PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND

GOVERNANCE
Name: ____________________________ Grade Level: __________
Section: ___________________________ Date: ________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JUDICIARY

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

According to American Jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. “the life of the law has
not been logic: it has been experience”. The felt necessities of time, the prevalent
moral and political theories, and intuitions of public policy even the prejudices which
judges share with their fellowmen, have had good deal more to do than the syllogism
in determining the rules by which men should be governed.

This of-quoted statement not only tells us that judges determine the rules to be
applied in resolving legal disputes (cases): it also states that judges are influenced by
the sentiments of the times, prevailing public policy, and even their own biases. But
these truths do not pertain only to judges who are but part of the judicial department
of the government called the judiciary. They also apply to justices of the appellate
courts, who are at the apex of that institution.

So why is there a need for the judiciary, reputed to be the weakest branch of
the government? Although a country maybe governed by laws, its citizens often find
themselves at odds with each other, or even with their own government. Such conflict
is brought by divergent and often clashing interests. These conflicting interests require
resolution; this is provided ideally by a neutral arbiter-the judge or the panel of justices.
If a case is brought before them, then these magistrates are bound to determine the
rights and responsibilities of the parties to the case. In a word, they render justice.

Under Article VIII, Sec.1, the judicial power is vested in “one Supreme Court
and in such lower courts as may be established by law.” This judicial power is
exercised through the judiciary’s primary role of adjudication, which includes the “duty
of the courts of justice to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally
demandable and enforceable, and to determine whether or not there has been a grave
abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch
or instrumentality of the government.”

The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets, defends and applies the law
in the name of the state. The judiciary can also be thought of as the mechanism for
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 the resolution of disputes. In many jurisdictions the judicial branch has the power to
change laws through the process of judicial review.

The Philippine Judiciary is a hierarchical organization consisting of four levels,

