CITIZEN-VOTER EDUCATION
Training of Trainers
15 - 16 June 2005
Estosan Garden Hotel, Cotabato City
Day 1 (June 15, 2005)
7:00-8:00
7:30-8:45
8:45
Breakfast
Registration
National Anthem
Interfaith Prayer
Mr. Yasser Mampao
9:00-9:10
Welcoming Remarks
Mr. Ramon Casiple
Chairman, CER
Good morning to everyone!
We, from the CER, are happy to have all of you here for this Citizen Voters’ Education. Voter
Education is a very important activity and the citizens should have a commitment on this.
Promises made before the elections are usually forgotten. We accept this negligence with
resignation that it is part of their being politicians. Sometimes we contribute in putting a
negative connotation to the word when in fact our elected leaders have their shortcomings, and
these instances would have not risen if not for us who have put them in the position. The issue is
whether the people understand the criteria for the selection of candidates.
According to a study, in 1995, selection of candidates was based on popularity. However,
popularity could not guarantee good leadership, much more for the ability to deliver services to
the people. In 2003, still popularity was part of the criteria but the people also looked into what
the candidate could give, including the price for their votes.
The people have grown cynical of the whole election process and if our mentality continues to be
this way and our criteria for selection remain the same, we will continue to be frustrated and
would begin with high hopes only to see that there is no one to whom we could turn to.
It would take 5-10 years before the people would come to an understanding of the process and
this would entail extensive and sustained education efforts. It is essential that we change the
perceptions of voters regarding the entire election process.
In behalf of the CER, we welcome you to this event.
9:10-9:25
Expectation Setting
Mr. Jeremy Nishimori
As leaders of our organizations we are expected to engage in voters’ education. Here are some
of the expectations you have listed for this activity:
1. Gain knowledge on Citizen Voter Education.
2. Gain other training initiatives and strategies we could apply to expand our knowledge on the
matter.
3. To be provided with sufficient knowledge on Voters’ Education.
9:25-9:35
Training Objectives and Course Content
Introduction
•Training Objectives
– Ensure the dissemination of a core content
from the 2003 Voter Education Summit that was attended by a number of organizations
from the local and national levels, CER decided for a number of topics to be always
included in any voter education
this core content is not complete yet and may include other issues that would come up as
we tackle this core content
– Enrich and ensure sector and community sensitive education materials and activities
ensure that our initiatives for education are sensitive to the needs and culture of the
community in which we closely work with.
– Utilize the existing networks of civil society to broaden the influence of educational activities
CER is a network of national and local organizations, may we widen our area of
influence through our discussions
•Citizen-Voter Education Course Paradigm and Objectives
– Development of capacities of voters to engage in elections
improve our citizens’ understanding of the processes of election to protect his vote
– Development of active citizenship beyond elections
improve active citizenship, discuss means on how we can continue to participate and
engage even after the elections
Course Outline
Part I
Suffrage as Human Rights
Part IX
Part II
History of Elections and
Democracy in the Philippines
Election and Democracy
Issues in the ARMM
Part X
Representation in the ARMM
Part III
The General Government
Structure
Part XI
Part IV
Democracy and
Representation
People’s Participation in the
ARMM
–RA 9054
–MMAA No. 25
Part V
Democracy and People’s
Participation
Part XII
Citizen-Voter Action Points
Part VI
The Election Process
– Manual
– Automated
Part XIII
Enriching Education
Pedagogy
Part XIV
Workshops and Coordination
Part VII
The History of the Struggle
for the Autonomous Region
of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
Part VIII
The Structure of the ARMM
Part I:
SUFFRAGE AS HUMAN RIGHTS
everyone who is not disqualified by law is given the right to vote and to take part in the
government of his country
•Article 21, Sec. 1-3, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
•Article 25 (a-c), International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights
•Article V, Sec. 1-2, 1987 Philippine Constitution
Who can vote?
•18 years of age
•Citizen of the Philippines
•Resident of the Philippines for at least one (1) year
•Resident for at least six (6) months of the locality where one plans to cast his or her vote
•Those not disqualified by law
•Those disqualified by law
– convicted of rebellion, sedition, or armed revolt
– Convicted of a crime with a penalty of over one (1) year
– Mentally unfit
History of Elections and Democracy in the Philippines
•Spanish Era - the practice was limited to male voters and only those who own a piece of land
can vote
•Commonwealth Period - this was when the United States was supposed to be the partner of the
Philippines in governing the nation; both men and women could vote but for the premise on land
ownership was still observed; women were later granted the right of suffrage
•Marcos Dictatorship - political set-up created a deep social and economic divide
•EDSA Revolution - Marcos’ popularity dwindled, people have gained confidence in their
number and became more aware of their power
•The Party-List System - allows 20% of the House of Representatives to be occupied by those
from marginalized and underrepresented sectors of the society and are tasked to create laws
directly of interest to the sector from where they come from.
