Week 5

SS HUM G112: PHILIPPINE

POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

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 Ave Maria College
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
School ID No. 402686 Gov’t Permit No. 0059 s. 2015

SS HUM G112: PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

To my students:

You are now on the fifth week of this course. Before you start working on the lessons for this week
make sure that you have submitted to your course facilitator the requirements of week 4.

For this week, you will learn lesson 12. Read the learning materials below then answer Weekly Exam
5 and do Activity 5.

At the end of this week, you should be able to.

 answer correctly at least 85% of the questions in the Weekly Exam and
 create your own set of rules on being a good citizen.

LESSON 12:
XII: Citizenship

A. What Is Citizenship?

Citizenship is the most basic identification of an individual with the nation. It is thus
oriented toward the state and is expressed both in law Citizenship involves an awareness and in
policy. It is often characterized in terms of attributes associated with belongingness to a larger
community and of processes by which citizens negotiate the nature and extent of their rights as
individuals and their responsibilities to such community (Diokno 1997). Unlike nationality,
that is more of an ethnic or cultural concept, citizenship relates to a political one. Citizenship
denotes the status of being a citizen.

An individual's citizenship entails his or her rights and privileges and his or her
responsibilities to the state. As a citizen, for example, you have the right to live, vote, and work
in a particular country. Likewise, you have the privilege to benefit from the policies or
programs of the said country. On the other hand, to be a citizen of one state also means giving
unrelenting loyalty and obligation to that political community. For instance, it is your
responsibility to pay taxes or be deemed legally bound to protect your country in times of war.

In comparison, nationality involves an individual's ethnic origins, associated by his or

her cultural and historical background, and perhaps the language he or she speaks. It is thus
possible for an individual to have a nationality and at the same time possess citizenship in
another country. For example, you may be of Filipino nationality but it is possible for you to
possess rights and privileges granted by one state other than the Philippines. Perhaps one might
ask: What is good citizenship? Who is a good citizen?

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 Is he or she the honest voter, the taxpaying individual, or the law-abiding one? Or
perhaps god citizenship entails asserting one's rights, speaking out to defend the weak and the
voiceless, caring for the environment, or treating everybody equally? The core of citizenship
lies in the process of building a sense of community with regard to both rights and obligations
of individuals. Hence, citizenship is "an identity defined by a bundle of rights and duties and
by an awareness of others in a similar position" (March and Olsen 1995 in Diokno 1997).

B. Identify, the Self, and the Community

Understanding oneself in the context of the larger community is an important

consideration when discussing citizenship and citizenship education. The construction of
identity and a sense of belongingness are crucial in a number of views.

Diokno (1997) noted that from the standpoint of democratic governance, the identity of
citizenship is by itself the very core of collective action, a shared vision, and the link to future
generations. From the perspective of social psychology, an individual's citizenship reflects his
or her ability to relate to others, who also see themselves in a similar way. This group identity
is the basis for the elaboration of beliefs with the larger community (i.e., a nation) and behavior
needed in the larger polity.

Diokno (1997) identified three concerns of identity building. Being instrumental,

identity building allows citizens and policy officials to act in accordance with established rules,
regulations, and identities that are consistent with democratic principles. As moral concern,
identity building underscores beliefs and values that embody and reinforce democratic
principles. Finally, being transformative, identity building necessitates the process of self-
reflection and redefinition of individuals, institutions, and communities. In these concerns,
several factors come into play at various levels: the individual, the institution, and the
community.

As to the level of the individual, there exists a dualism among Filipinos. One may be
good or clean at home, but the same may be inconsiderate outside of his or her household.
Such dualism points to the contradiction of the self and the community. This is further driven
by the negative Filipino traits of having an excessive desire to go along well with one's peers
(sobrang pakikisama), and subservience and lack of concern for the public good. However, it
must also be pointed out that the Filipinos' sense of community is improved by a number of
positive traits including, but not limited to, caring for others (paglingap), sympathy in times of
trouble (damayan), and respect for elderly and social institutions.

At the institutional level, it can be said that the process of identity building is shaped by
the agencies, which influenced and shaped an individual from his or her childhood through the
rest of his or her life. These agents may include the family, the church, school, government,
media, laws, and NGOs, among others. While children are taught the basic human values (e.g.,
honestly, love, discipline), Diokno (1997) pointed out that the notions of community are being
confined to the family, and the concept of public good tends to be left out from family values.
For instance, socialization in the family does not necessarily include the notion of community
or nation. Taking into consideration the nature of kinship in the Philippines, a Filipino family is
so strong that other social entities and obligations lag behind it. Meanwhile, schools are seen to

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 teach nationalism and its associated values. Just as important in the process of identity-building
are the government, the church, and other community organizations.