with the Supreme Court at the top tier exercising administrative supervision over all
courts and court personnel and wielding jurisdiction to “review, revise, reverse, modify,
or affirm on appeal or certiorari, as the law or the Rules of Court may provide, final
judgments or orders of lower courts” cases specified in Article VIII, section 5(2) of the
1987 Constitution. Within each level, the courts are coordinate and equal and do not
enjoy review jurisdiction over each other’s decisions, resolutions, writs, and processes.
The third level courts are collegiate courts, working in divisions of at least three
Justices; the second and first level courts are single-judge courts and are the trial
courts and finders of fact at the first instanc
The Supreme Court
At the top tier of the judicial hierarchy is the Supreme Court. It is presided over
by a Chief Justice and is composed of 14 other Justices. The Court may adjudicate
En Banc or in divisions of three, five or seven Justices each. Currently, the Supreme
Court is organized into the En Banc and three divisions of five (5) Justices each.
Under the Constitution, it has supervision over the courts, judges, and court
personnel. Its members sit until retirement at age 70 or unless sooner removed by
reason of ill health, death or conviction after impeachment.
Decisions of the Court, whether sitting en banc or in division, are imbued with
authoritativeness and, unless reconsidered by the Court, are considered part of the
law of the land.
The Supreme Court has both original and appellate jurisdiction. It exercises
original jurisdiction (cases are directly filed with it in the first instance without first
passing through any of the lower courts) over cases affecting ambassadors, other
public ministers and consuls, and over petitions for certiorari, prohibition, mandamus,
quo warranto, and habeas corpus. (Art. VIII, §5(1)). It also has original jurisdiction over
writs of amparo, habeas data and the environmental writ of kalikasan. It exercises
appellate jurisdiction to review, revise, reverse, modify, or affirm final judgments, and
orders of the lower courts in:
(a) 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.
(b) All cases involving the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, or toll, or any
penalty imposed in relation thereto.
(c) All cases in which the jurisdiction of any lower court is in issue.
(d) All criminal cases in which the penalty imposed is reclusion perpetua or higher.
(e) All cases in which only an error or question of law is involved. (Art. VIII, §5(1),
(2))
The Supreme Court has the power to promulgate rules concerning the protection and
enforcement of constitutional rights, pleading, practice, and procedure in all courts
(Constitution 1987, Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5]). These rules shall provide a simplified and
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 inexpensive procedure for the speedy disposition of cases, be uniform for all courts of
the same grade, and shall not diminish, increase or modify substantive rights (Art. VIII,
Sec. 5[5]).
The Supreme Court, sitting En Banc, has administrative supervision over all
courts and the personnel thereof (Constitution 1987, Art. VIII, Sec. 6). Justices of the
third level courts and judges of the second and first level courts are appointed by the
President of the Philippines from a shortlist provided by the Judicial and Bar Council.
The Supreme Court can however assign temporarily judges of lower courts to other
stations as public interest may request. Such temporary assignment shall not exceed
six months without the consent of the judge concerned (Constitution 1987, Art. VIII,
Sec. 5[3]). The Supreme Court has supervision over the Judicial and Bar Council,
which has the principal function of recommending appointees to the judiciary. (Art. VIII,
Sec. 8[5]).The Supreme Court appoints all officials and employees of the Judiciary in
accordance with the Civil Service Law (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[6]). The Supreme Court can
also order a change of venue or place of trial to avoid a miscarriage of justice
(Constitution 1987, Art. VIII, Sec. 5[4]).
The Supreme Court En Banc has the power to discipline judges of all the lower
courts or order their dismissal by a vote of a majority of the members who actually took
part in the deliberation on the issue in the case and voted thereon (Constitution 1987,
Art. VIII, Sec. 11). The Supreme Court has supervision over the mandatory
organization of all lawyers, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5]).
It also has the sole power to admit qualified candidates to the practice of law and has
the power to promulgate the rules necessary for that purpose (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5]).
The Judiciary shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for the Judiciary may
not be reduced by the legislature below the amount appropriated for the previous year
and, after approval, shall be automatically and regularly released (Art. VIII, Sec. 3).
The Supreme Court is given the authority to promulgate rules concerning legal
assistance to the underprivileged (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5]). This would be consistent with
the guarantee under Article III, section 11 that “(f)ree access to the courts and
quasijudicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not be denied to any person
by reason of poverty.”
It also has the authority to disapprove the rules of procedures of quasi-judicial
bodies; existing rules of procedure shall remain effective however unless disapproved
by the Supreme Court (Art. VIII, Sec. 5[5]); Antonio v. Commission on Elections; 373
Phil. 680 [1999]).
The Supreme Court, sitting En Banc, is the sole judge of all contests, relation
to the election, returns, and qualifications of the President or Vice-President and may
promulgate its rules for the purpose (Art. VII, Sec. 4). Faced with an appropriate case,
the Court En Banc sits as a Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET).
The Senate and the House of Representatives shall each have an Electoral
Tribunal which shall be the sole judge of all contests relating to the elections, returns,
and qualifications of their respective Members. Each Electoral Tribunal shall be
composed of nine Members, three of whom shall be Justices of the Supreme Court to
be designated by the Chief Justice, and the remaining six shall be Members of the
Senate or the House of Representatives, as the case may be, who shall be chosen on
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 the basis of proportional representation from the political parties and the parties or
organizations registered under the party-list system represented therein. The senior
Justice in the Electoral Tribunal shall be its Chair (Art. VI, Sec. 17).
The Court of Appeals
At the third tier of the hierarchy are three collegiate courts, one of which is the
Court of Appeals (CA). The CA is the primary appellate court of the Philippines,
exercising its powers, functions and duties through 23 divisions of three members
each. It sits in three stations--the City of Manila, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. The CA’s
18th, 19th, and 20th Divisions comprise the CA Visayas Station and are located in
Cebu City, while its 21st, 22nd, and 23rd Divisions comprise the CA Mindanao Station
and are based in Cagayan de Oro City. The first 17 Stations are located in the City of
Manila.
The CA is assigned to review cases elevated to it from the Regional Trial Courts
(RTCs) as well as quasi-judicial agencies such as the Civil Service Commission,
Securities and Exchange Commission, National Labor Relations Commission, and the
Land Registration Authority. The CA also reviews cases where the sentence is
reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, as well as decisions of the Office of the
Ombudsman in administrative disciplinary cases. The CA is a collegial court and sits
en banc only to exercise administrative, ceremonial or other non-adjudicatory
functions. Being an appellate court, it resolves cases based on the record of the
proceedings from the trial court; in certain cases, however, the CA also conducts
hearings and receives evidence such as, for instance, in applications for the writ of
Amparo or Habeas Data, whether in the exercise of original jurisdiction or on remand
from the Supreme Court.
The CA also has the original and exclusive jurisdiction to issue freeze orders
over any monetary instrument or property under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of
2001 or RA 9160. It is also the court with original and exclusive jurisdiction to allow
surveillance and monitoring of communications under the Human Security Act of 2007
or RA 9372.
Also at the third tier are two special courts, the Sandiganbayan and the Court
of Tax Appeals, which, like the CA are collegial courts. But unlike the CA, both have
very specific jurisdictions.
The Court of Tax Appeals
The Court of Tax Appeals is a special collegiate court composed of a Presiding
Justice and eight Associate Justices; it may sit en banc or in three divisions of three
Justices each. RA 9282, which took effect on March 30, 2004, has elevated the status
of the CTA to that of the Court of Appeals.
The CTA has exclusive jurisdiction to review on appeal decisions 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 Code. It also exercises original jurisdiction over all criminal offenses
arising from violations of the Tax or Tariff Codes and other laws administered by the
Bureau of Internal Revenue or the Bureau of Customs.