We do hope for the party list system in the local level as this ensures votes and
representation for the organization and not for individuals
The CER believes that in the local level there is a need for local representatives who are
expected to have sufficient knowledge of the real needs of the people in a specified area
Problems related to the establishment of such positions in the local level have to do with
the local budget, but the CER believes that the expenses for 3 more councilors do not
equal in any way to the assurance it could give its people that they are represented.
Local representation, specifically in the ARMM, may not have been maximized yet.
Based on the peace agreement between the MNLF and the GRP, it was stated that there
shall be local representation in the Regional Legislative Assembly, but we are not certain
if this has already been implemented.
This started in 1998 and we have not used the 20% seats allotted in the House of
Representatives
One of CER’s agenda is to identify means to strengthen party-list groups inside the
congress
•EDSA DOS - removed then president Joseph Estrada, seated Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the
new president
•EDSA TRES - as a result of the forgotten promises the Edsa Dos gave the people, another
display of people power was staged.
The people have grown discontent of the way of governance and exerted means to air out
this dissatisfaction
Local Sectoral Representation
•Elite Democracy and Elite Elections
•As voters and active citizens then, the challenge is the continuous pursuit of democratic gains
Based on our history, the social and economic divisions between the elite and the
marginalized sectors in the country still exist and we continue to have elite democracy as
evidenced by the elite elections we have.
It is obvious that politics is partial to the interest of the rich and powerful, what we want
to do is to balance this interest as we offer the interest of the common people
Aims to have a kind of party-list system in the local level, organizations are voted and not
individuals
We have three available seats from the municipality level to the provincial level that are
open to organizations- it should be from the labor and women sectors, and the third is
open to whatever sector the LGU decides no later than 3 months before the election. This
has not been implemented yet although this was specified in our constitution- that there
should be local cultural representation, and in our Local Government Code but the
enabling law is still not formulated.
The CER advocates the establishment of the Local Sectoral Representation because we
believe that while the people need representation in the national level, the people also
need representation in the local level as the local government is nearer to the people and
thus leaders are immersed to the concerns of its constituents.
The establishment of Local Sectoral Representation should be treated with extra thought
as this may be used by politicians to install relatives and friends in the position. This
poses a challenge to the people on how we are to play in this arena.
General Government Structure
National Government
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
The Senate
The President
Supreme Court
The House of
Representatives
The Vice-President
Local Courts
–District
Cabinet
Representative
s
–Party-List
Representative
Executive Branch of the government appoints the head of the Judicial Branch. The
danger of having one who sits at the leadership of the Judicial Branch to be cohorts of
those in the Executive Branch is always posted. However it is here where our efforts for
voters’ education come in. Voter education not only is relevant before the election
process but even after the practice.
This is the difference and this is what makes the Supreme Branch occupy a special
position in the government structure. Both the Executive Branch and the Legislative
Branch are popularly voted.
The Legislative Branch has the primary task of making laws for the land, but it has other
tasks too, like implementing projects for its constituents. This explains for the Priority
Development Assistance Fund that looks into budget appropriations and could also get
into investigations on certain issues to aid them with the formulation of laws.
Local Government
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Local Legislative
Branches
Local Chief
Executives
– Provincial
Board
– Municipal
Council
– City Council
– Barangay
Council
– Provincial
Governor
– Municipal
Mayor
– City Mayor
– Barangay
Chairperson
Local Executive
Bodies
the executive body plans for the development of a locality
25% of the composition of the Local Development Council should come from the local
NGOs and Civil Societies
accreditation process for the constitution of the local bodies shall occur and be finished
within 60 days after local leaders assume position
RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991)- LGUs have the authority to make laws and
create programs to address the needs of their constituents
Democracy and Representation
•Executive Branch
– Execution of Laws
– Execution of Programs and Projects
•Legislative Branch
– Legislation
– Appropriation
– Services to constituency
•Judicial Branch
– Interpretation of law
Democracy and People’s Participation
•National level
– Public hearings
– Public hearings are not announced and organizations are not informed
•Local Level
– Local Special Bodies
•Local Development Council
•Local Health Board
•Local School Board
•Local Peace and Order Council
– Bids and Awards Committee
– As of present we have the private observers who record observations regarding the
bidding and purchasing
– We are still open for options to ensure that bidding and purchasing systems are clean
The Election Process
•Registration (RA 8189)
•Voting
•Counting
•Canvassing
Registration
•Approach local Commission on Elections office to fill out a registration form
