SOCIAL 6

LESSON 1 THE FILIPINO CITIZEN Citizenship The word citizen refers to a person who belongs to a particular country.

A citizen may be a native of a particular country or a naturalized member who swears allegiance to his or her adopted country.

Philippine Constitution provides clear definitions of a Filipino citizen. It says, A Filipino citizen is anyone:  Whose parents are citizens of the Philippines. By virtue of our birth to Filipino parents, we become a natural-born citizen. Natural born citizens compose the majority of the people in the country.  A person born only to a Filipino mother can also be considered as a naturalborn citizen if he/she chooses Filipino citizenship upon reaching the age of 21.  Our constitution also honors Filipino citizenship of the people who were already citizens of the Philippines at the time it was adopted. It specifically mentioned that the children born before January 17, 1973 (the time when the Constitution officially took effect) maintains their Filipino citizenship.  Foreigners can also apply for Filipino citizenship under certain conditions provided by law.  Dual citizenship is allowed in some countries like the Philippines and Australia.  On the other hand a Filipino citizen who marries a foreigner could still retain his or her citizenship in the Philippines unless he or she renounces it and applies for a foreign citizenship.

Activity 1 Identify the term or terms being referred to. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. This refers to a person who belongs to a particular country. a. citizen

b. alien

c. tourist

2. This refers to a membership to a country. a. naturalization

b. citizenship

c. immigration

3. This refers to a person born to parents who are both citizen of a country. a. natural-born citizen Young Ji International School / College

b. immigrant

c. naturalized citizen Page 1

4. This refers to a person with a different nationality but becomes a citizen of a particular country after applying for a citizenship status. a. natural-born citizen

b. immigrant

c. naturalized citizen

5. The rights of the Filipino citizens are provided in this particular portion of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. a. Article 1 b. Article II c. Article III LESSON 7: FILIPINOS AT WORK The Filipino Worker Filipinos are excellent workers. They are highly skilled. The quality of their work is on a par with the best in the world. They are among the most sought after and valued personnel here and abroad. They are our country’s foremost agents of growth.

Qualities of a Filipino Worker Diligence Filipinos are generally industrious. Since childhood, Filipinos since childhood have been trained to work hard. Filipino parents make sure that their children start to develop a sense of responsibility at a young age. They are allowed to share in small household chores like sweeping the floor, cleaning the backyard, and washing the dishes.

Flexibility and adaptability Filipino can easily adjust to changes in work situations, difficult working environments, or unexpected work related problems. They can also adapt to a new culture or blend in to a new environment. These qualities enable millions of Filipino workers to work anywhere in the world. Most of our skilled Filipino overseas workers can easily master their crafts in their fields of work.

Patience and Endurance Filipino workers are known for their great patience and endurance. Their willingness to handle difficult job is matched by their readiness to endure any physical and emotional pain that comes with their work. Like the OFW’s, their patience in counting years of separation with their families is admirable. Many of them endure not only the Young Ji International School / College

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pain of their strained muscles, but also the agony of being separated from their loved ones.

Creativity and resourcefulness Filipino workers are very creative and resourceful. They can work even with limited resources. They know how to improvise things and make use of whatever is available. They can create quality products out of scrap materials.

Dedication, loyalty and dependability Filipino workers commit themselves to anything they do. They can work beyond normal working hours if such is necessary to get things done. Filipino workers express their loyalty by carrying out their tasks and respecting their employers. The attitude to please those they serve makes Filipino workers the most likeable and lovable employees. They develop personal attachment with the people they work with.

Honesty Generally, Filipinos are honest workers. They can be trusted. The Filipino sense of shame or hiya is so strong that it prevents us from doing what is considered a dishonourable deed. We believed that trust is earned through honesty. Honesty among Filipinos is also exemplified in stories or news of taxi drivers and coemployees returning items left by other people.

Professionalism and discipline Filipinos work hard and train hard in their professions and vocations. They know how to handle themselves and they strive hard to achieve professional maturity. They master their crafts and strive for the best. They take pride in their work but perform it with humility.