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 The Sandiganbayan
The Sandiganbayan is an anti-graft court that has jurisdiction to try public
officers with a salary grade of 27 and above (including any co-accused who are private
persons) charged with criminal cases involving violation of the country’s laws on graft
and corruption, particularly RA 3019, as amended, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act, and corresponding civil cases for recovery of civil liability
arising from the offense. Likewise, the Sandiganbayan is vested with appellate
jurisdiction over final judgments, resolutions or orders of the RTC whether in the
exercise of their original or appellate jurisdiction over crimes and civil cases falling
within the original exclusive jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan but which were
committed by public officers below Salary Grade 27.
Private individuals can be tried in cases before the Sandiganbayan if they are
alleged to be in conspiracy with the public officer. The decisions of the Sandiganbayan
are directly appealable to the Supreme Court.
Prior to April 16, 2015, the Sandiganbayan was composed of a Presiding
Justice and 14 Associate Justices who sit in five divisions of three Justices each. On
April 16, 2015, Republic Act No. 10660, “An Act Strengthening the Functional and
Structural Organization of the Sandiganbayan,” expanding the Sandiganbayan and
enabling it to speed up disposition of high-profile cases was passed by Congress and
signed into law by the President.
Under RA 10660, the appointment of six additional justices comprising two
additional divisions are provided. With the operation of RA 10660, there are now 21
Sandiganbayan justices sitting in seven divisions of three members each (Section 1 of
RA 10660).
The Trial Courts of the First and Second Level
In the first tier are the Courts of the First Level consisting of the Metropolitan
Trial Courts (MeTCs), which are established in Metropolitan Manila; the Municipal Trial
Courts in Cities (MTCCs), in every city which does not form part of Metropolitan Manila;
the Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs), established in each of the other cities or
municipalities; and Municipal Circuit Trial Courts (MTCCs), created in each circuit
comprising such cities and/or municipalities as grouped by law.
At the same level are the Shari’a Circuit Courts (SCC). Shari’a Courts have
been established in Islamic regions and provinces to interpret and apply the Code of
Muslim Personal Laws (under Presidential Decree No. 1083). Their decisions are
appealable to the Shari’a Appellate Court which, however, has yet to be organized.
The second tier consists of the Regional Trial Courts (RTCs) established in
each of the thirteen (13) regions in the Philippines. Each RTC may be composed of a
single sala or of several branches. RTCs have both original and appellate jurisdiction.
In exercising the former jurisdiction, RTCs act as trial courts receiving evidence in the
first instance from the parties to a case falling within its jurisdiction; in exercising the
latter jurisdiction, the RTCs act as a court of appeal over the decisions of the Courts
of the First Level.

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 Also on the same level are the Shari’a District Courts (SDC), whose decisions
are appealable to the still-to-be organized Shari’a Appellate Court. Pending such
organization, SDC Decisions are reviewed by the Supreme Court through the special
civil action of certiorari under Rule 65 if the issue is one of jurisdiction or through a
petition for review on certiorari by way of appeal under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

Analyze the roles and responsibilities of the Philippine Judiciary (Quarter 2,

Week 2)

Learning Activity 1. LET’S WEIGH IN!

Direction. Analyze carefully the picture and answer the questions opposite it. (5 points
each)

1. What do you see in the picture and

what does it symbolize?
____________________________

2. What does the picture means?

_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________

Learning Activity 2. GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER!

Directions. The Philippine Judiciary comprised of the different courts. Understanding

fully the descriptions given in each item, match it from the given categories inside the
box.

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 a. Supreme Court g. Shari’a Circuit Courts

b. Sandiganbayan h. Municipal Trial Courts

c. Court of Appeals i. Metropolitan Trial Courts

d. Court of Tax Appeals j. Municipal Circuit Trial Courts

e. Regional Trial Courts k. Metropolitan Trial Courts in Cities

f. Shari’a District Courts

___1. The highest court which exercise administrative supervision over all courts and
the personnel of the judiciary.
___2. The second highest judicial court which reviews the decisions and orders of the
Regional Trial Courts nationwide
___3. The court that covers only one municipality which hear and decide cases
involving violations of municipal ordinances; offenses punishable with imprisonment
not exceeding six years, including violations of the Bouncing Checks Law; Cadastral
and land registration assigned by the Supreme Court
___4. The court which hear and decide cases involving violations of municipal
ordinances; offenses punishable with imprisonment not exceeding six years, including
violations of the Bouncing Checks Law; Cadastral and land registration assigned by
the Supreme Court that covers two or more municipalities.
___5. It has the power to promulgate rules concerning the protection and enforcement
of constitutional rights, pleading, practice and procedure in all courts, the admission to
the practice of law, the integrated bar, and legal assistance to the underprivileged and
review rules of procedure of special courts and quasi-judicial bodies.
___6. Courts in cities outside Metro Manila Area which hear and decide cases
involving violations of city ordinances; offenses punishable with imprisonment not
exceeding six years, including violations of the Bouncing Checks Law; Cadastral and
land registration assigned by the Supreme Court
___7. These are municipal trial courts in the towns and cities in the Metro Manila Area
which hear and decide cases involving violations of city/municipal ordinances;
offenses punishable with imprisonment not exceeding six years, including violations
of the Bouncing Checks Law; Cadastral and land registration assigned by the
Supreme Court.
___8. Equivalent to Municipal Trial Court which were established in certain specified
provinces in Mindanao where the Code of the Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines
is being enforced.
___9. It tries and decides criminal and civil cases against government officials and
employees accused of graft and corruption and similar other cases.
___10. Equivalent to Regional Trial Court in rank which were established in certain
specified provinces in Mindanao where the Code of the Muslim Personal Laws of the
Philippines is being enforced.
___11. It has jurisdiction over matters involving criminal violation and collection
revenues under the National Internal Revenue Code and Tariff and Custos Code.
___12. It exercises exclusive original jurisdiction in all criminal cases not within the

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 jurisdiction of any court or tribunal or body except those now falling under the exclusive
and concurrent jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan.