•Registration form is forwarded to the Election Registration Board (ERB) for inclusion
•Registration form is included in the Book of Voters
The Book of Voters contains the voter registration record, ID is not a requirement to vote,
records will be piled up in one folder
Application for Transfer- when an individual moves, transfers, or is displaces by some
reasons, he/she has to apply for a transfer of his election records, and not for registration
In case one is not able to vote for two consecutive polls his/her records are transferred to
the Inactive Files. Also deactivated are files of those who are declared incapable: those
who have changed citizenship, those sentence on a crime
Voting
Verify polling
place and precinct
If there is no
protest, the BEI
Chair enters the
serial number of
the ballot to be
given in the
EDCVL and the
Book of Voters
Voter returns
ballot to the BEI
Chair properly
folded
Voters after
3:00 pm
Check Posted
Computerized Voters
List (PCVL) outside the
precinct
BEI Chair announces the
name in a clear manner
BEI Chair
signs back
of ballot and
gives to the
voter the
ballot
properly
folded
Voter affixes
thumb mark on
the detachable
coupon of the
ballot and
returns the
ballot to the
BEI Chair
Voter leaves
the precinct
and the polling
place
Voter signs in
the EDCVL
and the Book
of Voters to
verify receipt
of ballot
properly
folded
BEI Chair
checks the
serial number
of the ballot
Indelible ink is
applied to the
right forefinger
nail
Approach Board of Election
Inspectors (BEI) Chair and
give name and personal
information
BEI looks for name in the
Election Day Computerized
Voters List (EDCVL) and the
Book of Voters
Voter
Proceeds to
voting booth
Voter fills out
ballot secretly
Spoiled ballots
Voters with
disability
If valid, the BEI
Chair signs the
EDCVL and the
Book of Voters
The valid ballot
is placed in the
valid ballots bin
Voter affixes
thumb mark on
the EDCVL and
the Book of
Voters
The detachable
coupon of the
ballot removed
and placed in
the spoiled
ballots bin
- 7am to 3pm -voting time
- Board of Election Inspectors: composed of 1 chair (teacher) and 2 members
- Verify polling place and precinct
- Check paraphernalia: ballot box (3 locks-1 key for the chair and one each for the members) that
should be empty before the start of the voting process; official ballots should have serial numbers
that shall have been recorded in the minutes; other documents should be sealed before the start of
voting
- Check posted Computerized Voters List (PCVL) outside the precinct
- Approach Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) Chair and give name and personal information
- BEI looks for name in the Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL) and the Book of
Voters and announces the name in a clear manner
- If there is no protest, the BEI Chair enters the serial number of the ballot to be given in the
EDCVL and the Book of Voters-if there should be any protest, challenge and ask for
identification cards, signatures are compared to that of the voters registration record
- BEI Chair signs back of ballot and gives to the voter the ballot properly folded
- Voter signs in the EDCVL and the Book of Voters to verify receipt of ballot that is properly
folded
- Voter Proceeds to voting booth
- Spoiled ballots
- Voters with disability –BEI has to check the fact of literacy, must be mentioned
in the voter registration record, if mentioned then there should be one to assist. A
relative by blood or by law, until the fourth civil relationship or one whom the
illiterate individual trusts, or any member of the BEI, must assist him/her.
Assistors must only assist 3 times and should have sworn the Assistor’s Oath –
election offense is punishable by 6 years or more of imprisonment, the offender
can no longer vote, can no longer be a public servant, can not be voted.
- Voter fills out ballot secretly- as stated in the constitution and the right of suffrage, one is
entitled to vote secretly and on his own free will
- Voter returns ballot to the BEI Chair; ballot should be properly folded.
- Voter affixes thumb mark on the detachable coupon of the ballot and returns the ballot to the
BEI Chair
- BEI Chair checks the serial number of the ballot
- If valid, the BEI Chair signs the EDCVL and the Book of Voters –detach the
coupon to be placed in the compartment for spoiled ballots,, then the ballots are
placed in the compartment for ballots
- Voter affixes thumb mark on the EDCVL and the Book of Voters
- The detachable coupon of the ballot removed and placed in the spoiled ballots bin
- The valid ballot is placed in the valid ballots bin
- Indelible ink is applied to the right forefinger nail –individual is entitled to only one votes
- Voter leaves the precinct and the polling place
- Voters after 3:00 pm –only those inside the precinct center can vote after 3pm
Counting
After 3:00 pm,
the precinct is
transformed
into a counting
area
Opening of
ballot box
Tearing of
unused ballots
Removal of all
excess ballots
Remove all
marked ballots
Pile all valid
ballots
One pile at a
time
Preparation of
Election
Returns (ERs)
Transportation of
ERs to the
canvassing areas
Simultaneously
read and
record the
contents of the
ballot
Counting
begins
- After 3:00 pm, the precinct is transformed into a counting area
- Opening of ballot box
- Tearing of unused ballots -serial numbers should be listed in the minutes of voting before
tearing and must be placed in an envelope sealed and labeled excess ballots
- Removal of all excess ballots- number of ballots given to each precinct corresponds to the
number of registered voters in the center plus three for the three BEI members. However, not all
registered voters assigned to a precinct come and vote. All unused ballots should be torn lengthwise after the election period. Serial numbers of torn ballots are to be recorded in the minutes of
the election proceedings.
