ALAYON, IVHAN I.

PAROK, VERNALYN L.
GEC 103 - The Contemporary World
➢ For the Functions of the State
▪ Choose five (5) out of eight (8) functions. Answer the questions
▪ How the current regime/administration realizes or carry out each of your chosen
function of the State? (Substantiate your answer by describing
activities/initiatives/programs of the government that exemplifies or realizes each of
your chosen function. E.g. political communication each agency of the government
utilizes social media e.g. facebook, twitter, to transfer or communicate relevant
information of their agency to the public. DSWD has a functioning, active, responsive
account on facebook(you can even include the link, if you want
POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION
The newest medium for communicating ideas, expressing opinions, and forming and
maintaining connections is social media. Social media platforms have grown in popularity as
a means of communication, influence, and self-expression, particularly in relation to political
activity. Therefore, President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has promised to keep
vlogging throughout his term in office in order to inform the public, solicit advice from them
via various social media channels, and learn about the opinions and comments of the
Filipino people while also responding to some comments in the comment section.
Link: https://www.bing.com/search?
q=bbm+youtube&cvid=5fc93838e2b5477d81274c5d579b89bb&aqs=edge.1.69i57j0l8.7527j
0j1&pglt=41&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=ACTS#:~:text=Bongbong%20Marcos%20%2D
%20YouTube-,https%3A//www.youtube.com/channel/UCqgTKnYIeu4DNXGN5fBCY,-
%E2%80%A6
POLITICAL COMMUNICATION
Social media are platforms for communication. They are channels through which
individuals self-organize into communities. As with their other communication activities,
some frontline government agencies used social media for many functions. As of the current
administration, They have important public information to disseminate regarding programs
and policies. Some of the government agencies in the Philippines that have social media
platforms are the following:
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)
Link: https://pco.gov.ph/
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
Link: https://dfa.gov.ph
Department of Health (DOH)
Link: https://doh.gov.ph
Department of Transportation (DOTr)
Link: https://dotr.gov.ph
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Link: https://www.dti.gov.ph
Department of Tourism (DOT)
Link: https://www.dot.ph/social-media-domains
Department of Agriculture (DA)
Link: https://www.da.gov.ph
Philippine National Police (PNP)
Link: https://pnp.gov.ph
Agencies communicate with a variety of audiences to achieve different goals.
Communicating through social media can help further agency work toward these goals
within the context of often-emplaced communication strategies within the organization.
INTEREST ARTICULATION
In the Philippines, political parties are supposed to perform the important functions of
candidate selection, leadership formation, interest aggregation and agenda development1.
The 1973 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines also outlines the ideals that the
government should embody, including promoting general welfare and securing blessings of
democracy under a regime of justice, peace, liberty, and equality2.
Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats, abbreviated as Lakas–CMD and also known simply
as Lakas, is a political party in the Philippines. Lakas–CMD is considered to sit on the
centre-right of the political spectrum, and is influenced by Christian democracy and Islamic
democracy. Since the 2022 elections, Lakas–CMD is currently the biggest party in the
House of Representatives, with the party's president, Martin Romualdez, serving as Speaker
of the House.[4] Vice President Sara Duterte is the party's chairperson, and the party is a
dominant member of the UniTeam Alliance led by President Bongbong Marcos.
The Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (lit. 'Force of the Filipino Masses'), formerly Partido ng
Masang Pilipino (lit. 'Party of the Filipino Masses'), is a populist political party in the
Philippines. It is the political party of former Philippine President Joseph E. Estrada. In the
May 1998 presidential election, it aligned itself with other political parties to form the Laban
ng Makabayang Masang Pilipino (Struggle of the Patriotic Filipino Masses).
POLICY MAKING
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Congress to pass at least 19 priority measures of
his administration that would help improve government services under his leadership.
Marcos enumerated his administration’s priority legislative measures in his first State of the
Nation Address (SONA).