Family –centeredness Filipino workers are family oriented. They work to give their families a decent life.

The need to support their families is the common motivation of millions of Filipinos who work overseas. They risk their lives in dangerous workplaces just to provide for their families in the Philippines.

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Godliness Filipino workers are God-fearing .Their good virtues and many integrity are rooted in their faith in the one Providential God. Generally Filipino workers view their work as God’s gift and offer Him everything that they do.

Filipino brain drain The migration of highly skilled Filipino professionals to other countries is the major cause of the social problem called Filipino brain drain. Poverty and lack of economic opportunities in the Philippines force these educated Filipinos to leave the country, even ending up taking on low-end jobs abroad. As a result, the country loses many talented minds and skilled hands that could help the Philippines achieve growth.

Activity 1 A. Write the quality of a Filipino worker described in each sentence. ______________________1.Filipino workers work hard. ______________________2. Filipino workers can easily adjust to any working environment. ______________________3. Filipino workers can handle any job anywhere in the world and endure any physical and emotional pains. ______________________4. Filipino workers can finish quality products even with limited resources. ______________________5 Filipino workers can create products even out of scrap materials. ______________________6.Filipino workers are willing to work even beyond the normal working hours if necessary. ______________________7. Filipino workers can be trusted. ______________________8.Fiipino workers have self-discipline and do not let their feelings affect their performances at work. ______________________9. Filipino workers work for their family.

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_____________________10. Filipino workers glorify God in their work.

LESSON 8: POPULATION Population refers to the number of people living in a particular area. The data on population is very important and has uses. In the Philippines, the data on population is used by the government in various ways. It helps the national government decide on the budget allocation for its agencies that provide services to the people. It also helps determine if the certain locality can be created or converted into a city, province or any other kind of higher level local government unit.

Census of Population To count the population the government holds a census. A census means a complete enumeration of a population. The government conducts a periodic census to determine the complete number of residents in the country who are staying, have stayed or are expected to stay here for at least a year. This includes Filipinos outside and inside the Philippines and the foreigners who are living in or visiting the country.

In the census, the government gathers basic information about the residents. This includes age, sex, marital status, education, income and other important data.

From 1903 until 2007, only 12 population census were conducted. The last census of the population in the Philippines was taken in May 2010.The national Statistics Office (NSO) is the only government agency assigned to conduct official census of population in the country.

A census is conducted through house-to-house visits by NSO representatives.

Population of the Philippines As of 2009, the estimated population of the Philippines is 91,817,500. This shows a significant increase compared with the census count in year 2000 when the total population of the Philippines was only 76,504, 077.

By 2040, it is estimated that the number of population of the Philippines would reach up to 141,669,900. Note the increase of people in our country since the first record if 1,502,574 in 1799.

Composition of Population The composition of population refers to the characteristics of the population. Age and gender are the two basic characteristics of population.

The population according to age We look at the age groups that compose the population. In this case, we determine the total number of young, middle aged, or old aged population of a particular place.

If we know that the population is composed of more people working within the working ages (middle population), it means the population has the capacity to contribute more to the economy in terms of income and taxes. Otherwise, this means Young Ji International School / College

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that more people are dependent on a lesser number of people who work and pay taxes and may have some economic consequences for the country.

The population according to gender This helps determine whether there are more males or more females in the population. To find the sex ratio, we divide the number of males in a population by the number of females and multiply the result by 100.

Factors that contribute to the growth of population 

Birth rate or fertility rate It refers to the number of births per 1000 people per year. To find this rate: Number of births within a year X 1000=Birth rate Total population within a year The population grows when the death rate slows down.



Death rate or mortality rate Refers to the number of deaths per 1000 people per year. To find this rate:

Number of deaths in a year X 1000= Death rate Average number of population within a year The death rate increases when the population live in conditions where there are diseases, mass starvation and wars. These things often lower the life expectancy of people.

Population distribution Population distribution refers to the way the population is spread over a certain place or area. This is often related to factors like climate, geography, sociopolitical conditions, and economic opportunities.

