PolGov Week 7 Lesson

PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE

​THE IMPORTANCE OF ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

by Miss Salonga

​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​Citizenship is also defined in two ways. The first of these pertains to the constitutional or legal identity of a person; that he or she belongs to a certain state.

​

​According to the 1987 Constitution, there are several ways through which Filipino citizenship can be obtained. The first is by blood (jus sanguinis) or when at least one of the parents is a Filipino citizen; the second is by place (jus soli) or when one is born in any part of the Philippines.

​​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​A foreigner may also petition for Filipino citizenship through the process of naturalization:

​1.) he or she must be at least 21 years old by the time of the petition;

2.) he or she must have lived continuously in the country at least 10 years;

3.) he or she must believe in the principles set by the Constitution, and must have exhibited good moral character throughout his or her stay in the Philippines;

4.) he or she must own real estate property which is at least worth Php. 5,000; and

5.) he or she must be able to speak and write English, Spanish or any principal Philippine language.

​​​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​According to the Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, a person who is Filipino by birth but has become a naturalized citizen of a foreign country may reacquire his or her citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Philippine Republic. Filipinos who reacquire their citizenship through this law can avail of all civil and political rights, as well as responsibilities, provided by the Philippine law.

​​​​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​Citizenship as Social Behavior

This means that a citizen must possess attitudes and behavior that contribute positively to society.

​

​Citizenship, Nationalism, and Patriotism

​Nationalism refers to a shared identity among citizens of a state, and a belief in or support of the state. Patriotism, meanwhile, is a

feeling of attachment, loyalty, or pride to the state, nation, or homeland. Both nationalism and patriotism are often interchangeably used to explain actions that help defend the state and its citizens.

​​​​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​Citizenship in the Current Philippine Setting

Since the Philippines is a democratic state, the needs of the people are expected to come first.

​

​Loyalty and Concern for the Common Good

Citizenship entails loyalty to the state. This loyalty can be expressed in loyalty to one’s family and community.

​

​Balancing Individualism and Collectivism

Individualism is the belief that the rights and benefits of a single person should come first. On the other hand, collectivism states that it is the interests of a group that must be prioritized.

PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​Practicing Citizenship in Everyday Life

​Private individuals can also practice citizenship through participation in activities organized by the local government, such as clean-up drives, leadership seminars, and outreach programs. Through such activities, a citizen can directly contribute to the development of his or her community. Meanwhile, public officials are perhaps expected the most to exhibit the qualities of a responsible citizen.

PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​Education and Awareness of Issues

​Awareness of issues means knowing the basic facts related to them and weighing opinions on them. Engaging in discussion and having a balanced view of issues helps citizens clarify their personal views on them.

​

​Awareness of Rights and Responsibilities

​Citizens must be aware of their rights and their responsibility to promote and uphold them at home, in their respective communities, and in the government.

​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​Active Participation in Political Causes

​One of these is advocacies, which refers to activities undertaken by individuals or groups that promote a certain cause, in order to influence the decision of the government regarding social, economic, and political issues. Lobbying, meanwhile, is the political action where citizens or groups directly engage with legislators to influence policymaking. Mass action refers to the collective behavior of large groups of people that may or may not require planning or coordination

​​PHILIPPINE POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE Week 7

​​Responsible Voting

Voting or the exercise of suffrage, is the basic and most common act of political participation. The right to choose the country’s leaders and government officials requires citizens to make careful and informed decisions, and to determine the possible effects of their choices..

​Combating Graft and Corruption

​Media is considered an important counterbalance to the powers of government as information it provides through news and commentaries and encourages public officials and citizens to act on incompetence, inaction, and corruption in the government.