- Remove all marked ballots
- Pile all valid ballots
- Counting begins
- Simultaneously read and record the contents of the ballot
- Preparation of Election Returns (ERs)
- Transportation of ERs to the canvassing areas –for the ARMM election proceed to the
Provincial Board of Canvassers then to the Regional Board where only the governor and vicegovernor votes are to be counted.
Role of citizens in voter education:
1. help in identifying the qualities of a good public servant
2. Involvement does not limit us to the pre-election setting, it would be better if we go
meet again after the election and assess whether or not we are able to achieve our
goals.
Security Concerns:
1. Inside the voting area, only the BEI, watchers and the voters are allowed. Military
personnel are not allowed inside the school premises but are, by mandate, to stay
within the 30-meter radius for easy access should problems and disputes arise. When
military personnel come to vote, firearms should be left outside the specified area.
The BEI chair has the authority to call for military assistance and order the arrest of
anyone who impedes the process.
2. Presence of military staff inside the voting premises is dependent on request for
security. In places where threats are around, the BEI can request for the military to be
present inside the area.
3. For the people in the ARMM we have this concept of the COMELEC being an
agency that promotes election cheating. How can we be assured of our security once
we report some discrepancies to this agency? – in every agency, we have our allies
and enemies. It is our task then to identify who our allies are and work with them.
4. In cases when politicians and political parties attempt to cause delay or any trouble
during the election procedures, the BEI or any individual who have seen the delay or
trouble could report the incident to the COMELEC or to the head of your
organization for the complaint to be filed by the group, not by the individual. Even if
winners are already declared, by virtue of the protest filed against the declared
official, the COMELEC is duty-bound to act on the matter at hand. Request to nullify
and declare the result void can be filed by the party. For inconsistencies during the
counting, we could file for manifest errors.
In cases complaints are raised:
1. In cases where protests or questions over identity of individuals arise, there is a
process to be followed and the COMELEC can not just simply crash out a name from the
list of voters. Any complaint should be documented before it can be acted upon by the
concerned agency.
2. If COMELEC officials and/or members are involved in cheating during the elections,
he/she can be filed with multiple cases
How to safeguard our votes:
1. Watchers who have their own tally sheet would be spending time in tallying result.
Instead, they could make sure election returns are not cheated; record every incident
of discrepancy in the minutes of voting- whether intentional or not
2. Watchers have a designated area inside the voting center and they are situated right at
the back of the BEIs
3. In ARMM where election frauds are very evident and widely practiced (dual and
multiple voting, illiterate voters are used by politicians and political parties in ways
more than one, etc.) the citizens have to monitor and watch over the proceedings.
Before this education for voters we also had a conference for the different
stakeholders of this coming election and representatives from the different
organizations were also around and we have made a commitment to partake in the
coming August 8 polls. We also have the different watchers of political parties and
other accredited organizations to help us safeguard our votes.
4. In cases when a member of the BEI comes in late on the day of the election, a
registered voter can substitute but nonetheless it should still be reported and recorded
in the minutes of the election.
5. Canvassing is an open practice, any accredited citizen is allowed inside the
canvassing area.
Suggestion: for the COMELEC to focus on the ARMM election, this is not so difficult as
only areas in the ARMM are going to have the polls in August 8. --- the COMELEC is
really keeping an eye on the coming election which explains the presence of COMELEC
representatives.
The COMELEC filed for a petition to use the automated machines but no response from
the Sureme Court has come yet and so essentials for a manual election are now being
prepared to fit into the schedule of election
Modernized Elections
•Republic Act 8436, or the Election Automation Law, legislated in 1997, mandates the use of an
automated system for elections as early as 1998
•It is a system that will:
– Use appropriate ballots
– Use a stand-alone machine that will count and consolidate election results
– Provide an audit trail
– Minimize human intervention
– Provide adequate security measures
•All elections however, excluding the 1996 ARMM elections were still done manually
•The Implementation of RA 8436 through COMELEC Res. 02-0170 defines that modernization
will have three phases:
– Voter Registration and Validation System
– Automated Counting and Canvassing System
– Electronic Transmission of Election Results
Some changes…
•No more writing of names
•Ballots are no longer counted at the precinct level
•Minimum human intervention
•Security measures
– Printed ballots specific to municipality through a combination of paper and ink qualities
– Printed audit trail
– Error rate of 1/10million ballots
The History of the Struggle for the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)
a discussion on the term “STRUGGLE” ensued as the locals thought their Moro elders
did not strive for the establishment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and
that the establishment of the ARMM was a result of the bargaining agreement between
the GRP and the MNLF.