PBBM’S PRIORITY BILLS
1. National Government Rightsizing Program
2. Budget Modernization Bill
3. Tax Package 3 Valuation Reform Bill
4. Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act
5. E-Govt Act
6. Internet Transaction Act or E-commerce law
7. GFI Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery
8. Establishment of Medical Reserve Corps
9. National Disease Prevention Management Authority
10. Creation of Virology Institute of the Philippines
11. Department of Water Resources
12. Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension
13. E-Governance Act
14. National Land Use Act
15. National Defense Act
16. Mandatory ROTC and National Service Training
17. Enactment of Enabling Law for Natural Gas Industry
18. Amendments to EPIRA
19. Amendments to BOT Law
POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
In the Philippines’ fight against illegal drugs, which is subject to a probe by the ICC,
Marcos said the government continues to focus on strengthening state programs on
rehabilitation, prevention, education and assistance to drug victims and their families, as well
as ensuring transparency and accountability on law enforcement operations. “The
Philippines has a national legislation punishing heinous crimes. We have vigorously
exercised our jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute crimes, including those allegedly
committed in the context of the anti-illegal drugs campaign. We are investing more to
enhance the administration of justice through the various institutions and mechanisms
already in place to protect the right to life, liberty and security of the Filipino people.” -
Marcos said.
As a citizen of this country, it is important that you are aware of the process that takes
place in the creation of laws that affect your daily life and the future generation of Filipinos.
This way, when you feel that a bill will not be beneficial for the country, you know how and
when to step up and talk with your representatives or senators about your concern as the the
bill will go through a lawmaking process and will be assessed to be approved or not not to
support its passage.
▪ Which among the functions of the State our government needs to focus on as they
appear to be vital in achieving the goals and objectives of the government?
Substantiate your answer/position.
Among the eight (8) functions of the state, we think that our government should focus on
POLITICAL COMMUNICATION. Many concern, complains and opinions of many Filipino
people are no longer heard as the government is not communicating enough with the
people, though many government agencies uses social media platform as there means of
communication, it is not enough for the people to only be heard, they need to be answered
and assessed. The government should also build up a greater communication with people
for them to be updated for whatever new policies, laws, and even opportunities that
government has to offer as not all people has the access to social media, and that’s what
they have to address.
➢ For the Goals of the State
▪ Choose two (2) out of three (3) goals. There are subgoals in every goal, you can just focus
your discussion in one or two subgoals for every goal that you will choose.
▪ How the current regime/administration realizes or carry out each of your chosen
goal of the State? (Substantiate your answer by describing activities/initiatives/programs of
the government that exemplifies or realizes each of your chosen goal.)
Answer:
STABILITY
 Political Development and Democratization
Political development refers to the process of building and strengthening democratic
institutions, systems, and practices. It involves promoting transparency, accountability, rule
of law, and citizen participation in governance. Democratization, on the other hand, pertains
to the expansion and deepening of democratic processes and values, such as free and fair
elections, respect for human rights, and equal access to political power.
Under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. administration, there have been
several initiatives aimed at promoting political development and democratization. One of the
government's primary efforts is the establishment of a Federal Philippines system, which
seeks to decentralize power and resources to the regions. The shift from a unitary to a
federal form of government aims to promote greater autonomy and decision-making
authority to the local level, thus increasing citizen participation in governance.
Another initiative that highlights the government's commitment to political development
and democratization is the passage of several laws, such as the Ease of Doing Business Act
and the Universal Health Care Law. These laws aim to improve the delivery of public
services, promote transparency and accountability in government transactions, and provide
equal access to health care services to all Filipinos.
The government also launched several programs to address corruption and promote
good governance, such as the Anti-Corruption Task Force and the National Justice
Information System. These initiatives aim to strengthen the rule of law, ensure accountability
of public officials, and promote transparency in government transactions.
Moreover, the government has made efforts to promote electoral reforms and protect the
integrity of the electoral process. One such initiative is the passage of the Electoral Reforms
Act, which seeks to ensure free, fair, and credible elections by strengthening the
Commission on Elections and improving the electoral system's transparency and
accountability.
In conclusion, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. administration has
implemented several initiatives to promote political development and democratization in the
Philippines. These include the shift to a federal form of government, the passage of laws
promoting transparency, accountability, and equal access to services, programs addressing
corruption and promoting good governance, and efforts to promote electoral reforms and
protect the integrity of the electoral process. While the effectiveness of these initiatives
remains to be seen, these efforts show the government's commitment to strengthening
democratic institutions and processes in the country.