Population distribution in urban and rural areas Rural and urban areas differ in terms of population distribution. Generally, rural areas still have greater population than the urban areas except for highly urbanized cities like Metro Manila. As a city grows economically, its population also grows because it attracts more people who look for economic opportunity in the cities.

Population density It refers to the total number of people occupying a given land area. When the number of people increases in a particular land area, the population density increases.

Population density=Total number of people Land area of a place

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A.

Identify what is described in each sentence. Write your answer on the blank.

_______________1. This refers to the total number of people in a particular area. _______________2.This refers to the way the population is distributed or spread over a certain place or area. _______________3. This refers to the number of deaths per 1000 people per year. _______________4. This is the government agency assigned to conduct official count of population in the country. _______________5. This refers to the characteristics of the population or the group of people being studied. _______________ 6. This is the estimated population of the Philippines as of 2007. _______________7. This refers to the number of births per 1000 people per year. _______________8.This process is conducted by the government to determine the total number of population in the country. _______________9. This is the estimated population of the Philippines by 2040. _______________10. This refers to the number of people occupying a given land area.

LESSON 9: MIGRATION Migration Migration refers to the permanent or temporary change of residence by an individual or group of people. The word migration is derived from the Latin word, migrare, which means “to move from one place to another.�

Immigrant and emigrant There are two words associated with migration: immigrant and emigrant.

An immigrant is a person who permanently settles into a country which is not his or her native country. The act of entering into a new country is called immigration.

An emigrant is a person who leaves his or her native country to settle in another country. The act of leaving one’s native country is called emigration.

Two Kinds of Migration Internal Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another place within the country.

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External migration refers to the movement of people from their country of origin to another country.

Kinds of Internal migration Rural to urban migration This means that some people from different provinces move to different cities.

Ex. Some people leave their rural communities and go to urban areas in search of employment.

Urban to rural migration Internal migration may also be characterized by the movement of people from urban areas to rural areas. This means that a portion of population in cities migrate to provinces.

Rural to rural migration It is characterized by movement of people from one rural area to another.

Usually this case happens to peasant families who transfer from one farmland to another.

Urban to urban migration People also migrate from one urban area to another.

Ex. When economic opportunities are more attractive in another city, some people usually prefer to transfer to that city.

Factors that cause migration Push factors There are things or circumstances that force or motivate people to migrate and leave a place for another. This are called push factors.

War Military conflict often results to mass displacement of people. The displacement of some Muslim and non- Muslim populations affected by the war in Mindanao is a good example of how war can cause forced migration.

Natural calamities/disaster Natural calamities or disaster also cause forced migration of people.

Political Political persecution also causes forced migration. This usually happens to people who are persecuted by the State because of their political beliefs and affiliations.

Eviction.

Eviction from informal settlements also causes migration of people. Their relocation to other places is either voluntary or initiated by government.

The eviction of squatters from informal settlements also causes migration of people. Their relocation to other places is either voluntary or initiated b government.

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Pull factors These are things that attract people to migrate to another place or stay in a place.

Career Opportunity A career move motivated by an offer of a high-paying job in another place attracts people to change their place of residence.

Lifestyle and standard of living The aim of families to improve their standard of living also motivates people to migrate. Those who want lower costs of living often move from cities to the provinces or from one country to another. Likewise, people who want to improve their economic status in life usually move to cities and other urban areas where there are better business and employment opportunities.

Education The ambition to finish studies is also another factor in migration.

Marriage The marriage of a couple who came from different places also often results to migration. Either they start to build a family in the place where they first met ( a city for instance) or they return home to either of their hometowns in the province(or another urban area.

Impacts of Migration Migration greatly affects the economic and socio-cultural conditions of a place.

In external migration, the emigration of the Filipinos becomes positive for the government because the money the money that the migrants send back home helps our economy. In the same way, the Filipino migrants also aid the labor sector in their host countries.

In the case of internal migration, the places that the migrants leave behind benefit from improved public services because of a lesser population. On the other hand, the places where the migrants move into may also gain from their contribution to the local economy and culture. In this way, both places benefit from migration.