1968
The Jabidah Massacre
1968-1971 Political
organizations emerge
that led to the
establishment of the
Moro National
Liberation Front
1974
5th ICFM recognizes
MNLF
October 1972
The MNLF comes out
in the open and claims
leadership of the Moro
secessionist
movement.
1975
th
The 6 ICFM supports
autonomy as the basis
for negotiations
between the MNLF and
the GRP.
December 23 1976
The TRIPOLI
AGREEMENT is signed
by Misuari and Defense
Undersecretary
Carmelo Barbero
1972
The third Islamic
Conference of Foreign
Ministers (ICFM) in
Jeddah requests the
Philippine government
to protect the lives and
property of Muslims.
September 21, 1972
Marcos declared
Martial law
1977
th
Misuari addresses 8
ICFM
1977
Split emerges between
Misuari and Hashim
March 1984
Hashim declares
independence of new
organization, the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front
1980
th
The 11 ICFM requests
the Philippine
government to
implement the Tripoli
Agreement.
April 1978
Misuari recognized as
th
Chair of MNLF by 9
ICFM
1986
EDSA Revolution –
Constitutional
Commission under
Aquino includes
provisions on autonomy
in Muslim Mindanao
and the Cordillera
Region
1987
Mindanao Regional
Consultative Assembly
is organized and drafts
an autonomy bill to
Congress
September 2, 1996
Final Peace Agreement
between GRP and
MNLF signed
2000
President Estrada
pursues a policy of war
against the MILF
May 2000
The GRP-MILF peace panels
meet on 30-31 May in Cotabato
City where the GRP panel
presents a political package that
includes a draft bill amending RA
6734
June 2001
Start of formal peace
negotiations between the
GRP and the MILF
August 1, 1989
RA 6734, creating the
Autonomous Region of
Muslim Mindanao, was
signed into law
1992
Ramos Forms the
National Unification
Commission to draft the
amnesty and
negotiations programs,
based on public
consultations
July 9, 2000
GRP declares victory over
MILF and Estrada visits
Camp Abubakar, the main
camp of the MILF
March 2001
Expanded Organic Act RA
9054 signed into law
September 2000
16th General
Assembly of the
MILF affirms the
pull out from the
peace process and
the Hashim’s
declaration of Jihad
January 2001
Following Estrada’s fall,
GMA declares all-outpeace policy
June 2001
Start of formal peace
negotiations between the
GRP and the MILF
November 2001
Misuari is accused of
rebellion after attacks on
security posts in Jolo by
MNLF fighters. November
24 2001, Misuari is
arrested in Malaysia
May 2003
After a series of
bombings, GMA
orders “selective
attacks” in central and
western Mindanao
February 2003
President Arroyo
approves a draft
peace proposal for
the MILF on 19
February
June 2003
MILF extends its ceasefire
indefinitely and requests a matching
gesture from the military. Hashim
issues a policy statement dated June
20 “rejecting terror as a means to
resolve differences”
March 2002
President Arroyo
suspends formal
peace talks with the
MILF
November 2002
MILF included in the
US list of terrorist
organizations
ARMM Elections scheduled for
November 2004 postponed to
August 8, 2005
ARMM Structure of Government
REGIONAL
GOVERNOR
REGIONAL VICEGOVERNOR
Sulu
6 seats
TawiTawi
3 seats
SPEAKER OF THE
ASSEMBLY
10 MEMBER
CABINET
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY
SHARI ‘AH
APPELLATE COURT
Lanao del
Sur
6 seats
Maguindanao
6 seats
TRIBAL
COURT
*THREE SEATS PER LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
Expanded Organic Act states that the RLA should have sectoral representatives but in the
lower part of this act it is also mentioned that the RLA has to set a schedule for it to start,
it already has its enabling law but the date is not yet set.