PROSPERITY
 Welfare Distribution
Welfare distribution is one of the most pressing issues in the Philippines, with many
people living below the poverty line. It is a challenge that requires concerted efforts from the
government to alleviate the plight of the most vulnerable members of society.
1. Universal Health Care Program - The Marcos administration has prioritized the expansion
of the country's health care system, with the goal of providing access to affordable and
quality health care for all Filipinos. The Universal Health Care Law was signed into law in
2019, which aims to provide every Filipino with access to comprehensive health services,
including preventative, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
2. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program - This program aims to provide assistance to poor
families with children. Under this program, eligible households receive a cash transfer of up
to Php 1,500 per month, as well as access to health and education services. As of 2021,
over 4 million households have benefited from this program.
3. Expanded Social Amelioration Program - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the
Marcos administration launched the Expanded Social Amelioration Program (SAP), which
aimed to provide emergency cash assistance to low-income households affected by the
pandemic. The program has provided financial aid to millions of families, including those in
informal sectors, daily wage earners, and those in vulnerable situations.
In conclusion, the Marcos administration has implemented several programs and
initiatives aimed at addressing the welfare distribution challenges in the Philippines. These
programs have provided much-needed assistance to millions of Filipinos living in poverty
and vulnerable situations. However, there is still much work to be done, and the government
must continue to prioritize the welfare of its citizens to achieve sustainable development and
progress.
▪ Which of the goals appear to be the priority of this current administration?
Substantiate your answer. You can also anchor your answer on the SONA of the President
or existing programs of the government.
Based on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Marcos Jr. in
2022, it is clear that the current administration's priority is the goal of stability. In his speech,
President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order in the
country, particularly in addressing the threats posed by terrorism, illegal drugs, and other
forms of criminality.
The President also highlighted the need for economic stability, citing the government's
efforts to control inflation, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth. He mentioned the
Build, Build, Build program, which aims to develop the country's infrastructure and create
jobs, as a key component of the government's strategy to achieve economic stability and
prosperity.
The government's focus on stability is also evident in its efforts to address the impact of
the COVID-19 pandemic on the country. The government has launched several initiatives to
provide financial assistance to affected families and businesses, as well as to ramp up the
country's vaccination efforts to control the spread of the virus.
 In terms of security, the government has implemented several programs and initiatives
to address threats to national security, including terrorism and insurgency. The government
has also strengthened its law enforcement and anti-drug campaigns to combat illegal drugs
and criminality.
While the government has also taken steps to promote prosperity, such as by
implementing social welfare programs and investing in infrastructure development, it
appears that stability is currently the primary focus of the Marcos administration. This is
reflected in the government's policy priorities and initiatives, as well as in the President's
SONA.
Sources:
"SONA 2022 Full Transcript: President Bongbong Marcos' State of the Nation Address."
Philippine Star, July 25, 2022, https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/07/25/2197889/full-
text-marcos-2022-state-nation-address/amp/
"Build Build Build." Department of Public Works and Highways, https://scad.gov.ph/build-
build-build/
▪ Which among the goals should be given precedence by our government? Why?
Security, stability, and prosperity are interdependent goals that contribute to the overall
development and progress of a nation. However, if I had to choose only one goal that the
Philippine government should prioritize, it would be security.
Security is the foundation on which stability and prosperity are built. Without security, the
nation's political, economic, and social systems are vulnerable to internal and external
threats, including terrorism, insurgency, crime, and external aggression. These threats can
disrupt the nation's stability and hinder its progress towards prosperity.
Moreover, security is a fundamental human right that every citizen is entitled to. Ensuring
the safety and security of the people is the primary responsibility of the government. By
prioritizing security, the government can fulfill its obligation to protect its citizens and ensure
their well-being.
In the context of the Philippines, security remains a significant challenge, particularly in
the southern part of the country, where terrorist groups, separatist movements, and other
armed groups operate. These groups have caused significant damage to the nation's
development and progress, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and
disruption of economic activities.
Prioritizing security would mean increasing the government's efforts to combat terrorism,
insurgency, and other security threats. It would involve investing in security forces,
intelligence capabilities, and counter-terrorism measures. The government must also
address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, marginalization, and inequality, through
inclusive and participatory governance and development programs.