REFERENCES
BOOK:

Ramos R. E., 2016. Philippine Politics and Governance, Vibal Publishing, Inc.
pp108119

WEBSITES:

Slideshare.net/kaorumatsaburabuttercup/judicial-branch-of-the-philippines
Chanrobles.com/article8.htm
https://cacj-ajp.org/web/philippines/the-judicial-branch
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+a+caricature&oq=wha+is+a+caricature&
aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i13i457j0i13l6.11333j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://www.google.com/search?q=rubrics+for+essay&sxsrf=ALeKk02rlOTUIM6FhQ
_CinmFD3-
6j6ko_Q:1590408034882&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=PePzooRvqI_joM%253A
%252CFacNfOZ1HuzhQM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_kRz9vXOoFWiG7BTM3mqXwh
n-
KbcBg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC3t3P87pAhWCHXAKHc7EAuAQ_h0wAXoECA0QBA
&biw=1366&bih=635#imgrc=IPZQ0
CGCqUr57M
https://www.slideshare.net/melaikhalye/editorial-cartoonrubric
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/432185.Oliver_Wendell_Holmes_Jr_

NOR MAR LUBO CABADDU

Writer

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 LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

The existence of local government has always been defended on the basis that is a
crucial aspect of the process of the democratization and intensification of mass
participation in the decision-making process. No political system is considered
complete and democratic if it does not have a system of local government.

Local government is a part of the whole government of a nation or state which is

administered by authorities subordinate to the state authority, but elected
independently of control by the state authority by qualified persons resident, or having
property in certain localities, which localities have formed by communities having
common interests and common history.

Local government provides public amenities and services which are necessary for the
convenience, healthful living and welfare of the individual and the community.
Breaking down of municipal services means the entire dislocation of social and
economic life of the community.

Local government is responsible for:

• The function of and delivery of a complete range of services and

infrastructure required by their individual communities
• Parks and gardens, roads, streets, bridges, libraries and swimming pool
maintenance.
Local government units include provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, and other
political subdivisions created by law. Each unit is created based on income,
population, and land area, and may be abolished base on the same criteria.
Hierarchical relations put the province over the municipalities and component cities
within the provincial boundaries. At the base of this hierarchy are the barangays.
Elected local government officials have three-year terms. Local officials are entitled
to three consecutive terms.

• Each local government unit has a set of executive and legislative officials
• At the provincial level: Governor, Vice-Governor and the members of the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan
• At the municipal/ city level: Mayor, Vice-Mayor and members of the
Council (the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlungsod)

The provincial governor is the chief executive of the provincial government. He

shall exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services
and activities of the provincial government. The presiding officer of the Sangguniang
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 Panlalawigan and sign all warrants drawn on the provincial treasury for all
expenditures appropriated for the operation of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Depending on the type of government structure, the key leader that oversees
all department within the local government is the mayor, administrator or similar
community leader. The right- hand individual to the administrator is the municipal clerk.
The Vice-Mayor is the presiding officer of the Sangguniang Bayan, while the
Sangguniang Bayan is the legislative body of the municipal body. Punong barangay is
the chief executive of the barangay government.

The levels of the Local Government in the Philippines are:

1. Provinces – intermediate unit is providing supervision to the municipalities and

component cities and under it and performing services for the national
government.
2. Cities and Municipalities – basic units of the local government delivering
services for the people who live together in a community.
3. Barangays – sub-municipal unit, which provides for face-to-face interaction
among the people.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

Explain the roles and functions of Local Government Unit (LGU) (Quarter 2,
Week 3).

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1. FIT ME IN

The following are Local Officials. Identify the appropriate level of Local
Government Unit where they belong. Write your answers on the space provided.

1. Governor _________________
2. Municipal Mayor _________________
3. City Mayor _________________
4. Vice Governor _________________
5. Barangay Captain _________________
6. Sanguniang Bayan _________________
7. Board Members _________________
8. City Councillors _________________
9. Barangay Kagawad _________________
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 10. Vice Mayor _________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3. Photo Essay

Write a short essay identifying the possible action of the local government
unit depicted on the photo below.

REFERENCES
BOOK

Philippine Politics And Governance by: R.A. Pawilen , Reidan M. Pawilen Rex
BookStore ,pp: 68 – 72

Prepared by:
OLGA DAGGAO – PREZA
Teacher Writer

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 SUFFRAGE, ELECTION, AND POLITICAL PARTIES

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

All political parties, organizations, and all people should abide by the constitution and
laws without any exemption. They must all act in accordance with the constitution and
laws. I see as that as defining feature of modern political system development.

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 purpose to vote for at
least six months immediately preceding the election.

Suffrage is the right and obligation of qualified Filipino citizen to vote in the national
and local elections and in the decision of public question submitted to them.

Suffrage is merely a privilege to be given to the citizen by the law making power
subject to constitutional limitations. As a right confined by the constitution, suffrage is
classified as a political right, such as election, enabling every citizen to participate in
the process of government to assure that it derive its power from the consent of the
governed.

What are the Scopes of Suffrage?

1. Election. It is the means by which the 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.

2. Initiative. The power of the people to propose amendments to the

Constitution or to propose and enact legislation.

3. Referendum. Is the power of the electorate to approve or reject legislation through

an election called for the purpose.

4. Plebiscite. It is the name given to a popular vote of the people expressing their
view within their choice for or against a proposed law submitted to them.

5. Recall. It is 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 the qualified voter.

What are the Qualifications of Voters?

He must be:
1. A citizen (male or female) of the Philippines;
2. Not otherwise disqualified by law;
3. At least eighteen (18) years of age; and
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 4. Have resided in the Philippines for at least one (1) year and in the place wherein
he proposes to vote for at least six (6) months preceding the election.

Who are disqualified to Vote?

