Policy Formation in the Philippines (RA 9175)

Policy Formation

• The process of how policies are created.
• Includes decisions before an official policy statement is made.
• Includes policy changes that occur even without a formal policy change.
• Influenced by factors like the price mechanism, authority figures, political processes, and bargaining.

Parts of Policy in the Philippines (RA 9175)

• Typically involves many people and decisions.
• Accumulated effects lead to policy formation and reform.
• Continually refined to modify existing policies
• Explanatory Note:
  • Explains the rationale and importance of the bill.
  • Includes "Whereas" clauses summarizing key points.
• Section 1: Short Title:
  • Gives a brief name to the bill (e.g., NIPAS Law).
• Section 2: Declaration of Policy:
  • Outlines the legal basis of the policy.
  • Addresses the policy's relevance.
• Section 3: Definition of Terms:
  • Defines key terminology within the bill.
• Section 4: Body of the Bill:
  • Outlines general principles of the policy.
  • Specific details are implemented through the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
• Section 13: Separability Clause:
  • Ensures that if any part of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining parts remain valid.
• Section 14: Change will increase total welfare.
  • Outlines the expected impact of the policy.

Policy Formation - Economic Criteria

• Focuses on allocating resources efficiently.
• Benefit-Cost Analysis:
  • Projects should only be undertaken if benefits outweigh total costs.
  • Accounts for external economic impacts (benefits or costs outside immediate participants).
  • Considers the potential for secondary benefits (additional values beyond direct products/services).
• Challenges in Measurement:
  • Difficulty in converting all value into quantifiable units.
  • Measuring intangible benefits (e.g., biodiversity).
  • Inadequate data on land capability/use systems.
  • Limited cross-sectoral consultation during implementation.
  • Weak monitoring and evaluation systems.
  • Lack of information on success stories, lessons learned, and best practices.
  • Insufficient pathways for sharing information.
  • Insensitivity to cultural and traditional values during policy formulation.
  • Corruption and illegal activities.
  • Frequent policy changes.

Policy Formation - Other Social Criteria

• Focuses on factors beyond economic gain.
• Includes criteria like:
  • Freedom: Absence of obstacles to fulfilling desires.
  • Democracy: Shared control of government with equal representation.
  • Subjective Equality: Opportunities for achieving goals.

Policy Formation Process - Dynamic Response Model

• Represents the political system's response to policy proposals.
• Initiated by legislators, constituents, interest groups, etc.
• First Reading:
  • Introduced as a bill and assigned a number.
  • Sent to relevant committee based on subject matter.
  • Potential for rejection, amendment, or passage.
• Committee Stage:
  • Interest group members and lobbyists provide input.
  • Testimony at hearings to advocate for interests.
  • Public statements and commentary on the bill.
  • Lobbyists may influence the drafting process.
• Second Reading:
  • Debate and potential amendment of the bill.
  • Vote on the bill’s merits.
  • Continued lobbying influence.
• Third Reading:
  • Final vote on the bill.
  • Passage signals the bill's transition to a law after presidential approval.

Politics of Policy Formulation

• Interest groups advocate for legislation, often drafting sample bills.
• Lobbyists play a key role in providing information and analysis to legislative aides.
• Lobbyists may assist in drafting bills.
• Party politics influences support for legislation.
• Legislators exchange votes and favors to influence decisions.
• Lobbying is most active during the legislative process.

This quiz covers the intricacies of policy formation in the Philippines, particularly focusing on RA 9175. It discusses the processes involved in creating and modifying policies, as well as the importance of explanatory notes and declarations within the legislative framework. Test your understanding of how policies are shaped and the factors influencing their development.