LESSON 3 : DEMOCRACY IN THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE 2ND QUARTER 2021

LESSON OBJECTIVES :
1. Define democracy
2. Discuss the development of democracy in the Philippines 3.Describe the effects of Martial Law to politics & governance
4.Describe the effects of colonization process the way democracy is practiced
 “ IF YOU WANT TO REBEL , REBEL INSIDE
 THE SYSTEM.
THAT’S MUCH MORE POWERFUL THAN

 THE REBELLING OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM”.

 --Marie Lu
 What is the history of Philippine government?
A colonial government was established in Manila in 1571. Spain
introduced changes in the political, social, and cultural life of the people. ... As
an offshoot, the Philippines was ceded to America by Spain through the Treaty
of Paris. Under American rule, agriculture, commerce, and trade developed.
 What are the issues of the Philippine local history?
 One of the major problems in the writing of Philippine history stems
from inadequate knowledge of historical conditions in the rural
Philippines. The problem is further complicated by a tendency to treat society
as a monolithic structure susceptible to outside influence and change at a
uniform rate.
What are the types of politics in the Philippines?
Republic
Unitary state
Presidential system
Parliamentary republic
Constitutional republic
Pilipinas/Pamahalaan
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.
Who said history is the past politics and politics is a present history?
Sir John Seeley
During the first half of the 20th century most historians would have agreed with the maxim
attributed to Sir John Seeley that: 'History is past politics; and politics present history'.
 Democracy has been long exercised in the ancient Greece and is now known as the role of the
people where power in government does not emanate from the Devine right
 or any god but from the citizens of the state. The power of the people in a democratic
 Society is visible through the observation of freedom of expression, right to equal repre –
 sentation, right to vote for their representatives in government, right to vote for or against legislation.
Aristotle considered democracy as a corrupt counterpart of the ideal
 Regime of polity but it is still a popular model of government nonetheless.
 Democracy was introduced in the Philippines during the late 19 th century following the opening
of the country’s economy to the world in 1834 and the consequent inflow &
 outflow of ideas and people along with trade goods. The success of French revolution that caused the
resurgence of democratic and liberal ideals in Europe reached our shores via
 Trade with other countries and by the efforts of rich Filipino natives (ilustrados) who were able to
study abroad. The ilustrados through the propaganda movement of Marcelo del Pilar , translated
liberal ideas in the Phils. In the hope to achieve reform (Gripaldo et.al 2005).
 Democracy had great appeal to the Filipinos that it was even adopted by the Kataas –
taasan Kagalang – galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK) of Andres Bonifacio.
The group encourage popular democracy within the Katipunan’s ranks and it was through this
system that the Katipuneros voted for rebellion against Spanish authorities in 1896
(Gripaldo et.al. 2005)
It was during the time of the American period that democracy was used in full extent as
A political system. The defeated Spaniards dring the Spanish – American War in 1898 sold
The Philippines to America but the Filipinos chose to be independent rather than to be subjected to
another colonialist ,thus the Philippine – American War. After three years of fighting Filipino
revolutionaries surrendered to the American forces. The issue of what to do with the Philippines
had been a debate in the United States , some debated for annexation as a colony of the state while
some prefer the Philippines to be free .
 To further investigate on the matter as well as to manage the country under the American
rule and system, the United States sent Dr. Jacob Schurman to head the Schurman commission
In 1898 with the basic objectives of establishing the civil government in pacified areas, as well as
training and assigning Filipinos in various government positions, among others. The Taft Commission under
Judge William Howard Taft in 1900. hastened the transition of the government from a revolutionary to a civil
and democratic one.
The Philippine Organic Act of 1902 created the Philippine Commission. The offices of the Civil
Governor and Vice Governor were created to exercise powers of the government but would still
be subject to the discretion of the President of the United States of America. Other government
offices were created to manage the country Electoral representation in the Philippines with the
creation of Philippine Assembly acted as lower house of the Philippine Commission & held its first election in
1907.
Democracy was further establish through the 1935 Constitution. But in 1972, the foundation of
democracy in the country was sidelined upon the declaration of Martial Law by President Ferdinand
Marcos. The Constitution was remodeled in 1973, for the brief period of time, The
country experience a strict disciplinarian state that controlled the economy, legislation, and the media.
DEMOCRACY was reinstated by the 1987 Constitution following the success of People Power
Revolution that toppled the Marcos dictatorship. The rights mandated in a democratic society such as
the right to vote and freedom of expression were also restored.
LESSON 3: ASSIGNMENT 50PTS.

 COPY AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, Type your answer here, Avoid screenshot
handwritten work especially not readable Penmanship.
 1. Do you think we have democracy in its full sense in the country? Why or why not ? Depend
your answer.
 2. In what aspect did we fail or succeed as a democratic country ? Explain by giving a sample
situation.
 3. What adjustment can our leaders do to improved governance ?
 4.Martial Law is a special government power that is granted to he president whenever rebellion or
invasion threatens the state, or public safety. Name 5 events that prompted
 Pres. Ferdinand Marcos to declare Martial Law in 1972.
 5. In 3 to 5 sentences summarize what you have learned and add 3 sentences for your Reflection /
Opinion on democracy in the Philippines.
 LESSON 3 – PERFORMANCE TASK
 Make a research on Martial Law in the Philippines. Use a table to compare the provisions of the
1973 Constitution on Martial Law with those in 1987 Constitution. Refer to given
 Sample below.

1973 Philippine Constitution 1987 Philippine Constitution