- shariah-sa ilang lugar, pero sa iba hindi pa operational, not in RA 9054 but governed by PD
9081, wala pang enabling law for the shariah
- dapat naumpisahan na ang pagbuo ng mga korte para sa mga tribo, tribal courts
- kanya kanyang budget
- ARMM is implementing dual laws
- 5 provinces, hindi directly under the regional gfovernor kundi sa national,---regional
government, rla, nagpasa nap o , supervisory function sa loob ng arm ay nasa dilg arm-medyo
anino lang ng autonomuy ang nangyayari, regional government budgdet ina approven g nationa
lna dilg,pero dapat regional dilg
- supervisory unit ay ang dilg over local government units - regional over RA 7160 katapat ang
mma 25, sinasabi na rla angmagdedissyon kung kelan ipapatuad, halos magkatulad lang ang
mga ito
- saan nakalagay ang sectoral assembly---regional assembly,pero di pa na implementpero wala
ang imlemetning law
- problema may magagandang batas pero ang problema walang mga implementing law, baka ito
ang mga haomn satin, pano tayo mag engae para mapatuyad ang mgga batas
Powers and Responsibilities of the Regional Government
EXECUTIVE
Creation of sources of revenues…
LEGISLATIVE
Fix by law the permanent seat of government for
the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,
taking into consideration accessibility and
efficiency in carrying on its mandate under the
Organic Act…
Shall be assisted by 10 cabinet members, at least six (6) Enact the annual budget of the regional
of whom shall come from indigenous cultural government…
communities and the same shall come from various
provinces and cities of the autonomous region…
Exercise general supervision over the local government Approve funds either from the National
units within the autonomous region…
Government or from the Regional Government
for public works
Power to veto any particular item or items in an
appropriation or revenue bill…
Local Government Units
Local Chief Executive
•Provincial Governor
•Municipal Mayor
•Barangay Chairperson
Local Executive
Agencies
Local Legislative
Assemblies
•Provincial ViceGovernor
•Municipal Vice Mayor
•Provincial Board
•Municipal Council
•Barangay Council
DILG-ARMM
Only a few civil society organizations
NGO representation in the Regional Development Council in the ARMM
Election and Democracy Issues in the ARMM
•Elections
– Individual Fraud
– Clan vote
•Democracy
– Official Institutions vs. Organic Institutions
People’s Participation
RA 9054
Provisions
Content
Art. III, sec. 14
• The people shall have the right to legislative initiative, consultations on
matters concerning the environment, referendum on important issues
affecting their lives and the recall of regional and local officials, as
provided by RA 7160 –legislative initiative (ex walang regional
representative sa regional legislative assembly-ang mga mamamayan ay
maghahain ng batas sa RLA 1)may hinahangad na batas, 2)makakuha ng
mga pirma-1000dignature on provincial, 100municipality, 50 brgy- ero
hindi ibig sabhihn na may sapat na signature pwede ng ihain ang mga
batas sa proseso ng regtional assembly, sila na mag desisyon after,din a
kasali ang mamayanh)
Art. IV, sec. 3
•
•
Art. VII, sec. 6
•
•
Art. VII, sec. 13
•
•
•
Art XII, sec.
4(e)
•
Art. XII, sec. 10
•
Art. XV, sec. 8
•
Art. XVIII
•
There shall be elected sectoral representatives for agriculture, labor, urban
poor, indigenous peoples, youth, and women in the Regional Assembly,
constituting no less than 15% of the total elected members of the Regional
Assembly The Regional Assembly may enact legislation to provide for representation
of other sectorsThe Regional Governor shall appoint 3 deputies (1 Christian, 1 Muslim, 1
from Indigenous Peoples)
The Regional Governor, with the Regional Vice Governor, along with the 3
deputies shall comprise the Regional Executive Council
The Regional Assembly shall provide for a system of recall –
roseso kung saan ang mga mamaamayan ay hindi satisfied sa servie
ngisang opisyal, pd ipa recall, mananagailanga din ng signature,
magkakaroon po ng secial elections
In the absence of such a system, the recall process is to be governed by RA
7160
There shall be consultations will cultural communities on issues concerning
permits, licenses, franchises, and concessions over natural resources
located in ancestral domains The Regional Economic and Development Planning Board should have 5
representatives elected by the private sector, as provided by the Regional
Assembly
The Regional Government shall promote the rights of people’s
organizations Within 1 year from its organization, the Regional Assembly shall, by law,
create a code commission on Muslim and a code commission on tribal
laws, with 3 members each -
The challenge then is for us to engage the regional government not only during election
period but also in the governance.
The RLA has to see to it that the people’s interest is being promoted and that issues
concerning services due to the people and their constituents are being addressed.
MMAA No. 25
Provisions
Content/Composition
General
Book I, Title One, chap. 1,
• The participation of the private sector in regional and local
sec. 3
governance particularly in the delivery of basic services shall be
encouraged to ensure the viability of local autonomy as an
alternative strategy for sustainable development
Book I, Title One, chap. 3,
• NGOs and other concerned sectors must be consulted and the
art. I, sec. 23-24
goals and objectives explained, if a project or program may cause
pollution, climate change, depletion of non-renewable resources,
loss of cropland, rangeland, or forest cover, and the extinction of
animal or plant species
Book I, Title One, chap. 4,
sec. 28-30
Regional and Local Recall
Book II, Title Two, Chap.
