Evolution of Philippine Politics and Governance from the American Period to freedom, and the Japanese military exerted

tary exerted significant influence over political and

Post Independence Administrations economic affairs.

The Philippines has experienced a complex and dynamic evolution of its political and The Third Philippine Republic: A New Era New Era of Independence
governance structures since the American period. From the initial acceptance of
American aid during the aid during the revolution against Spain to the eventual Postwar Government
attainment of independence, the nation has nation has undergone a series of With the defeat of the Japanese, the Philippines regained its independence in in
transitions, challenges, and transformations that have shaped its shaped its political 1946. The Third Philippine Republic, led by led by President Manuel A. Roxas,
landscape. emerged as the first truly independent government with international recognition.

American Influence and the Transition to Independence Presidents and Their Administrations
The Third Republic witnessed a succession of succession of presidents, including
1 Military Government (1898-1901) Elpidio Quirino, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado
Following the Spanish-American War, the United States established military rule in Macapagal, and Ferdinand E. Marcos, each leaving their mark on the nation's
the in the Philippines. The U.S. military governed the country, implementing laws, political landscape. landscape.
maintaining order, and establishing administrative structures.
2 Civil Government (1901-1935) Neocolonialism and Economic Dependence
The military government transitioned to a civil administration, introducing democratic Despite independence, the Philippines remained economically dependent on the
institutions, promoting education, and establishing infrastructure. This era witnessed United States United States. The Third Republic grappled with issues of social
the gradual expansion of Filipino participation in government. inequality and neocolonialism, as neocolonialism, as the country's economic
3 Commonwealth Government (1935-1946) development was heavily influenced by American interests.
The Tydings-McDuffie Act granted the Philippines a ten-year transitional period
towards independence. The Commonwealth government, led by President Manuel The Marcos Era and Martial Law
Quezon, Manuel Quezon, prepared the nation for self-governance, focusing on
economic development, national unity, and social reforms. Declaration of Martial Law (1972)
In an attempt to address social and economic challenges, President Ferdinand E.
The Japanese Occupation and the Second Philippine Republic Marcos Ferdinand E. Marcos declared martial law in 1972. This move suspended
civil liberties, liberties, imposed strict censorship, and led to widespread human rights
Japanese Puppet Government abuses. abuses.
The outbreak of World War II and the subsequent Japanese invasion disrupted the
path towards independence. independence. The Japanese established a established Political Control and Repression
a puppet government, the Second Philippine Republic, headed by by President Jose Marcos consolidated power, effectively abolishing Congress and silencing political
P. Laurel. dissent. Opposition leaders were imprisoned or disappeared, and the government
operated under the authority of presidential decrees.
Philippine Executive Commission
A civil government called the Philippine Executive Commission, led by Jose B. Legacy of Martial Law
Vargas, was established. It possessed legislative and executive powers but The Marcos administration's legacy remains a contentious subject. While it achieved
remained under the control of the Japanese military administration. some economic gains, the period of martial law is widely criticized for its for its
human rights violations, corruption, and curtailment of democratic freedoms.
Control and Repression freedoms.
The Japanese military administration exercised tight control over all aspects of
aspects of government. The Filipino people faced severe restrictions on their
 The EDSA Revolution and the Restoration of Democracy Shifting Foreign Policy
Duterte's foreign policy shifted away from traditional American alliances, forging
1 People Power Uprising closer ties with China and Russia, and advocating for a more independent foreign
In 1986, a peaceful popular uprising, known as the EDSA People Power Revolution, policy.
led to the downfall of the Marcos regime. The revolution marked a pivotal moment in
Philippine history, demonstrating the power of peaceful resistance and the will of the Contemporary Philippine Politics: Challenges and Opportunities
people for democracy.
2 New Constitution and the Fifth Republic PHILIPPINE SENATE
The restoration of democracy was formalized with the adoption of adoption of the The Philippines continues to face challenges in its contemporary political landscape,
1987 Philippine Constitution and the establishment of establishment of the Fifth including corruption, poverty, and political polarization. However, the However, the
Republic. Republic. This new constitutional framework enshrined democratic nation also possesses significant opportunities for growth and development, with its
principles, human rights, and the rule of law. vibrant democracy, entrepreneurial spirit, and rapidly growing economy.
3 Continuing Challenges
Despite the triumph of democracy, democracy, the Philippines has faced various Executive Branch
challenges in its post- post-Marcos era, including poverty, poverty, corruption, and
political instability. Nevertheless, the country has continued to make strides towards What is Executive branch?
strengthening its democratic institutions and addressing social inequalities. The executive is the branch of government is responsible For the overall governance
of a state. The executive branch of government is responsible for enforcing and
The Post-EDSA Period: From Democracy to Political Shifts executing laws made by the legislative branch of government. This branch ensures
that the rules and policies created to govern society are carried out effectively.
Corazon Aquino 1986-1992
Restoration of democracy, democracy, adoption of of the 1987 Constitution KEY ROLES OF EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Fidel V. Ramos 1992-1998 1. Head of the State and Government:

Economic reforms, peace negotiations with rebel groups The executive branch is led by an individual or group that acts as both the symbolic
leader of the country and the decision-making authority.
Joseph Estrada 1998-2001 2. Execution and Enforcement of Laws:
Impeachment and People Power II The primary role of the executive branch is to enforce laws passed by the legislature.
It ensures that Individuals and organizations comply with the legal Framework of the
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo 2001-2010 country.
Economic growth, challenges with political instability 3. Administration of Public Policy:
Through its various departments and agencies, the executive branch implements
The Duterte Administration and the War on Drugs government programs, handles public services, and addresses national issues such
as education, healthcare, and defense.
War on Drugs 4. Command of the Armed Forces:
The Duterte administration launched a controversial campaign against illegal drugs, In most systems, the executive branch has authority over the military serving as
resulting in numerous deaths and raising concerns about human rights violations. commander in chief of the military. The President has the power to send troops into a
crucial fight. The functions of the executive include deciding when and how the
Infrastructure Development military should be used. The President makes the highest-level choices about threats
The administration focused on infrastructure development, promoting large-scale to national defense/security and Foreign policy decisions.
projects to improve transportation and connectivity.
 THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH'S INFLUENCE on POLICIES Budget Control
Impeachment Power
• Economic Policies Override of Vetoes
• Social Policies Oversight and Investigations
• Environmental Policies
• Foreign Policies Judicial Branch Checks:
Judicial Review
What is an executive? Limits on Executive Orders
An executive also referred to as the Judicial or executive power, is a person Independence of the Judiciary
responsible for all the critical functions, who holds the political power and is a public Pardons and Commutations
servant responsible for executing any law or running any sub administrative body
and one of the most critical bodies of any administrative system and the most LEGISLATIVE
powerful organ of the system or the government.
- established in 1789, when the first U.S. Congress met in Federal Hall in New
TYPES OF EXECUTIVES York City. The legislative branch was created as part of the three branches of
government established in the U.S.
THE POLITICAL EXECUTIVE
The head of the state, political leaders, head of any executive department are the Philippines was created in 1916 with the passage of the Jones Act, also known as
political executive. They're the elected representative of the people. They are the Philippine Autonomy Act
responsible for making decisions and implementing them before the public. The
tenure of these executives is for five years. Since they have a fixed term in work, we The Legislative Branch in the Philippines is responsible for making laws and
can call them temporary executives. checking the work of the executive.

NON-POLITICAL EXECUTIVE - Composed of the Senate (Upper House) and the House of Representatives (Lower
People who are civil servants can be called non-political executive. We can find House). Together, these form the Philippine-Congress
these executives in government departments. The people do not elect them, so we
can call them politically neutral. LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
1. Bills: Proposed laws that must pass both Houses of Congress before reaching the
KEY OFFICIALS IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH President for approval.
1. President or Prime Minister 2. Resolutions: Used to express principles and sentiments of the Congress (may
2. Vice President or Deputy Prime Minister not have the force of law).
3. Cabinet Members 3. Impeachment: The process for removing high officials in the government, initiated
4.Civil Servants in the House and tried in the Senate.