In another perspective, the migrants may also bring problems to their new destinations. Some of these problems include labor competition, overpopulation, and pollution, higher cost for social services, cultural differences and racial conflicts.

Activity1 A. Write the word that best completes the sentence.

1._________________ refers to the permanent or temporary change of residency by an individual or group of people.

2._________________refers to the movement of people from one place to another within the country.

3. ______________migration is characterized by the movement of a portion of rural population into urban areas.

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4.______________refers to the movement of people outside the country.

5. An ______________ is a person who settles into a new country to settle permanently in another country.

B. Identify if each of the following is a “push factor’’ or a pull factor’’ of migration. Write your answer on the blank.

_______________1. Fertile land _______________2. Nice climate _______________3. Job opportunities _______________4. High crime rate _______________5. Good schools _______________6. Business opportunities _______________7. War _______________8. Pollution _______________9. Safe neighbourhood _______________10. Political crisis

LESSON 10 THE PHILIPPINES AS A SOVEREIGN STATE The Philippines was recognized by the international community as an independent country in 1946. Since then, it has governed itself and has made diplomatic relations with other countries all over the world.

The Philippines is a state. It is responsible for everything that belongs to it.

The safety and growth f the whole nation is its main concern. It is incumbent upon itself to provide for the welfare of its constituents.

The Montevideo Convention of 1933 was an agreement made after the Seventh International Conference of American States, signed on December 26, 1933 at Montevideo, Uruguay. In this gathering, the United States declared it opposition to armed intervention of an independent state. The countries present in the conference drew up an agreement that was later adopted as an international standard for defining a state. After the conference, newly-established states used this principle as the basis of their statehood.

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It is clear that the Philippines should also possess these elements for the world to acknowledge it as an independent state, Section I, Article II of the 1987 Constitution asserts the elements of the Philippines as a state: This is a reiteration of the Montevideo Convention. It gives much credit to sovereignty as a significant factor in the foundation of a state.

Sovereignty is defined as the exclusive right of a state to exercise authority over a group of people residing in a particular region or territory. This control of such state is given to an individual or to a group of individuals called the Sovereign that rules the nation through a government.

In the Montevideo Convention, Sovereignty is related to the “…capacity to enter into relations, wither economically, politically, culturally or technically, then t is sovereign. Sovereignty also connotes freedom from any foreign control, ability for self-governance and authority over a group of people and the territory.

Our Constitution interprets sovereignty as the supreme basis of legal authority. The power to create, to execute, and to amend laws n our Constitution is vested solely on the people of this country, as represented by our government. This capacity characterizes the independence of the Philippines from foreign control and its ability to build international relations that will help the nation to prosper.

Types of Sovereignty a.

b.

Internal Sovereignty is the power of the state over its people and territory or the authority of the state within the borders of its territory. Internal Sovereignty can also be referred to as self-determination.

External Sovereignty is the capacity of a state to express itself and be recognized as an equal and independent state in the international community. It is the ability of a state to establish diplomatic relations with other states. It is the power of a state to implement state affairs without being manipulated by any other states. In other words, external sovereignty is independence.

Rights of a sovereign nation Articles III, IV, V, VI and VIII of the 1933 Montevideo Convention explains the rights of a sovereign nation based on the recognized international law. The approved United Nations (UN) Charter also defines the “sovereign rights of a state,” which also parallel to the declarations made in Montevideo. Based on both documents, a sovereign state has four fundamental rights: a) Right of Existence. A state could exist politically, even before its recognition from the international community. Acknowledging the sovereignty of a state is also acknowledging its rights and duties laid down by the international law. b) Right of Equality. Each sovereign state is equal in rights, in obligations, in their exercise of power, and in their status under the international law; regardless of Young Ji International School / College

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economic performance, military capability, geographical dimensions, or population growth. c) Right of independence and self-defence. This means that whenever a sovereign state feels that there is an impending threat to its national security, it can defend itself by upsetting the offending state by intervening in its internal and external affairs.

Benefits enjoyed by Filipinos under a sovereign nation The Philippines is a sovereign state. It enjoys its rights and exercises its power over its territory and its people. These rights have implications too. Filipinos, as the people in the state, also gain from sovereignty.

