TOP ACHIEVRS PRIVATE SCHOOL, INC.

-CAUAYAN

Module 4

Decentralization and Local Governance and Elections and

Political Parties

Decentralization and Local Governance

1. Concept of Decentralization

Decentralization means transferring authority and responsibility from the national government to
local government units (LGUs).

Its goal is to bring government closer to the people, improve public service delivery, and
promote local autonomy.

It allows LGUs to make decisions and manage their own resources based on local needs and
priorities.

Types of Decentralization:

Deconcentration – transfer of functions within the central government (e.g., from national
offices in Manila to regional offices).

Delegation – transfer of decision-making and administrative authority to semi-autonomous

agencies or organizations.

Devolution – transfer of powers, authority, and responsibilities to LGUs; the most significant
form under the 1991 LGC.

2. The 1991 Local Government Code (LGC)

Enacted as Republic Act No. 7160, it institutionalized local autonomy in the Philippines.

It devolved key functions and responsibilities to provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays.

Devolution of powers in areas such as:

 Agriculture
 Health services
 Social welfare
 Environmental management

Fiscal autonomy – LGUs can generate their own revenues through local taxes, fees, and the
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) (now called National Tax Allotment or NTA).

Local legislation – each LGU has a Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlungsod/Bayan/Barangay to

create ordinances responsive to local issues.

People participation – encourages citizen involvement through NGOs, POs (People’s

Organizations), and civil society in local decision-making.

3. National–Local Government Dynamics

The relationship between the national and local governments is one of interdependence and
coordination.

While LGUs enjoy autonomy, they still operate within the framework of national policies and
laws.
National oversight: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) supervises
LGUs to ensure they follow the law and national development goals.

Fiscal relationship: LGUs depend partly on the National Tax Allotment (NTA) from the national
government but are encouraged to increase local revenue generation.

Coordination mechanisms: Programs and projects are often jointly implemented by national
agencies and LGUs (e.g., health, education, disaster management).

4. Importance of Decentralization and Local Governance

 Promotes efficiency and responsiveness in public service.
 Encourages citizen participation and accountability in governance.
 Strengthens local democracy and self-reliance.
 Facilitates balanced national development by empowering local communities.

✅ In Summary:
The 1991 Local Government Code established a decentralized system where LGUs have
autonomy, power, and responsibility to govern their localities effectively. However, they still
maintain coordination with the national government to ensure unified national development
while addressing local needs.

Elections and Political Parties

A. Elections
1. Meaning and Importance
Elections are formal mechanisms by which citizens choose individuals to hold public office.
They are a cornerstone of democracy, allowing the people to express their political will and
hold leaders accountable.
In a democratic government like the Philippines, elections:
 Legitimize authority through the consent of the governed.
 Promote peaceful transfer of power.
 Encourage political participation and civic responsibility.

Example: Every six years, Filipinos elect a President and Vice President through a nationwide
election. In 2022, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte were elected in a peaceful
and highly participative election.

2. Types of Elections in the Philippines

1. National Elections
o Elects the President, Vice President, Senators, and Party-List Representatives.
o Held every six years.
o Example: The 2022 National Elections used automated vote-counting machines
(VCMs) provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
2. Local Elections
o Elect Provincial Governors, Mayors, Vice Mayors, and Councilors.
o Held simultaneously with national elections every three years.
o Example: Voters in Quezon City elect their local mayor and councilors during the
same period as national polls.
3. Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections
o Elect Barangay Captains, Councilors, and SK officials.
o Serve as the grassroots level of governance.
o Example: The October 2023 Barangay and SK Elections strengthened youth
participation in local governance.
4. Special Elections
o Conducted to fill vacancies due to death, disqualification, or resignation.

Example: In 2023, a special election in Cavite’s 7th District was held after the
incumbent congressman was appointed to another post.
3. Democratic Principles in Elections
 Free and Fair: Voters should be free from intimidation, bribery, and manipulation.
 Regular: Elections must be held periodically as provided by the Constitution.
 Inclusive: Every qualified citizen (18 years old and above) can vote.
 Secret and Transparent: Ballots are confidential, and the process must be open to public
scrutiny.
COMELEC ensures these principles through voter education, election monitoring, and penalties
for electoral fraud such as vote-buying or tampering.

4. Importance of Elections in Governance

 Serve as a check on power and prevent dictatorship.
 Promote accountability among public officials.
 Allow for policy direction based on the people’s mandate.
 Reinforce the voice and power of the citizens.
Example: The peaceful transition of power from President Duterte to President Marcos Jr. in
2022 demonstrated the maturity of Philippine democracy through the electoral process.