"THE CHECKS AND BALANCES" IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH POWER AND RESPONSIBLITIES
It refers to mechanisms that prevent executive branch from becoming too powerful or 1. LAW MAKING
acting outside the law by ensuring that its actions are subject to oversight and 2. APPROVING PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENT
limitation by the other branches of government-namely, the legislative and judicial 3. DECLARING WAR
branches ensuring balance in governance. 4. APPROVING TREATIES
5. IMPEACHING OFFICIAL
Legislative Branch Checks: 6. APPROVING NATIONAL BUDGET
Approval of Appointments
EXAMPLE OF LEGISLATIVE BRANCH KEY FUNCTIONS OF THE JUDICIARY
1. United States: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives). • Judicial Review: The judiciary has the power to review the actions of the executive
2. Philippines: Congress (Senate and House of Representatives). and legislative branches to ensure they do not violate the constitution. This is known
3. United Kingdom: Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords). as judicial review, a significant power in systems like the U.S. legal system.
• Due Process: Courts ensure that individuals receive fair treatment through the
Judiciary Branch judicial process, as guaranteed by the law, often referenced in constitutional clauses
like the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
3 BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
Legislative Branch IMPORTANCE
Executive Branch • The judiciary branch is crucial for upholding the rule of law, protecting individual
Judiciary Branch rights, and ensuring justice. It acts as a check on the executive and legislative
branches, interprets the constitution, and resolves disputes fairly. By ensuring laws
WHAT IS JUDICIARY BRANCH? are applied consistently and impartially, the judiciary maintains public confidence,
The judiciary branch is one of the three branches of government, alongside the promotes equality, and prevents abuses of power.
executive and legislative branches. Its primary role is to interpret and apply the law,
ensure justice, and resolve disputes Roles of the President in the Executive Branch

PURPOSE AND ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY The President is the head of the executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws
Interpretation of Laws: The judiciary interprets the meaning of laws and how they and leading the country.
apply to specific situations. This is essential because laws can be broad, and courts
provide the context for their enforcement. Executive Branch

Dispute Resolution: Courts resolve conflicts between individuals organizations, and 1 Enforcing Laws
government entities. The President ensures that laws are carried out effectively by the executive branch
agencies.
Protection of Rights: The judiciary safeguards individual rights and liberties, 2 Leading the Country
ensuring that laws do not violate constitutional protections like freedom of speech, The President sets the national agenda, proposes policies, and leads the nation in
and protection from discrimination. domestic and international affairs.

PEOPLE INVOLVED IN JUDICIARY 3 Appointment Powers

• In the Philippines, the person primarily responsible for overseeing the judiciary The President appoints key of trials within the executive branch, including cabinet
branch is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice leads the entire members and federal judges.
judicial system, including supervising lower courts, managing the Supreme Court,
and ensuring judicial independence. As of November 2024, the Chief Justice of the Powers of the President: Commander-in-Chief
Philippines is Alexander G. Gesmundo, who was appointed by President Rodrigo
Duterte in 2021. The President of the Philippines, while not directly involved in day- Military Leadership
to-day judicial matters, has the authority to appoint judges and justices, including the The President is the supreme commander, with the authority to deploy troops and
Chief Justice, based on the nominations provided by the Judicial and Bar Council wage war.
(JBC). Thus, while the Chief Justice leads the judiciary, the President plays a key
role in appointing members of the judiciary, including the Chief Justice. Defense Strategy
The President oversees the development and implementation of national defense
strategies, working with Department of Defense.
 Powers of the President: Judicial Appointments
Foreign Policy
The President directs foreign policy, negotiates treaties, and maintains relationships Judges
with other nations. The President nominates judges, including Supreme Court judges, with the help of
the Judicial and Bar Council
Powers of the President: Head of State
Judicial Impact
1 International Relations These appointments have a profound impact on the interpretation of the Constitution
The President represents the country in diplomatic affairs, meeting with foreign and the application of law.
leaders and hosting of trial events
2 Symbolic Leadership Checks and Balances
The President embodies the nation, serving as a symbol of unity and national pride. The Senate's role in confirmation ensures a balance of power between the executive
3 Public Diplomacy and legislative branches.
The President communicates with his people and the world, shaping public opinion
and promoting national interests. Checks and Balances: Relationship with Congress