First Filipinos must be recognized in the international community as citizens of a sovereign state, the Philippines. Our Filipino nationality or citizenship is already a privilege brought by the country’s sovereignty.

Second, Filipinos must be free from discrimination and should be treated by other nationalities as equal. We are likewise entitled to assume positions in different international organizations and establish ties with other sovereign states. The United Nations requires nations to send an equal number of representatives to attend and cast votes in the meetings of the general assembly.

Third, we must be acknowledged as an independent people. We have the exclusive power over our territories. This authority includes the utilization of our natural resources. This capability is not enjoyed by non-citizens. Their use of natural resources is limited by the provisions in our own laws.

Fourth, Filipinos must be protected by the agent of state, the government, against any form of harm, abuse or impairment. As a sovereign state, the government also has the duty to protect its people and its territory from any impending threat of invasion by another state.

The duty to protect the state In our Constitutions, Section 4 Article II states that; The prime duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The Government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfilment thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to render personal, military or civil service.

The government of our sovereign country must serve and protect the people and all our national interests. Our authority over our territories and natural resources must be exercised. It must be ensured that the state is free from outside interference or influence.

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Likewise, the Filipinos have an important duty to the state. As citizens of the sovereign Philippines, we must protect and defend our nation from any harm, invasion or interference. The duties of a citizen are discussed in our Constitution with the following provisions. 

In case of a foreign invasion or an impending war, military and civil services should be rendered by the citizens of the state. The defense of the state is through the creation of armies by military men. Insufficiency of numbers enlisted in the military should be followed by the creation of civil armed forces. This service is compulsory, regardless of religion or tradition. No one should be exempted on grounds that are unreasonable.



Civil service can be rendered through tasks in ammunition factories, camps and war hospitals; or through errands in other non-military facilities.



The required service to be rendered to the government is through personal services. No one should ask, pay or force somebody else to do the service in his or her behalf.



It is stressed that this service is… under conditions provided by law… to avoid uncertain use of this call to service by government officials for their personal interests

Let’s Work A. From the box below, choose which concept is described in each item. Write only the letter of you answer on the blank. a. internal sovereignty b. right of equality c. statelessness d. right of independence e. Philippines f. external sovereignty g. right of existence h. right of intervention i. prime duty of the government j. sovereignty

_________________1. The capacity to defend the state from any threat to its national security by intervening in the affairs of the offending state. __________________2.the exclusive right of a state to exercise authority over a group of people residing in a particular region or territory. ___________________3. Every state is equal in rights ,in obligations, in exercise of power and status under the international law.

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___________________4.a sovereign state. ___________________5. Also known as independence ___________________6. To serve and protect the people ___________________7. Also known as self-determination ___________________8. A state could exist even before the recognition of the international community ___________________9.failure to belong to a recognized sovereign state ___________________10. The state cannot interfere in the domestic and foreign concerns of another state.

B. Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Is sovereignty important for the achievement of peace and order in the country? ________Why?_______________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________.

2. What are the requirements for a nation to be recognized as a sovereign state? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________.

3. How can you help defend your country? ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________.

LESSON11: THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT What is a government?

A government is an agency of the State. A state is a group of people, living in a defined territory, who govern themselves through a system of laws. The state governs over the affairs of the people. It exercises power over persons and affairs under its jurisdiction. Included in this power is the authority to create and enforce laws, implement rules, and impose regulations.

Different Forms of Government There are different forms of government. Government differ in terms of type of leadership; the number of persons that share in the leadership; limits to power, jurisdiction, or authority; and relationship among the different branches of government.

Monarchy Monarchy is a form of government headed by a powerful individual called a monarch. A monarch usually carries the title king or queen , prince or princess, emperor or empress, or duke or duchess. Most monarchs have inherited their power and are expected to pass it on to their rightful heirs.

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There are two types of monarchy: the absolute monarchy in which the monarch has absolute or unlimited power and the constitutional monarchy in which the monarch has powers that are limited by the constitution or highest law of a land.