As to who are disqualified to vote, the law enumerate them as follows:

1. Any person who has been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment
for not less than one (1) year, such disability not having been removed by plenary
pardon or granted amnesty. But such person shall automatically reacquire the right to
vote upon the expiration of five (5) years after service of sentence;

2. Any person who has been adjudged by final judgment by competent court of
tribunal of having committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted
government such as rebellion, sedition or any crime against national security, unless
restored to his full civil and political rights in accordance with law. Such person shall
likewise automatically regain his right to vote upon expiration of five (5) years after
service of sentence; and

3. Insane or incompetent persons as declared by competent authority. This

person is not qualified to vote even if they have the necessary qualifications.

Section 2. The Congress shall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity
of the ballot as 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
(COMELEC) may promulgate to protect the secrecy of the ballot.

The Congress is directed by the constitution to provide a system for securing the
secrecy and sanctity of the ballot.

The sanctity of the electoral process requires secrecy of the vote. Congress will have
to enact a law prescribing procedures that will enable the disabled and the illiterates
to secretly cast their ballots without requiring the assistance of the other persons, to
prevent them from being manipulated by unscrupulous politicians.

Section 2 extends the right of suffrage even to Filipinos abroad provided they possess
all the qualifications mentioned therein and none of the disqualification provided by
law.

Party system referred to as the interactions of parties with each other (Roskin et. al.,
2012). The party is not equated to parties because a party system is seen as macro
perspective whereas parties are micro perspective just focusing on the particular party.

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 It could be said that the life of political party system depends upon the kind of party
system it has. It describes a relatively sound system of political party and voter
alignments, electoral rules, and political priorities that dominate a Democratic political
syatem’s electoral process for some delimited period.

Classification of Party System

1. The two-party system. This is the system wherein the major political parties
alternates with each other in exercise of political power.

2. The multi-party system. More than two political parties fight an election, and
no single party gets the majority control of power.

Parties may become identified as either “leftist”, “rightist”, or “center” parties

depending upon the tendency of the political views.

1. Leftist party – is the reform-minded party which seeks to change the existing
conditions of the country.

2. Rightist party – is a conservative group which aims to maintain the status quo
in the country.

3. Center party – adopted policies which are a mixture of both left and right
tendencies.

3. The one-party system. Only one political party holds power either because it towers
above the others or because it suppresses all other groups.

Note: The only choices left to voters are

1. to decide whether or not to vote
2. to vote “yes” or “no” for the designated candidate

Functions of Party System

1. Organize the competition

2. Unify the electorate
3. Inspire and inform voters
4. Translate preferences into policy
5. Provide loyal opposition
6. Organize government
7. Help govern
8. Act as watchdogs
9. Nominate candidates
10. Ensure candidate quality

Political Party

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  An organization that seeks political power by electing people to office so
that its positions and philosophy become public policy.
 A political organization that aims to attain and maintain political power
within government, usually by participating in electoral campaign.
 It is an organization the mobilize voters on behalf of a joint set of
interests, concerns, and goals.
 It is any aggrupation of persons who come together on how well the best
interest of the people might be served.
 It is any group providing label upon which candidates run for public
offices.

Heywood (2002) in Aceron (2002), for his part, provides the following list of functions
that political parties must perform:

1. Representation – the capacity to respond and to articulate the views of both

members and voters.
2. Elite Formation and Recruitment – the ability to mold the politicsl elite to
tasked to govern the body politic.
3. Goal Formation – the development of programs of government with a view of
attracting popular support.
4. Interest Articulation and Aggregation – the task of combining and
harmonizing different demands and expressing them into coherent policy formulation.
5. Socialization and Mobilization – the formation of a national agenda and the
creation of public discourse to raise political awareness and built the necessary values
and attitudes that would constitute a larger political culture.

Electoral System in the Philippines

Elections in the Philippines are of several types. The president, vice-president, and
the senators are elected for a six-year term, while the members of the House of
Representatives, governors, vice-governors, members of the Sangguniang
Panlalawigan (provincial board members), mayors, vice-mayors, members of the
Sangguniang Panlungsod/members of the Sangguniang Bayan (city/municipal
councilors), barangay officials, and the members of the Sangguniang Kabataan are
elected to serve for a three-year term.
Congress has two chambers. The House of Representatives has 304 seats as of
2019, of which 80% are contested in single seat electoral districts and 20% are allotted
to party-lists according to a modified Hare quota with remainders disregarded and a
three-seat cap. These party list seats are only accessible to marginalized and under-
represented groups and parties, local parties, and sectoral wings of major parties that
represent the marginalized. The Constitution of the Philippines allows the House of
Representatives to have more than 250 members by statute without a need for a
constitutional amendment. The Senate has 24 members who are elected on a
nationwide at-large basis; they do not represent any geographical district. Half of the
Senate is renewed every three years.

The Philippines has a multi-party system, with numerous parties in which no one party
normally has a chance of gaining power alone, and parties must work with each other

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 to form a coalition government. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is
responsible for running the elections.

Under the Constitution, elections for the members of Congress and local positions
(except barangay officials) occur every second Monday of every third year after May
1992, and presidential and vice presidential elections occur every second Monday of
May every sixth year after May 1992. All elected officials, except those at the barangay
level, start (and end) their terms of office on 30 June of the election year. This lesson
focuses on suffrage and political parties as political practices in State. Political parties
and elections play a vital role in poltical analysis in developed and developing
countries in analyzing democratization and democratic political regimes.

Explore and engage yourself on the different activities prepared from this learning
activity sheet.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

Analyze the nature of elections and political parties in the Philippines (Quarter
2, Week 4-5).

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1–I DRAW OR CUT IT!

