Yanson, Nouvelle Nieve V.
ABPO1A | POSCI102_A Sem1
1. Is Philippines a nation? or a State? Why?
The prevailing stature of the Philippines is a definition of what exist in a state, and nation, or
in essence a nation-state.
Declared as a sovereign state in 1946, the Philippines is a democratic country whose
population is at 108 million. The Philippine territory is made up of 7, 107 islands covering a land
area of 115, 739 sq. m. (Searca, 2014).
As a national identity, the country identifies its language as 'Filipino', although it is
linguistically diverse with over eight major dialects, and 170 languages (Evason, 2016). Pinoy
culture has come out to be a blend of the pre-colonial, colonial and foreign trader culture, but
they are especially known to be hospitable, respectful, and have strong family ties.
However, the haunting question is whether the Philippines is a clear-cut manifestation of an
independent nation, state and nation-state. Colonization have abruptly laid state formation before
we Filipinos could have a deeply rooted communal identity. It may have brought the modern
sense of governance, but the elite dominated politics, and weak social control that they conspired
against the good of the Filipinos, negated the very essence of the state (Quilop, 2006). Thus,
today's political, social and economic infrastructure largely traces its foundation to the problems
rooted in its colonial predecessors. Despite this historical setback, the opportunity still remains to
eventuate capacity and autonomy for the Filipinos by being an 'imagined community', preserving
their cultural homogeneity, and create a paradigm shift in its state affairs.
2. Is a law different from policy? Distinguish.
"Policy expounds the scope of what a legislature will do and what it can accomplish for the
general public. In addition, it develops the rules that are required for accomplishing the
objective. "Laws, on the other hand, are set guidelines, standards, and systems that must be
continued in the public arena. Law is mostly made for executing equity in the general public.
Laws function as basis, inspiration for and guiding principles for the crafting of policies or in a
sense public policies. Policies, vice versa, became the fulfillment of the law that equates the
general will of the people into acts and measures necessary to promote it. Indeed, the alliance of
policy and law is central in nation building that both concepts are indivisible, but inherently
distinct.
3. How should Philippine laws and policies reflect the historical developments of the
country?
Laws and policies in order to reflect historical developments, must be oriented for the
conflict and resolution of the varying interest of Filipinos who needed restoration from damages
caused by wars, rebellion, dictatorship, and foreign invasion. The provisions stated therein must
also radically shift from the lapses and muddle of the previous state of governance.
By virtue of legislation can law be amended to respond to the historical developments of
the country. Through policy reforms do public policy reconcile social problems of major public
interest that changes in the course of history. That is, law in a democratic state, must serve the
sovereign citizens.
An example of this is the abolition of the 1973 Constitution which Former dictator,
Marcos used for his own ends to establish martial rule. The 1973 Constitution was replaced with
the 1987 Constitution thereby restoring democracy during the administration of Former president
Corazon Aquino.