Aristocracy Aristocracy is a form of government ruled by privileged ad intellectual individuals in the community. It is usually coined as ‘’the rule of the best’’.

Oligarchy Oligarchy is a form of government ruled by the richest and most powerful people in the society. The government is known to be’’ the rule of the richest.’’

Theocracy Theocracy is a form of government in which God is the supreme ruler.

It is usually governed by Church officials who are regarded as God’s representatives.

In a theocratic government, the laws of God are the highest authority. This government is carried out through religion and religious institutions.

Communism A communist government is ruled by a politburo which is the executive policymaking body of the ruling Communist Party. Communism is guided by the principle that people should live in a classless society, where wealth and resources are owned by all members of the society.

Totalitarianism Totalitarianism is characterized by a powerful government that has complete control over the life of the people, usually ruled through dictatorship. In this kind of government, the state not only controls the political and economic lives of the nation, but also the cultural and social lives of the people. The people are forced to strictly follow all the rules and policies imposed by the State and all their actions must be directed for the good of the government.

Democracy Democracy is a form of government in which the supreme power or the authority to run the State lies in the hands of the people. These people enjoy freedom and equal rights under the law. The Philippine government follows the rule of law and democracy.

Types of Democracy A democratic government may be run by the people either directly (direct or pure democracy) or through elected representatives (indirect or representative democracy).

Direct or pure democracy A direct democracy is characterized by direct participation of all citizens in running the affairs of the government, particularly in the decision-making processes.

Indirect or representative democracy

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Indirect democracy is characterized by the election of people’s representative in government. The officials who represent a constituency work for the benefit of the people.

Characteristics of a democratic government 1. The people exercise power over the government either directly or through elected representatives.

2. The majority rules and government is decentralized at the regional and local levels. This is done to make the government accessible to the people and to allow the citizens direct participation in governance.

3. Human rights are respected and protected.

4. There is a regular free and fair election that allows people to select their representatives in government.

5. There is equality in the people’s right regardless of ethnicity, religion, political beliefs, or economic status in life.

6. There is balance of power among the branches of government.

7. The promotion of the general welfare is the government’s main concern Classifications of a democratic government Federal government A federal government is a federation of different states. It follows a system in which the country is administered by different federal states, each with jurisdiction over a certain territory, but united in a central government. The United States of America is a well-known country under a federal government.

Parliamentary government A parliamentary government is governed by a parliament. A parliament is lawmaking body made up of elected and sometimes nonelected representatives.

The prime minister is the head of parliament. He or she is the chief executive and chief legislator. The head of state is often a figurehead. He or she may be a president elect or a hereditary monarch. The United Kingdom is an example of a parliamentary government with a monarch as figurehead.

Unitary system of government In a unitary system of government, the power is concentrated in one central government. The power of the local government emanates from the central government.

Presidential system of government In this government, the president is the head of State and the Chief executive who heads the executive branch of the government. The president is elected through an electoral process but with a fixed or limited term of office.

The Philippine government The Philippines has a democratic form of government .It is a democratic republican and representatives state that follows presidential system of government. In Article II, Section 1 of the 1987Constitution it is stated that, ‘’ The Young Ji International School / College

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Philippines is a democratic and a republican state. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.

A democratic state has a government where the power to govern is in the hands of the people, in which everyone contributes in decision making.

A republican state has a government in which the people elect their representatives, from the head of state to the local officials, to run the country.

The Philippines as a democratic and a republican state means that while the country is governed by elected representatives, the people still have the capacity to amend laws or make changes in the government through mutual actions and referendum.

The Philippine government is divided into political divisions: the national government and the local government. It is composed of three branches: the executive branch, legislative and the judicial branch. The local government units in the Philippines are the provincial, city, municipal and barangay governments.

The creation of the local Government Code of the Philippines in 1991 led to the decentralization of power from the national government to the local government.

Branches of the Philippine government The Philippine government system revolves around three separate branches that are independent, equal in power, yet interdependent the legislative branch ( the law-making body), the executive branch( the law-enforcing body) and the judicial branch( the law-interpreting body).