Political Comic Strip
Draw a political comic strip or cut out pictures illustrating political
activities during election campaign.

Comic strip is a sequence of drawings in boxes that tell an amusing story, typically
printed in a newspaper or comic book.

How to create a comic strip?

1. Step 1: Write your ideas for your comic. A comic strip is no different from
writing a short story.
2. Step 2: Draw the three-frames.
3. Step 3: Use basic shapes to draw.
4. Step 4: Add in the speech and lettering.
5. Step 5: Add detail to your cartoon.
6. Step 6: Go over your comic in pen.

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Note: Practice Personal Hygiene Protocols at all times
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 LEARNING ACTIVITY 2 - I COMPOSE IT!
Political Campaign Jingle
Compose a political jingle. The song should not be exceeding three
(3)minutes. It should be an original composition. Submit the composition
online or via messenger.

Title of the Song: _____________________________

Composition:________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3- I CAN DO IT! (ASSESSMENT)

IDENTIFY ME!
Read the statement carefully. Identify the term that is described. Write
your answer on your answer sheet.

________________1. It is referred to as the interactions of parties with each

other.
________________2. Means by which people choose their officials
________________3. A method by which an elective local official may be
removed from office during his term.
________________4. It is the right and obligation to vote of qualified citizens
in the election of public officers.
________________5. It is any group providing label upon which candidates run
for public offices.
________________6. The capacity to respond and to articulate the views of
both members and voters.
________________7. Those declared as insane or incompetent person.
________________8. Is the vote of the people expressing their choice for or
against a proposed law submitted to them.
________________9. Only one political party holds power either because it
towers above the others or because it suppresses all other groups.

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 ________________10. Is a conservative group which aims to maintain the
status quo in the country.

Activity 1
Rubric for Scoring in Comic Strip:
4 3 2 1

The pictures and All but 1 of the All but 2 of the More than 2 of
captions reflect pictures and pictures and the pictures and
an exceptional captions reflect captions reflect captions reflect
Creativity degree of student an exceptional an exceptional little degree of
creativity. There degree of student degree of student creativity
is great attention creativity. student
to detail. creativity.

All 6 panels relate Only 5 panels Only 4 panels Less than 4

to the theme. relate to the relate to the panels relate to
Theme
theme. theme. the theme.

The main The main The main It is hard to tell

characters are characters are characters are who the main
clearly identified, clearly identified, identified but not characters are.
Characters and their actions and their actions well developed
and Dialogue and dialogue are and dialogue and their actions
well-matched to match most of the and dialogue are
each other. time. too general.

Landscape and Landscape and Landscape and Landscape and

props are directly props are directly props are props seem
Landscape related to the related to the generally related randomly chosen
and Props theme or purpose theme or purpose to the theme or or distract the
of the comic and of the comic. purpose of the reader.
enhance comic.
understanding of
the scene.

Rubric for Scoring in Cutout Pictures:

4 3 2 1

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Variety of Excellent variety Good variety of Adequate Limited variety
Pictures of pictures used pictures used to variety of of pictures
- used to to develop the develop the pictures used to used to
develop main main idea main idea develop the develop the
ideas main idea main idea
Ideas Many original Several original Some original Few original
- originality ideas in material ideas in ideas in ideas in
- interest and display are material and material and material and
evident and display are display are display are
stimulate a great evident and evident and evident and
deal of interest stimulate a stimulate a stimulate a
great deal of great deal of great deal of
interest interest interest
Relevance of Material Material Material Little material
Material selected is all selected is selected is selected is
- connected to relevant and mostly relevant relevant and relevant and
main idea clearly and connected somewhat rarely
connected to the to the main idea connected to connected to
main idea the main idea the main idea
Visual Impact Overall visual Overall visual Overall visual Overall visual
- effectiveness impact is limited impact is impact is impact is very
of overall somewhat effective effective
presentation effective

Activity 2
COMPOSITION 70%

(Originality, clarity of message, language and phrasing)

RELEVANCE TO THE THEME 30%

100%
TOTAL

REFERENCES:

BOOK:
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 Tabajen, Rhene C., and Pulma, Erlinda B., Philippine Politics and Governance, JFS
Publishing Services, Unit 9005 Central Park Condominium 2, 168 D. Jorge
Street, Pasay City, Philippines: 2016

Rivas, Dionisio C., and Nael, Michael M. Politics, Governance and the Philippine
Constitution. Rex Book Store, 856 Nicanor Reyes, Sr. St. 1977 C. M. Recto
Avenue, Manila, Philippines. 2010

Prepared by:
FRANCISCO A. RECOBO, JR.
Writer

CITIZENSHIP

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

Citizenship is a term denoting membership of a citizen in a political society

which membership implies, equally, a duty of allegiance or loyalty on the part of the
members and duty of protection on the part of the state.

Citizen is a person having the title of citizenship. He is a member of a

democratic community who enjoys full civil and political rights and is accorded
protection inside and outside the territory of the State.

From the point of view of International law, Citizenship do not exactly mean the
same as Nationality. Nationality can only be applied to the country where an individual
has been born. Citizenship is a legal status which means that an individual has been
registered with the government of any given country. Nationality is got through
inheritance from parents. Citizenship is granted when an individual is accepted into
that country's political framework through legal means. No one is able to change their
nationality but one can have different citizenship.