5, sec. 64-71
•
The Regional Government (RG) and LGUs shall promote the
establishment and operation of POs and NGOs for partnerships in
pursuing local autonomy
• The RG and LGUs may enter into joint ventures and such other
cooperative engagements with POs and NGOs for the delivery of
certain basic services, capability and livelihood projects, and the
development of local enterprises designed to improve
productivity, income, diversify agriculture, spur rural
industrialization, promote ecological balance, enhance the
economic and social well-being of the people
• The RG and LGUs, through the local chief executive, with the
concurrence of the Sanggunian concerned, may provide
assistance, financial or otherwise, to POs and NGOs, for
economic, socially oriented, environmental and cultural projects
• Exercised by the registered voters of the government unit to
which the elected official subject to recall belongs
• Can be initiated upon petition of 25% of the total number of
registered voters during the election in which the official sought
to be recalled was elected
-25% (signatures) of the total number of registered voters during
the election starts the process of recall. Being voted and declared
winners of the election does not mean that our leaders can not be
uninstalled or that we have to wait for them to finish their term. We
can dosomething about it.
Barangay Assembly
Book III, Title One, Chap.
6, sec. 392-393
•
All actual residents of the Barangay for at least 6 months, at least
15 years of age, duly registered as Barangay Assembly members
- a barangay is mandated by law to hold at least 2 barangay
assemblies to tackle any issues affecting the area.
- however, barangay officials should be cautious in calling for an
assembly as this venue is usually used by higher officials for their
own political interests.
Local Initiative and
Referendum
Book I, Title Nine, Chap.
2, Sec. 123-130
•
•
•
Local initiative – the legal process whereby registered voters of
an LGU may directly propose, enact, or amend any ordinance
Local Referendum – the legal process whereby registered voters
of an LGU may approve, amend or reject any ordinance enacted
by the Sanggunian
To initiate the process, no less than 1000 signatures for provinces
and cities, 100 for municipalities and 50 for barangays
Local Sectoral
Representation
Book I, Title Two, Chap.
1, Sec. 35(d)
Book III, Title Two, Chap.
3, Art. 3, Sec. 441(b) for
Municipalities
Book III, Title Three,
Chap. 3, Art. 3, Sec.
452(b) for Cities
Book IV, Title Four, Chap.
3, Art. 3, Sec. 461(b) for
Provinces
Local Health Board
Book I, Title Five, Sec. 98101
Local School Board
Book I, Title Four, Sec. 9497
Regional Planning and
Development Board and
the Local Development
Councils
Book I, Title Six, Sec. 102106
Regional Reconciliation
and Unification
Commission and the Peace
and Order Council
Book I, Title Seven, Sec.
117-119
•
Sectoral representatives from women, workers and any of the
following sectors (urban poor, indigenous peoples, disabled, or
any other sector, to be determined by the Sanggunian concerned
90 days prior to the next elections)
- it would be better if we are able to occupy seats in the local council
for us to articulate effectively and translate our efforts in addressing
our concerns.
•
Representative from the private sector or NGO involved in
health services
•
Elected president of the PTA federation, representative of LGU’s
teachers association, elected representative of the non-academic
school personnel
Representatives from professionals the youth and the religious
sectors for the Regional Planning and Development Board
Representatives of NGOs operating within the LGU concerned,
constituting no less than ¼ of the members of a fully organized
council -
•
•
•
•
•
The Regional Governor shall designate 4 multisectoral groups
for the Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission
The Regional Governor shall provide for the composition and
function of the Regional Peace and Order Council through an
Executive Order
Executive order no. 309, as amended, series of 1988, establishes
a Local Peace and Order Council in every province, city and
municipality. The composition and function are the same as
those prescribed in the said executive order
Concerns in the local level are not very much different from concerns in the national
level
We can engage in different levels and aspects. We could form an advocacy to push for
the implementation of existing laws or work for the creation of implementing laws.
PLENARY
Q: This training on good governance, why don’t we conduct this in the community where we
move instead of in places outside the community where recreation facilities are available, and
translate this to the local government?
- This is the ideal presentation of the training. However it would be very costly if the training is
conducted in every barangay.
Q: What do we do with laws that are not implemented?
- We have really good laws, however these laws have their weaknesses. What we do is work
with our officials and push for the formulation of implementing laws.
Q: What do we do with Non-government Agencies that are formed by or networks of political
officers? These agencies could either be venues to promote the interests of those in power, or
directly used by the same group.
- We could engage these officials, make them understand our cause, lay our plans and interests.
We have to admit that whether with laws or no laws, the wishes of these officials are most of the
time followed.