The Executive Branch The executive branch is headed by the President, who is elected by a direct vote of the people. The term of office of the President, as well as the Vice-President, is six (6) years. As head of the Executive Department, the President is the Chief Executive. He represents the government as a whole and sees to it that all laws are enforced by the officials and employees of his department. He has control over the executive department, bureaus and offices. This means that he has the authority to assume directly the functions of the executive department, bureau and office or interfere with the discretion of its officials. Corollary to the power of control, the President also has the duty of supervising the enforcement of laws for the maintenance of general peace and public order. Thus, he is granted administrative power over bureaus and offices under his control to enable him to discharge his duties effectively.

The President exercises general supervision over all local government units and is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Under the existing Presidential form of government, the executive and legislative branches are entirely separate, subject only to the mechanisms of checks and balances.

The following are the different executive departments that comprise the whole bureaucracy of the Philippines.

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1. Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 2. Department of Agriculture (DA) 3. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 4. Department of Education (Deped) 5. Department of Energy (DOE) 6. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7. Department of Finance(DOF) 8. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 9. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) 10. Department of Health (DOH) 11. Department of Justice (DOJ) 12. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 13. Department of National Defense (DND) 14. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 15. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 16. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 17. Department of Tourism (DOT) The Legislative Branch The legislative branch, which has the authority to make, alter or repeal laws (see also the definition of “legislative power“), is the Congress. “Congress is vested with the tremendous power of the purse, traditionally recognized in the constitutional provision that ‘no money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.’ It comprehends both the power to generate money by taxation (the power to tax) and the power to spend it (the power to appropriate). The power to appropriate carries with it the power to specify the amount that may be spent and the purpose for which it may be spent.

Under a bicameral system, the Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The Senate is composed of twenty-four (24) Senators, who are elected at large by the qualified voters of the Philippines. The term of office of the Senators is six (6) years.

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The House of Representatives, on the other hand, is composed of not more than two hundred and fifty (250) members, unless otherwise fixed by law, who are elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities and the Metropolitan Manila area, and those who are elected through a party-list system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations. The term of office of members of the House of Representatives, also called “Congressmen,” is three (3) years.

The Judiciary Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court and in such lower courts as may be established by law. The judiciary has the moderating power• to determine the proper allocation of powers• between the branches of government. When the “judiciary mediates to allocate constitutional boundaries, it does not assert any superiority over the other departments; it does not in reality nullify or invalidate an act of the legislature, but only asserts the solemn and sacred obligation assigned to it by the Constitution to determine conflicting claims of authority under the Constitution and to establish for the parties in an actual controversy the rights which that instrument secures and guarantees to them.” In the words of Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno: The Judiciary may not have the power of the sword, may not have the power of the purse, but it has the power to interpret the Constitution, and the unerring lessons of history tell us that rightly wielded, that power can make a difference for good.• While Congress has the power to define, prescribe and apportion the jurisdiction of the various courts, Congress cannot deprive the Supreme Court of its jurisdiction provided in the Constitution. No law shall also be passed reorganizing the judiciary when it undermines the security of tenure of its members. The Supreme Court also has administrative supervision over all courts and the personnel thereof, having the power to discipline or dismiss judges of lower courts.

The Supreme Court is composed of a Chief Justice and fourteen Associate Justices. It may sit en banc or, in its discretion, in divisions of three, five or seven members. A member of the Supreme Court must be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, at least forty (40) years of age and must have been for fifteen (15) years or more a judge of a lower court or engaged in the practice of law in the Philippines.

Justices hold office during good behavior until they reach the age of seventy (70) years or become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office.

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* Sources: Francisco, Jr. vs. House of Representatives, G.R. No. 160261, 10 November 2003, main decision and the separate opinions of Justices Vitug and Corona; Ople vs. Torres, G.R. No. 127685, 23 July 1998

http://journal.lawcenter.ph/articles/2008/01/29/branches-of-the-philippinegovernment-separation-of-powers/ BIBLIOGRAPHY: Bernardo, J.E. & Narag A.2011. Philippines .Our Land and Heritage. Quezon City.

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