B. Political Parties
1. Definition
A political party is an organized group of individuals who share similar political beliefs, values,
and goals. They aim to influence government policy by winning elections and holding public
office.
2. Functions of Political Parties
1. Nominate Candidates for public office.
2. Formulate Platforms and policy agendas.
3. Educate and Mobilize Voters on national and local issues.
4. Organize the Government by forming a majority or opposition bloc in Congress.
5. Provide Opposition to check and criticize the ruling administration.

3. Political Parties in the Philippines

The Philippines has a multi-party system, meaning multiple parties compete for power.

Major Parties and Their Ideologies:

Political Party Core Beliefs / Platform Example Leader or
Candidate
Partido Demokratiko Pilipino– Federalism, anti- Rodrigo Duterte, Manny
Lakas ng Bayan (PDP–Laban) corruption, populist Pacquiao
policies
Liberal Party (LP) Liberal democracy, Benigno “Noynoy”
transparency, human rights Aquino III, Leni Robredo
Nacionalista Party (NP) National development, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.,
conservative values Manny Villar
Nationalist People’s Coalition Centrist, pro-business Grace Poe, Chiz Escudero
(NPC)
Lakas–Christian Muslim National unity, interfaith Gloria Macapagal-
Democrats (Lakas–CMD) cooperation Arroyo, Sara Duterte

4. Party-List System
 Introduced under the 1987 Constitution to ensure representation of marginalized groups
(workers, farmers, women, youth, etc.).
 20% of House of Representatives seats are reserved for party-list groups.
Example:
 Gabriela Women’s Party represents women’s rights.
 Bayan Muna advocates for laborers and the poor.
 Ako Bicol Party-List focuses on regional development.

5. Issues and Challenges

 Political dynasties dominate many parties.
 Weak party loyalty — candidates often switch parties for convenience.
 Vote buying and patronage politics weaken democratic integrity.

✊ 11. Civil Society and Social Movements

A. Civil Society
1. Definition
Civil society refers to the realm of organized social life that is voluntary, self-generating, and
independent from the state.
It includes all groups and associations outside government and business that promote the welfare
and rights of citizens.
2. Examples of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
 Non-Government Organizations (NGOs): Gawad Kalinga, Habitat for Humanity, Save
the Children.
 Faith-Based Groups: Caritas Manila, Islamic Relief.
 Labor and Farmer Unions: Kilusang Mayo Uno, Alyansa ng Magbubukid sa Pilipinas.
 Advocacy Networks: Greenpeace Philippines (environment), Amnesty International
(human rights).
 Academic and Student Groups: Kabataan Party-list, National Union of Students of the
Philippines (NUSP).

3. Roles and Functions

1. Advocacy and Awareness:
o Educate the public on social issues (e.g., climate change, corruption, gender
equality).
2. Accountability and Watchdog Role:
o Monitor government actions to ensure transparency (e.g., election monitoring by
NAMFREL).
3. Service Delivery:
o Provide assistance to poor communities, disaster relief, and social programs.
4. Participation in Governance:
o Represent citizens in policy-making through consultations and forums.
Example:
During Typhoon Yolanda (2013), civil society organizations provided rapid humanitarian aid and
pressured the government to improve disaster response.

B. Social Movements
1. Definition
Social movements are collective, organized efforts by citizens aimed at bringing about or
resisting change in society.
They usually emerge when people feel that their rights, needs, or voices are being ignored.

2. Major Social Movements in the Philippines

Social Movement Purpose Historical Significance
People Power Overthrow of dictatorship and Ended Marcos’ 20-year rule;
Revolution (1986) restoration of democracy inspired global democracy
movements
Women’s Rights Gender equality, anti-violence Led to RA 9262 (Anti-Violence
Movement against women Against Women and Children Act)
Environmental Protection of forests, oceans, Advocacy against mining and
Movement and climate reclamation projects
Labor Movement Fair wages and workers’ rights May 1 rallies and labor unions’
campaigns
LGBTQ+ Movement Equal rights and anti- Push for SOGIE Equality Bill
discrimination
Youth Movements Student activism and education UP and Ateneo student protests on
reform tuition and corruption issues

3. Importance of Civil Society and Social Movements

 Strengthen democratic participation.
 Give a voice to the marginalized and underrepresented.
 Encourage social accountability and reform.
 Promote collective action for the common good.

4. Challenges Faced
 Limited funding and resources.
  Political repression or red-tagging.
 Lack of coordination among organizations.
 Disinformation campaigns that weaken credibility.

✅ Summary Points
 Elections ensure the people’s power to choose and change their leaders.
 Political Parties organize political ideas and candidates for governance.
 Civil Society represents citizen participation beyond government.
 Social Movements drive reform and protect democratic freedoms.