Powers of the President: Chief Legislator Legislative Oversight

Congress has the power to oversee the executive branch, conducting investigations
Legislative Agenda and hearings.
The President proposes legislation and sets the policy agenda for Congress.
Impeachment
Veto Power The House of Representatives can impeach the President, and the Senate can
The President can veto legislation passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming remove the President from the position.
law.
Budget Approval
Lobbying Congress must approve the budget, which determines how the executive branch will
The President works with members of Congress to gain support for their legislative spend money.
agenda.
Importance of the Presidency
Powers of the President: Chief Executive The is Presidency is a crucial institution of the government. The President's powers,
responsibilities, and interactions with other branches play a significant role in shaping
1 Implementing Laws the nation's policies and guiding its direction.
The President oversees the executive branch agencies as they implement laws and
policies. ROLE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT IN THE PHILIPPINE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
2 Managing the Government
The President appoints cabinet members, oversees the budget, and manages Who is the Vice President?
government operations. • The Vice President is elected alongside the President through direct popular vote
3 Executive Orders for a six-year term.
The President can issue executive orders, which have the force of law within the • They hold office independently of the President, meaning they are not chosen from
executive branch. the President's cabinet.
• The Vice President is the second- highest official in the Philippine government and
plays a crucial role in the executive branch.
 The Ministers are in charge of various departments (like health, foreign affairs, or
PRIMARY ROLE OF A VICE PRESIDENT finance). They make sure the government’s laws and policies are carried out
properly.
1. Succession to the Presidency: The Vice President assumes the role of
President in case of the President's death, permanent disability, resignation, or Other positions might include secretaries or advisors who play specialized roles in
removal from office. areas like security or legal matters.
Eg. Gloria Macapagal Aroyo
2. Cabinet Membership (if assigned): If appointed to a cabinet post, the Vice These officials are appointed based on their expertise, trustworthiness, and political
President carries out the functions of that department. alignment.
Eg. Sara Duterte (current Vice President) serves as the Secretary of Education.
3. Support for the President: Acts as a backup leader and supports the executive Functions of the Cabinet
agenda, fostering political unity when possible.
4. Advisory Role: Advises the President on key issues and serves as a close Policy-making- The Cabinet creates policies and laws that shape the country's
partner in governance. future. For example, decisions on education systems or how to handle national
emergencies are made here.
Key Notes: Decision-Making- The Cabinet comes together to make tough decisions on national
1. The Vice President does not automatically have executive powers or matters. For instance, how to respond to a crisis or what new laws should be passed.
responsibilities aside from succession. Advising the Head of State- The Cabinet members are the main advisors to the
2. The actual scope of the Vice President's responsibilities depends on their President or Prime Minister, helping them make informed decisions on both local and
relationship with the President and the roles assigned. global issues.

The Cabinet is a group of important government officials who help run a country by Types of Cabinet Systems
making decisions and implementing laws.
Parliamentary System: In countries like the UK, the Prime Minister and Cabinet are
These leaders are appointed by the head of state, like the President or Prime chosen from the elected members of the Parliament. The Cabinet is responsible for
Minister. running the government.
Presidential System: In the US, the President appoints a Cabinet that isn't directly
Essentially, the Cabinet is the team that helps guide the country’s future, making big elected. They serve at the President’s discretion and don’t have to be from the
decisions that affect everyone. legislature.
Hybrid System: Some countries, like the Philippines, have a mix of both systems,
What is a Cabinet? where the Cabinet works alongside a President, but also has to consider the
The Cabinet is made up of top-level officials called ministers or secretaries, each legislature’s views.
responsible for specific areas like health, education, or defense.

In short, the Cabinet helps the head of state in running the country smoothly and
efficiently.

Composition of the Cabinet

The Prime Minister or President is the leader of the Cabinet. They guide and lead the
decision-making process.