Finally, at the community or societal level, Diokno (1997) explained that an individual
identifies himself or herself with the nation depending on the type of community he or she
belongs to, and to the degree through which he or she benefits from the instrumentalities of the
state. While this is true, it must also be noted that an individual's inclination or attachment to
the nation is also motivated by ideological and sentimental factors.

Communitarian values may prevail in matters of collective concern, but these cannot
necessarily be identified with a larger context-that is, being a Filipino. This situation is further
compounded by the multilayered affiliation with a clan, ethnic group, religion, political
affiliation, and with the nation. Nonetheless, when the government delivers services
effectively, citizens are encouraged to carry out their responsibilities to the nation.
More than fulfilling the basic needs of the people, a government which exhibits care and
compassion gives people a deeper sense of community. When a government fulfills its
obligations, the citizens are more likely to respond positively (Diokno 1997).

C. Expressions of Citizenship in Democratic Governance

Citizenship and democracy may be intrinsically linked but they do not always go
together. As such, one of the most important challenges faced by the Filipino nation after the
fall of the Marcos regime was how to translate democracy into a more meaningful way of life
and how to redefine the roles of citizens in the context of participation in policy making and
access to basic social services and benefits of citizenship (Diokno 1997).

In the Philippine Democracy Agenda (1997) project, a conference and workshop that
looked at perspectives on democracy and citizenship in Filipino political culture, citizenship
was viewed from two perspectives. The traditional view of citizenship was espoused by those
persons in authority (e.g., government officials) who subscribe to the importance of formal
government structures and processes in the prospect of citizenship.

On the other hand, the proactive view (the perspective which the conference adopted)
viewed citizenship as a democracy of shared values and understandings that transpire in a
deliberative process. The second view emphasizes the democratizing function of citizenship.

The proactive view of citizenship is further categorized into two perspectives. The first
one looks at the indigenous, day-to-day practices of democracy and decision-making in
communities. In this setting, formal governmental mechanisms and elected officials may or
may not exist. Examples of these indigenous, day-to-day practices of democracy include the
selection of leaders, the conduct of consultations with community members, and the settlement
of disputes without resorting to courts, among many others.

As such, some of these practices may not be democratic in the formal sense, but these
are from the standpoint of popular democracy. On the other hand, the second perspective looks
at those practices taken by organized groups or sectors, which engage in formal democratic
processes to explore other venues of expression and alternative solutions. Among the many
alternative actions include street protests or rallies done by groups who believe that legal
methods and access to courts are not sufficient to win their cases.

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 Given all these, we can say that citizenship involves a set of obligations for both citizens
and the state. Therefore, an effective citizenship is a product of the government's and the
citizens' collaborative work. It is expected from the government to have public accountability,
while citizens, for their part, must perform their obligations and exercise their rights in order to
bring about the desired change in society. Such is considered as a deliberative process-
definitely an aspect of strong democracy. This is summarized by the illustration on the next
page. What do you think?

D. The Value of Citizenship: Becoming a Filipino Citizen

One may wonder who a Filipino citizen is. While the earlier discussion presented
citizenship as more than the possession of the legal title of a citizen, it would also be material
to provide the constitutional bases for Filipino citizenship.

According to Article IV of the 1987 Constitution, the citizens of the Philippines are:

1. those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the 1987
Constitution;
2. those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines;
3. those born before 17 January 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine
citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and
4. those who are naturalized in accordance with law.

The mere possession of the title of a citizen does not automatically make one a good and
effective citizen. Citizenship apparently involves a set of privileges and obligations to fulfill.
What gives citizens the privileges to participate in the affairs of the government, both in policy
making and in the delivery of services? The 1991 Local Government Code is a legally enabling

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document that supports citizen participation. Apart from this, the 1987 Constitution outlines
some of the bases for popular participation in the country.

The following are some of the constitutional bases for popular participation in the Philippine

Article II, Section 1

The Philippines is a democratic and republican State. Sovereignty resides in the people
and all government authority emanates from them.

Article II, Section 13

The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in
the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic
affairs.

Article II, Section 20

The State recognizes the l indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private
enterprise, and provides incentives to needed investments.

Article II, Section 22

The State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within
the framework of national unity and development.