Test your ability

🗳 Topic 10: Elections and Political Parties (1–20)
A. Multiple Choice (1–10)
Choose the correct answer.
1. The process by which citizens choose their leaders through voting is called _______.
a) Governance
b) Election
c) Legislation
d) Revolution
2. What government agency supervises elections in the Philippines?
a) DILG
b) COMELEC
c) DOJ
d) CHR
3. Which principle ensures that elections are open to all qualified citizens?
a) Transparency
b) Inclusiveness
c) Accountability
d) Fairness
4. What is the main purpose of elections in a democracy?
a) To ensure military control
b) To allow peaceful change in leadership
c) To support political elites
d) To discourage political participation
5. Which of the following is a national election position?
a) Barangay Captain
b) Mayor
c) Senator
d) Provincial Board Member
6. Political parties exist primarily to:
a) Entertain the public
b) Educate citizens and gain power through elections
c) Create business groups
d) Replace government agencies
7. What does the party-list system represent?
a) Wealthy politicians
b) Foreign investors
c) Marginalized sectors
d) Government employees
8. Which of the following is a major political party in the Philippines?
a) PDP–Laban
b) CNN
c) ABS–CBN
d) UNDP
9. The act of switching political parties for convenience is called:
a) Political loyalty
b) Party shifting or turncoatism
 c) Political maturity
d) Party alliance
10. Which of the following is a function of political parties?
a) To overthrow the government
b) To nominate candidates and form platforms
c) To collect taxes
d) To make laws independently

B. Identification (11–15)
Write the correct answer.
11. The peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another through elections is
called ________.
12. The law that reserves 20% of House seats for marginalized sectors through party-list
groups is ________.
13. A political organization that shares common goals and aims to gain control of
government is called a ________.
14. The government body responsible for ensuring fair elections in the Philippines is
________.
15. The right of every Filipino citizen aged 18 and above to vote is called the right of
________.

C. True or False (16–20)

16. Elections strengthen democracy by allowing citizens to choose their leaders.
17. Vote-buying is an example of a fair election practice.
18. Political parties help shape public opinion and government policy.
19. The Philippines has a two-party system.
20. COMELEC is responsible for enforcing election laws and regulations.

✊ Topic 11: Civil Society and Social Movements (21–40)

A. Multiple Choice (21–30)
21. Civil society refers to organizations that operate ________.
a) Under the government
b) Outside the government but for the public good
c) For profit
d) As private corporations
22. Which of the following is a civil society organization?
a) The Senate
b) Philippine Red Cross
c) COMELEC
d) Department of Education
23. Which group represents workers’ rights in the Philippines?
a) NAMFREL
b) Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)
c) Greenpeace
d) Caritas Manila
24. What is the main purpose of social movements?
a) To create entertainment
b) To promote or resist social and political change
c) To collect taxes
d) To operate schools
25. The People Power Revolution of 1986 was a social movement that:
a) Created new provinces
b) Overthrew a dictatorship and restored democracy
c) Abolished elections
d) Promoted military rule
26. Which of the following best describes civil society’s watchdog role?
a) Providing police protection
b) Monitoring government actions for transparency
c) Passing laws in Congress
d) Campaigning for business interests
27. Which of the following organizations is faith-based?
a) Gawad Kalinga
 b) Caritas Manila
c) Greenpeace Philippines
d) Bayan Muna
28. The women’s rights movement in the Philippines led to the passage of which law?
a) RA 9003
b) RA 1425
c) RA 9262
d) RA 9165
29. The LGBTQ+ movement in the Philippines pushes for the passage of what bill?
a) Anti-Hazing Law
b) SOGIE Equality Bill
c) National Defense Act
d) Local Government Code
30. Which student-based movement advocates for education reform and youth
representation?
a) Kabataan Party-list
b) PDP–Laban
c) NUP
d) Lakas–CMD

B. Identification (31–35)
31. A collective action by citizens aimed at bringing social or political change is a ________.
32. The non-government sector that works for public welfare is called ________.
33. The 1986 revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship is known as ________.
34. A civil society group that advocates for environmental protection in the Philippines is
________.
35. A movement that fights for equality regardless of gender or sexuality is the ________
movement.

C. True or False (36–40)

36. Civil society is part of the formal structure of government.
37. Social movements often emerge when people are dissatisfied with government or social
conditions.
38. NGOs like Gawad Kalinga and Habitat for Humanity help deliver social services.
39. The labor movement only benefits government employees.
40. Both civil society and social movements play a vital role in strengthening democracy.