metropolitan areas, such as Manila, each barangay
must have at least 5,000 inhabitants.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

NATURE AND STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE

PHILIPPINES

United Nations (1966) defines local governments as subordinate entities,

having no inherent powers and must look up to the higher governmental level
for delegation of authority. Furthermore, these are “geographic subdivisions”;
or restricted geographic areas, dealing with those matters which concern the
people living in a particular locality. Two important elements are found in any
definition of local government: the presence of a higher authority and territorial
boundary. According to the United Nations (1966), while local governments do
not have inherent powers, they do have legal authority to exercise their powers.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

NATURE AND STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE

PHILIPPINES

The existence of several layers of local governments in the Philippines may be

attributed to its geographic peculiarities, centralist experience and the
historical basis of its barangays. The International Union of Local Authorities
(2016) noted that the number of layers of local government depends on:
geography, number of basic units, degree of centralization and population. The
power to create municipal corporations “is inherent in sovereignty.”
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

NATURE AND STATE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE

PHILIPPINES
In the Philippines, the power is vested in the legislature. Thus, Congress by law
creates LGUs, although plebiscite among the affected residents is a pre-
requisite before actual operation.

According to Maas (1959), editor of Area and Power, local government is

presented as a manner of dividing power by area or authority. He pointed out
that the creation of local government units is “advantageous for the promotion
of rural development”. Local governments are a means of providing self-
identity, especially in ethnically homogenous communities.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration
THE BARANGAY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT
Barangays, the smallest local government unit, developed in the Philippines well
before the Spanish colonial era. The first barangay developed around groups of
30-100 households with most limited to kinship principles. Control within the
barangays was facilitated by a patron-client relationship between the Spanish
and local barangay headmen and local chiefs. While some local government
units had some autonomy to elect local officials, the laws created by these local
units were enforced at the national level.

The Philippine Constitution of 1935 created a strong unitary system of

government with the president controlling local government. During the martial
law period under Ferdinand Marcos (1972-1986), however, this authority was
used at the barangay level as a means to extend martial law power down to the
local levels (Atienza’, 2006).
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

THE BARANGAY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

The current local government and barangay system in the Philippines is the
result of the 1986 People Power Revolution that removed Marcos from power
and the subsequent 1987 Constitution. The new Constitution codified the
existence of the local government units, including the barangay system, and
granted each unit a level of autonomy.

The move towards decentralization of power was in part a reaction to the

centralization of authority under martial law, but the powers and duties of the
local government units were further defined and further decentralized with the
passage of the 1991 Local Government Code as a means to draw support from
local authorities.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

THE BARANGAY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

The 1991 law was revolutionary in that it ran counter to the tradition of
centralization in most Southeast Asian nations (Atienza’, 2006). Atienza’ (2006)
notes that this devolution was important in the Philippines for five reasons:
it gave local governments control over many of the basic social services,
such as health and agriculture;
it gave local governments enforcement power over many laws and
regulations, including environmental laws and food inspection;
it gave local government the authority to tax and increased the share of
funding from the national government to the local barangay;
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

THE BARANGAY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

it enhanced local civil society by allowing local political units the ability to
create locally elected governing assemblies, including at the barangay level,
to govern over the local population and the ability of the population to vote
on local referendum; and
it encourages local governments to form partnerships with the private
sector to promote local development
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

STRUCTURES AND DUTIES OF THE VARIOUS BARANGAY

POLITICAL OFFICES
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY CAPTAIN OR PUNONG BARANGAY

The barangay captain is the barangay’s chief executive officer.

Their duties may include the following:

Enforce laws;
Sign contracts;
Maintain public order;
Preside over the barangay assembly;
Coordinate the barangay development council;
Approve the allocation of funds;
Enforcement of environmental laws;
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY CAPTAIN OR PUNONG BARANGAY

Administer the operations of the local dispute resolution council or

Katarungang Pambarangay;
Ensure the delivery of basic services; and
Promote the general welfare of the barangay.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY ASSEMBLY OR SANGGUINIANG BARANGAY

The barangay assembly is composed of nine individuals, the barangay captain as

the presiding officer, seven members elected from at-large within the barangay,
and the chairperson of the Youth Council or Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

The Youth Council represents youth in the barangay between the ages of 15-17.
Assembly members must be at least 15 years of age. The barangay assembly is
the local legislative body of government.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY ASSEMBLY OR SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY

The duties of the barangay assembly may include the following:

Make laws;
Tax;
Create the barangay budget;
Build and maintain the barangay’s facilities and public works;
Submit requests to higher political units of government;
Economic development;
Solicit and accept funds for barangay projects;
Provide for the organization of community brigades;
Control the proliferation of squatters;
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY ASSEMBLY OR SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY

Prescribe fines for the violation of barangay ordinances;

Organize community lectures on health, education, nutrition, etc.;
Help create a local high school; and
Assist the barangay captain in the performance of their duties.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY SECRETARY

The barangay secretary is nominated by the barangay captain and confirmed by

a majority of the barangay assembly. The secretary cannot be a member of the
assembly, a government employee, or a relative of the barangay captain.

The duties of the barangay secretary may include the following:

Keeping records and minutes of the barangay assembly;
Make available a list of the assembly members and post this list publicly
throughout the
barangay;
Assist in the preparation of barangay elections and referendum votes;
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY SECRETARY

Assist the municipal civil registrar in the registration of births, deaths, and
marriages;
Keep a record of the barangay residents including name, address, gender,
age, etc.;
Submit the number of barangay residents to the assembly upon request; and
Exercise other duties as prescribed by law.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

BARANGAY TREASURER
The barangay treasurer is nominated by the barangay captain and confirmed by
a majority of the barangay assembly. The treasurer cannot be a member of the
assembly, a government employee, or a relative of the barangay captain.

The duties of the barangay treasurer may include the following:

Keep records of Barangay funds and properties;
Issue receipts for taxes and fees;
Deposit monies in the barangay account;
Disperse funds;
Submit statements of income and expenditures;
Produce a report of all barangay funds and property; and
Exercise other duties as prescribed by law.
PA 101 | Introduction to Public Administration

EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND LOCAL SPECIAL

BODIES AMONG LGUs