THE 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

ARTICLE IV- CITIZENSHIP

Section 1. The 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;

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 [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 with law.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FILIPINO CITIZEN

The prime duty of the government is for its citizens to serve and protect in turn it
shall be the obligations of the entire citizen to do their duties and responsibilities as
Filipino citizens of the country as listed below:
1.Defend our country from enemies and invaders.
2.Pay his/her taxes willingly and promptly.
3.Be loyal to our country.
4.Take care and conserve our natural resources.
5.Help our country for growth and development.
6.Keep our surroundings clean.
7.Study well and become a productive individual.
8.Obey the laws and maintain peace and order in the community.
9.Preserve the Filipino culture and identity.
10.Participate actively n various government programs.
11.Vote wisely and chose candidates who can serve the people and our country.
12.Respect the rights of others

Active Citizenship is used to describe citizens that engage in a broad range

of activities that promote and sustain democracy. Active citizenship usually refers to
participation that requires respect for others and that does not contravene human
rights and democracy. This additional element is used to highlight that participation
per se can lead to or be a part of nondemocratic activities that can create harm to
certain social groups. These actions include civil society activities such as protesting
and collecting petitions, and Community activities such as volunteering, and
conventional political engagement such as voting or campaigning for elections.

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 Examples of active citizens

Be a volunteer in one of the Participate in the Barangay clean-up drive

Voting for elections Learn the law of your community
Organizations in the Philippines
LEARNING COMPETENCY

Explain the importance of Active citizenship (Quarter 2, Week 6).

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1 – ANALOGY ORGANIZER

Based on your understanding on the difference between nationality and

citizenship, complete the data needed in the Analogy Organizer Diagram.
Write your answer in each of the boxes.

NATIONALITY CITIZENSHIP

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 LEARNING ACTIVITY 2 – BECOMING A FILIPINO CITIZEN!

Answer the following questions based on your understanding.

1. How does someone become a citizen of the Philippines?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the roles and rights of a citizen?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY 3 –WALL OF CHANGE!

Make a collage about the things you would like to change in the
Philippines.

REFERENCES:

BOOK:

Tabajen, R. & Pulma, E. (2016). Philippine Politics and Governance, 121-126

Prepared by:
MARIA JAMILLA R. PUA
Writer

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 INTEGRATION AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR LEARNERS

“The youth is the hope of our Fatherland”. It is one of the most famous line
uttered by Dr. Jose P. Rizal, our National Hero pertaining to his belief about the youth
and its importance to the country.

Section 13, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides the constitutional basis
for youth empowerment. This provision acknowledges the crucial part of the youth in
nation building.

As the Philippine government upholds its constitutional mandate, several laws

and programs are implemented to ensure youth empowerment. These includes but
not limited to (1) the establishment of the National Youth Commission (NYC), and (2)
the implementation of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK).

NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION

The National Youth Commission (NYC) was established by virtue of Republic

Act No. 8044, otherwise known as the “Youth in Nation Building Act of 1995”. Section
6 of the Act provides that the NYC shall be the policy-making coordinating body of all
youth-related institutions, programs, projects and activities of the government.

Its objective includes to provide the leadership in the formulation of policies and
in the setting of priorities and direction of all youth promotion and development
programs and activities; to encourage wide and active participation of the youth in all
governmental and non-governmental programs, projects and activities affecting them;
to harness and develop the full potential of the youth as partners in nation-building;
and to supplement government appropriations for youth promotion and development
with funds from other sources as stipulated in Section 8.

In 2017 as part of its mandate, the NYC formulated the Philippine Youth
Development Plan for 2017 – 2022. The PYDP 2017-2022 seeks to enable, ensure
and promote the youth’s active, meaningful, and holistic participation in society in the
nine centers which have emerged from national and regional consultations: Health,
Social inclusion & equity, Active citizenship, Education, Peace-building & security,
Environment, Economic empowerment, Governance, Global mobility. It expounds on
these nine centers using the 8Cs of participation: categories, centers, clusters,
conditions, consequences, considerations, contexts, and cues.

By the end of 2022, it envisions Filipino youth are healthy, educated, patriotic,
globally mobile, and active in government and civil society. They live in a peaceful,
secure, and socially-inclusive society where there is respect for and equality across
genders, faiths, and cultures. They engage in gainful economic activity across various

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 locales and sectors and they have access, use, and transform technology, information,
and services for the betterment of the society.

Youth Development Program under the National Youth Commission

1. National Youth Parliament (NYP)

Under Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8044, convening of youth

parliament should be made upon the call of the NYC thus the conduct of the
National Youth Parliament. The NYP is a 3-day convention of youth leaders
every two years wherein policy recommendations are formulated to address
youth issues. These recommendations may also serve as the government’s
guide in policy formulation and program development.

2. The Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP)

It is a program based on the respective joint statements issued in

January 1974 between the ASEAN Member countries (Republic of Indonesia,
Malaysia. Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Singapore, and Kingdom of
Thailand) and Japan. It aims to promote friendship and mutual understanding
among the youth of Japan and the ten Southeast Asian countries. It also seeks
to broaden the perspective on the world and to strengthen their spirit of
international cooperation and practical skills for international collaboration.

3. Youth Organizations’ Registration Program (YORP)

The NYC as part of its mandate shall register, help and facilitate the
establishment of Youth Organizations and Youth Serving Organizations in
order to foster cooperation among organizations in order to establish up
relationship with the youth and facilitate a more active participation in its
programs.

4. Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO)

The Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) is an annual search
conducted to identify and recognize outstanding organizations and its
exemplary programs for the contributions made for the progress of our society.
5. Local Youth Development Program
Local Youth Development Program is responsible for the formulation of
policies and implementation of youth development programs at the
city/municipal level in coordination with various government and
nongovernmental organizations.

6. Mindanao 2020
"Mindanao 2020" is the new banner Peace and Development Advocacy
Program of the National Youth Commission. It is a comprehensive
advocacytraining program on the culture of peace, human rights and the
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 indigenous peoples. It aims to advance the promotion of peace, racial and
cultural tolerance, respect for the environment, rights of children, youth, women
and the indigenous peoples.

7. Abot-Alam National Program for Out-of-School Youth

Abot-Alam is a program which seeks to help community-based youth
particularly out-of-school youth (OSY) through opportunities for education,
possible career and employment.

8. Straw Desk (Students’ Rights and Welfare Desk)

The STRAW Desk program aims to aid in the policy formulation and
development of the Students’ Rights and Welfare, promote and advocate
STRAW among stakeholders, primarily the students, school administrators and
teachers, and relevant government agencies, and pilot a mechanism for the
processing of complaints pertaining to STRAW concerns and violations.

ISSUES AND CONCERNS

Issues and concerns which serve as the main bases for PYDP 2017-2022 was
based on the National Youth Assessment Study (NYAS) 2015 which provides the
latest data on the youth’s conditions, perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. These
includes issues on Health, Social inclusion & equity, Active citizenship, Education,
Peace-building & security, Environment, Economic empowerment, Governance,
Global mobility. The NYAS2015 offered significant insights about the issues and
concern that Filipino youth encounters however, there remains significant limitations
on its coverage, particularly in terms of active citizenship, environment, global mobility
and security.

SANGGUNIANG KABATAAN (SK)

Through the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act 7160), young
people are provided with the opportunity to directly participate in local governance
particularly barangay affairs with the creation of Sangguniang Kabataan(SK) and
Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK) in each barangay composed of all youth aged 15 to
21year-olds residing for not less than six months and is duly registered in the official
list of sangguniang kabataan. In 1995, with the passage of R.A. 8044, that created
the National Youth Commission, the secretariat functions of SK were transferred to the
NYC which in effect replaced Presidential Council for Youth Affairs (PCYA). In 2002,
the age bracket for KK membership was changed, through R.A. 9164, from 15 to 21
years old to 15 to 17 years old. Due to many challenges and call for abolition, SK
Reform Act of 2015 (R.A. 10742) was passed into law. It aims to reinforce the role of
youth participation in nation-building making them into better citizens with internalized
values of patriotism, nationalism, and honor as a Filipino. The new law renews SK with
various significant reforms such as age scope expansion (must be 15 to 30 years old
to become members of Katipunan ng Kabataan and 18 – 24 years old to qualify for
elective and appointed positions), anti-political dynasty provision (If seeking appointed
or elective positions, candidates must not be related within the second civil degree of
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 consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent
elected regional, provincial, city, municipal, or barangay official, in the locality where
he or she seeks to be elected), (3) financial independence (Ten percent (10%) of the
general fund of the barangay shall be set aside for the Sangguniang Kabataan.),
provision for the establishment of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) and
the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), and (5) Mandatory and continuing
training of SK officials and mandatory celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

Explain issues and programs related to political engagement and youth

empowerment (Quarter 2, Week 7-8)

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1 – POWER ME UP

Using the box below cite/give situations where you feel powerful and
powerless. On the left side, you will give a situation that has made you
feel powerful. On the right side, give a situation that has made you feel
powerless. After which give a brief explanation about why you feel powerful and
powerless in those situations.

I felt powerful because I felt powerless because

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 LEARNING ACTIVITY 2 – IF I MAY

If you were given a chance to implement a program for the Katipunan

ng
Kabataan to be sponsored by your Sangguniang Kabataan leaders,
what program would it be? How will the program able to help your fellow youth? Use the
template below for your answer. An example is provided after the template.

Program/Project Title

__________________________________________________________

Description:

__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Reason for Implementing the Program

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

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 Example

Program/Project Title

PROJECT P- agtatanim
I - sagawa
T – ulong sa
A – urora at K
– alikasan Description:

PROJECT PITAK aims to plant 50 trees yearly in the river banks of Magat
River (under the municipality of Aurora, Isabela) as a manifestation of its
support and commitment in the clean and green program of the Provincial
Government of Isabela particularly Project RIPARIAN as well as the
Municipality of Aurora.

Reason for Implementing the Program

1. Aurora particularly barangays Villa Fugu and Panecien are situated along
one of the major river system in Isabela, the Magat River.
2. Planting of trees along the river banks of Magat would help in preventing
degradation of soil and siltation that causes the river to become shallow.
3. It would help prevent flashfloods and hazardous flooding in the barangays
situated along Magat River.
4. Planting of trees along the river banks of Magat would help improve the
air quality and reduce pollution.

REFERENCES:

BOOK:

Melegrito, Ma. Lourdes F. and. Mendoza, Diana J. Politics Without Borders: Philippine
Politics and Governance, Phoenix Publishing House, Quezon City: 2016

WEBSITES:
National Youth Commission. (2020, May 25).Philippine Youth Development Plan
(PYDP) 2017-2022. National Youth Commission. http://nyc.gov.ph/

Prepared by:

JASMIN I. LAPPAY
Teacher/Writer

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