Article II, Section 23

The State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based, or sectoral

organizations that promote the welfare of the nation.

Article III, Section 4

No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press,
or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of
grievances.

Article III, Section 7

The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized.
Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions,
or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall
be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

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Article II, Section 8

The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to
form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.

Article V, Section 1

Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines, not otherwise disqualified
by law, who are at least eighteen 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 six months
immediately preceding the election. No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement
shall be imposed on the exercise of suffrage.

Article VI, Section 1

The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines, which shall
consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people
by the provision on initiative and referendum.

Article VI, Section 32

The Congress shall, as early as possible, provide for a system of initiative and
referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly propose and enact
laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local
legislative body after the registration of a petition therefor signed by at least ten per centum of
the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by
at least three per centum of the registered voters thereof.

Article X, Section 3

The Congress shall enact a local government code which shall provide for a more
responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of
decentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate
among the different local government units their powers, responsibilities, and resources, and
provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and
functions and duties of local officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and
operation of the local units.

Article XIII, Section 15

The State shall respect the role of independent people's organizations to enable the
people to pursue and protect, within the democratic framework, their legitimate and collective
interests and aspirations through peaceful and lawful means.

Article XIII, Section 16

The right of the people and their organizations to effective and reasonable participation
at all levels of social, political, and economic decision-making shall not be abridged. The State
shall, by law, facilitate the establishment of adequate consultation mechanisms.

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 As provided above, citizenship implies a set of individual rights. More so, citizenship
entails a broader set of social and civic responsibilities, which require one's participation and
involvement in societal affairs. Engaging in social, economic, cultural, and political decision-
making is part and parcel of basic human rights. Thus, citizenship as participation represents an
expression of human agency in the political arena.

On the other hand, citizenship as rights enables people to act as agents of change (Lister
1998, in Gaventa and Valderrama 1999). Citizenship as rights is specifically important in the
prospect of governance, where citizen participation is becoming more and more recognized in
ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficient delivery of basic social services. The
following activity presents some of the various avenues for citizen participation.

Keep in Mind:

Citizenship pertains to an individual's membership in a political community. It

indicates a person's belongingness to a larger community, which is the nation. An
individual is an active citizen not only when he or she exercises privileges granted to
him or her by the state. An individual also becomes an active citizen when he or she
becomes a responsible person for himself or herself, for his or her family, and for his
or her community. The extent to which one fulfills his or her obligation to the state is a manifestation of
responsible and effective citizenship. There are various avenues through which an individual can be
involved in both local and national affairs-and this goes far beyond just voting. As such, the
government's ability to create venues for popular participation in development and governance reflects
its commitment to creating responsible citizens. In this sense, citizenship becomes both a privilege and
a basic right.

References:
Books
De Leon,Hestor S. & De Leon, Hector. Jr. (2011). Textbook on the Philippine Constitution. REX
Printing Company,INC. Florentino St., Quezon City, Philippines.

Pulma, Dr. E Tubajen, Dr. R. . (2016). Philippine Politics and Governance.JFS Publishing Services.
Pasay City, Philippines

Villanueva, Prince Aian. (2016) Philippine Politics and Governance. DIWA Learning System INC.
Legaspi Village, 1229 Makati City, Philippines.

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 Ave Maria College
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
School ID No. 402686’Gov’t Permit No. 0059 s. 2015

Weekly Exam 5- A Good Citizen

NAME: ______________________________________ DATE: ____________________

PROGRAM & YEAR __________________________ SCORE: ___________________

Instruction: Answer the Following Questions.

1. What makes you a Filipino Citizen?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

2. What is the relationship between citizenship and democracy?

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

3. Why is citizenship, specifically the context of identity construction and sense of belongingness,
important in nation-building?
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

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 Ave Maria College
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
School ID No. 402686’Gov’t Permit No. 0059 s. 2015

Activity 5: Codes of a Good Citizen

NAME: ______________________________________ DATE: ____________________

PROGRAM & YEAR __________________________ SCORE: ___________________

Instruction:
Using your knowledge in lesson 12, write your views and opinions on how to become a good citizen.
Write your statement in a short bond paper.

HOW TO BECOME A GOOD CITIZEN

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Instruction: Write a set of rules that you think will help you in becoming a good and loyal citizen of
the country.

CODES OF A GOOD CITIZEN

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REMINDER:

Keep all your outputs in your Portfolio and then make sure to submit them
to your course facilitator before you proceed to Week 6.

Great job! Congratulations.

End of Week 5

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