In conclusion, while stability and prosperity are essential goals for the Philippines,
security must be given precedence. Without security, the nation's progress towards stability
and prosperity will be hindered, and its citizens' well-being will be compromised. The
government must prioritize security to ensure the safety and security of its people and to
create an environment conducive to economic growth and development.
For Indicators of Good Governance
▪ Rate, one (1) being the lowest score & ten (10) highest score, how well this
government fare in each of the indicator of good governance? Justify your rating
score.
LEGITIMACY AND VOICE
7/10 – We could say that it was a good governance if all men ,women and the LGBTQIA
has the voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate
institutions that represents them.
Around the world, we see stigmatization, harassment and outright attacks used to silence
and discredit women who are outspoken as leaders, community workers, human rights
defenders and politicians. Women, girls and people with diverse gender identities continue to
face structural, systemic and legal barriers to the realization of the right to freedom of opinion
and expression.
DIRECTION
7/10 - the government should have a broad and long-term plan on good governance and
human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. For
example, It is obvious that the Philippine Government is struggling to comply with the
constitutional mandate that the State is obliged to provide free quality education at the
basic education level for all Filipino children and youth. The inadequacies of the State
are either due to limited funds or poor governance or both. It is really important for the
government to pay attention regarding to this matter, as education is the passport to a great
future.
PERFORMANCE
10/10 - Carefully and painstakingly measuring governance by the performance method can
show whether regimes are delivering necessary and desirable governmentally provided
performance results to their citizens. This concept of governance enables an existing
government, civil society, or donors to appreciate which parts of an overall system are
working well and which poorly. Critical decisions can thus be made that can, in the best of
circumstances, improve living conditions for the inhabitants of the developing world.
ACCOUNTABILITY
10/10 – it means that public officials elected and un-elected have an obligation to explain
their decisions and actions to the citizens. Government accountability is achieved through
the use of a variety of mechanisms political, legal, and administrative designed to prevent
corruption and ensure that public officials remain answerable and accessible to the people
they serve. In the absence of such mechanisms, corruption may thrive.
FAIRNESS
8/10 - If everyone is involved, then equality is ensured, and everyone deserves the
opportunity to make their voices heard, whether it is through voting or running themselves.
Equality is a crucial part of a functioning government system, along with being a key portion
of basic human rights. There are two types of democracies: republic and direct.
Part II – Material/s to be Used – VIDEOS on Government
Instructions:
a. Please watch the videos on the g-drive link given.
b. After watching answer the question – Which form/s of government is/are best for the
Philippines? Substantiate your answer.
c. Choose only one from the options:
a. Presidential and Unitary System
b. Presidential and Federal System
c. Parliamentary and Unitary System
d. Parliamentary and Federal System
Answer:
After reviewing the videos on the provided link, we believe that the best form of
government for the Philippines is the Presidential and Unitary System.
The Presidential System is a type of government where the president is the head of the
executive branch and is directly elected by the people. The Unitary System, on the other
hand, is a type of government where power is centralized in the national government, with
local governments having limited autonomy.
One of the advantages of the Presidential System is that it provides a clear separation of
powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. This
ensures that no one branch becomes too powerful and that there are checks and balances
in place to prevent abuses of power. The president is directly accountable to the people and
can be removed from office through impeachment if necessary.
In addition, the Unitary System allows for greater efficiency in governance and decision-
making. With power centralized in the national government, it is easier to coordinate and
implement policies and programs on a national scale. This is particularly important in a
country like the Philippines, which has a large population and diverse regions.
Furthermore, the Presidential and Unitary System provides stability and continuity in
government. The president serves a fixed term and cannot be removed from office except
through legal means, which ensures that there are no sudden changes in leadership that
could disrupt governance and create instability.
Overall, the Presidential and Unitary System is the best form of government for the
Philippines because it provides a clear separation of powers, allows for efficient governance,
and ensures stability and continuity in government. While other forms of government, such
as the Parliamentary and Federal System, may have their advantages, they may not be as
suitable for the unique needs and circumstances of the Philippines.