Political and Civic Engagement in the Philippines

• The module focuses on political and civic engagement for Filipino citizens.
• It aims to educate citizens on the different ways to participate in activities that affect the country.
• Political and civic involvements are essential to address societal concerns and promote positive changes.

Core Learning Objective (MELC3)

• It discusses the effects of citizen involvement in civic activities across economic, political, and social areas.

Guidelines for Meaningful Study:

• Answer the "Balikan" section first
• Answer all of the practice questions
• Answer the "Tayahin" section
• Do all of the activities

Subukin (Test Yourself)

• The "Subukin" section involves answering questions as "Tama" (True) or "Mali" (False).

Balikan

• The previous module covered human rights, categorized into individual and group rights.

Political Participation

• Philippines is a democratic country
• Citizens has the right to participate in various events and activities that significantly affect society.
• The word "politics" originates from the Greek "polis," referring to city-state activities, while "pakikilahok" comes from the Latin "participatio," meaning to engage or share.
• Political participation refers to people's activities related to governing city-states and, presently, involvement in the administration of the country.

Tuwiran vs Di-Tuwiran

• Tuwiran (Direct): Citizens directly convey their wishes to relevant authorities, example: assemblies
• Di-Tuwiran (Indirect): Citizens communicate their preferences through elected representatives, example: voting.

1. Malayang Pamamahayag at Mapayapang Pagtitipon (Free Speech and Peaceful Assembly)

• The right to free speech is in the 1987 Constitution, Bill of Rights (Article III).
• This right is not limited to journalists and also available to all citizens.
• The constitutional laws states citizens can express their opinions freely with no intervention.

a. Magpaalam (Inform)

• Media's role: convey the feelings, observations, and thoughts of people to the public accurately and impartially.
• The media also serves as a watchdog over government actions to prevent abuse, promote accountability, and ensure financial transparency.

b. Impluwensiya (Influence)

• Media offers enough information for citizens to form their opinions on societal issues.
• The media enables people to express their sentiments, especially for the less fortunate.
• Joining peaceful assemblies is a way for Filipino citizens to participate politically and voice concerns to the government.

2. Pagboto (Voting)

• Voting is the right and duty of the citizens.
• The right to vote is protected by laws
• Voting means engaging citizenship in the country's administration.

Iba't Ibang Uri ng Pagboto (Different Kinds of Voting)

• Eleksyon (Election): Citizens choose officials they think are capable and trustworthy.
• Plebesito (Plebiscite): Citizens vote to approve or reject a proposal or change to the Constitution.
• Recall: Removing an elected official before the end of their term, requiring a petition from qualified voters.
• Initiative: A process where citizens can propose laws.
• Referendum: People vote for or against a social issue.

Sino-sino ang maaaring bomoto? (Who is able to vote)

• Citizen of the Philippines;
• Eighteen years old on election day;
• Resident of the Philippines for one year;
• Resident of the location they intend to vote in for six months before the election date.

Sino-sino naman ang hindi maaaring bumoto? (Who is unable to vote?)

• People sentenced to prison for at least one year, without pardon or amnesty.
• Those convicted by a court or tribunal of crimes against government, like rebellion.
• People proven to be of unsound mind by experts.

2. Pagsali at pagsuporta sa mga Organisasyong Pampolitika (Joining and supporting political organizations)

• Political parties are political organizations that want to maintain power in government.

A. Partido Politikal

• Political parties are essential and have a duty in the government.
• Formed to unite people to gain power in governing.
• Political parties are formed because of shared ideologies or platforms in government.

Katangian ng Partido Politikal (Characteristics of a Political Party)

• Established to control power in the government
• Formed because of similar ideologies among its members.
• Has a formal structure with members who support it.

Mga dahilan kung bakit naitatag ang mga Partido Politikal: (Reason why political parties are established)

• Unites people who are alike and aims to influence the government
• Eases the choosing process for leaders
• Promotes the process of election

Narito ang ilan sa mga Partido Politikal (Some political parties)

• Nacionalista Party (NP)
• Partido Liberal (LP)
• National Unity Party
• United National Alliance (UNA)
• Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats
• Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino
• Nationalist People's Coalition
• Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino

B. Pansektor na mga Kinatawan o Party List

• Party-list - representatives are in congress for a voice in congress for the marginalized sector
• RA 7941 or the Party List System was passed in 1995
• Party list system: organized groups can participate in national politics.

Narito ang ilan sa mga Party List:

• Bayan Muna
• Citizens' Battle Against Corruption

3. Paglahok sa Civil Society

• Civil society - where citizens voice out their needs on a government level.
• Civil society - "third sector" of society that is different from government and NGOs
• Examples civil society groups:
  • Non-governmental organizations (NGO)
  • Organizations and individuals not connected with the government
  • Non-profit organizations

a. Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)

• NGOs: groups that aim to help people and offer services.
• They help convey the complaints of the population to the government.
• NGOs serve as the bridge to know what problems are being faced in the local area
• NGOs help with programs in healthcare and care taking of those that are helpless

b. People's Organization

• Grassroot organizations or People's Organizations (POs) composed of citizens directly affected by certain problems

Mga People's Organization at ang kanilang katungkulan (People's Organization adn their duty):

• Traditional Organizations (TANGOs) - helps poor families financially
• Funding Angency NGOs (FUDANGOs) – Financial assistance for all
• Development, Justice, and Advocacy NGOs (DJANGOs) gives services legally and medical to their community
• Professional, Academic, and Civic Organizations (PACOs) -professional organizations
• Government-run and Initiated Peoples' Organization (GRIPO) -goverment ran organizations
• Genuine, Autonomous POs (GAPO) -autonomous POS that were independently funded and run

GAWAING PANSIBΙΚΟ (CIVIC DUTY)

• Civic duty is actions to help make a nation progress
• It is not a duty for those in government, regular citizens do this too

Mga Halimbawa ng Gawaing Pansibiko (Examples of Civic Duty)

• Join civic organizations to help the country
• Relay necessary information to authority

Mga Pribadong Samahan na tumutulong sa mga Mamamayan (Private Groups that Help Citizens)

• Gawad Kalinga (GK): Helps the Philipines that are not wealthy

Mga Epekto ng Pakikilahok ng Mamamayan sa mga Gawaing Pansibiko (The Affect of Citizen Involvement in Government Tasks)

• Societies are given simple solutions when citizens are actively participating in governing tasks
• Solidarity of our country

1. Nabibigyan ng panandalian at pangmatagalang solusyon ang iba't ibang suliranin sa lipunan

• If the citizens are willing to solve the nation's problems, solutions become easier