- Participative governance can help us in laying our interests and in establishing relationships
with our elected officials. We need to have strategies on how to convince our leaders of our
interests and to make them participate in our undertakings. It is equally essential for us to
establish ties with our leaders, it is in the way we discuss things with them that matter and maybe
to the best of our ability be good influence to them also. It is not bad to be close to the officials
if we could use the opportunity to lay our interests and grounds for agreement. We can even
teach our leaders of what good governance is in a diplomatic approach.
Q: What is the picture of a true autonomy?
- The present picture of the ARMM is not the best picture of what autonomy is. What we have is
anautonomous government that is semi-independent. One manifestation of this is the budget of
the region that needs to be approved by the national government, in that aspect alone there is no
true autonomy. Many agencies and organizations now advocate the establishment of a federal
government for it is in the federal state that they see the practice of true autonomy. The ARMM
even have the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police around.
Citizen-Voter Action Points
Pre-Election
Election
• Register
• Understand the issues involved
• Determine the basis for vote
• Vote
• Protect your vote
• Get involved with election
monitoring and watchdog
organizations
• Be vigilant during the counting
process
Post-Elections
• Get involved in governance
- right of suffrage, what about he BEI - wala silang choice, diuty nilsa
Day Two (June 16, 2005)
7-830 am
830-950 am
Breakfast
Recap and Lecture Continued
Enhancing Pedagogy
The challenges for citizen-voter education initiatives
– Choosing the proper modes of intervention
•Traditional seminar/trainings
•Distribution of printed matter
•Drama
– Recognizing the effective centers of legitimization
•Organic community leaders
•Religious organizations
•Local media
•Academic institutions
Conclusion
Clearly, citizen-voter education is motivated by a vision of the people as stakeholders
– Citizen-stakeholders in the political process
– Voter-stakeholders in the electoral process
950-1010 am Introduction to Workshop Mechanism
- Areas of Intervention
- Modes of Intervention
- Material of Resource Requirements
- Timetable for Intervention
1010-1130 am Workshop
WORKSHOP QUESTIONS:
1. What are some of the areas that you can cover for citizen-voter education
activities?
2. What types or modes of intervention are you planning to use?
3. What are some of the possible resource requirements for such activities?
4. Timetable for intervention (target: August 8, 2005)
REPORTINGS:
SULU AND TAWI-TAWI GROUP
Members:
1. Mercia S. Ali - Jolo
2. Saliha A. Kali - Jolo
3. Lorena W. Sabdula - Jolo
4. Maimena A. Kali - Jolo
5. Farida I. Hadjulani - Jolo
6. Jocelyn A. Basaluddin - Jolo
7. Berkis A. Basauddin - Parang, Sulu
8. Arlene U. Sevilla - Bongao
9. Sharolaini A. Hunti - Bongao
Reports:
1. Area to be covered: province-wide (network NGO’s)
2. Modes of intervention: trainors training; community based/pilot areas; media,
radio and print
3. Sector to be concentrated on: informal group; tribal leaders/ulamas
4. Time table: June 7, 2005 onwards
LANAO DEL SUR
Members:
1. Nasser D. Dibansa - Poona-Bayabao
2. Yasser N. Mampao - Balindong Lanao del sur
3. Rohaniah Hadji Amer - Ramain, Lanao del sur
4. Nor-ain Kharis - Marawi City
5. Minsuari D. Pagayawan - Malabang, Lanao del sur
6. Jamel R. Macapanton - Ganassi, Lanao del sur
7. Mashud A. Gaima II - Masin, Lanao del sur
8. Magasoga Alim - Marawi City
9. Taha B. Dumaraya - Bayang
10. Samona Unda - Masin, Lanao del sur
11. Abdani Sadat Mariainte – Bayang
Reports:
1. Area to be covered: 39 municipalities, 1 city
2. Modes of intervention: media (radio/print); covenant signing; re-echo
(workshop); fora/symposium; community-based citizen-voters education
seminars
3. Sector to be concentrated on: youth; council of leaders; women; civic and
relation leaders
4. Time table:
June 19-30:
Lanao del sur group consolidation
series of meetings
planning
July 1-Aug. 1:
1. re-echo (trainors training)
2. community-based citizen-voters education seminar
3. covenant signing
4. radio program
5. print media
BASILAN
Members:
1. Vincent R. Tura - Lamitan
2. Galib A. Ahmad - Tipo-Tipo
3. Fauzie Juhur - Maluso
4. Sitti Hajfa Guiwan - Lantawan
5. Fe Alingco - Sumisip
6. Marijiya Mamang - Tuburan
Reports:
1. Area to be covered: 6 municipalities (Lamitan, Lantawan, Maluso, Tipo-tipo,
Sumigip, Tuburan)
2. Modes of intervention: radio (media); seminars; district of leaflets; informal
education
3. Sector to be concentrated on: religious sectors; youth sectors; women sectors;
people organization; academic sectors; professional sectors
4. Time table:
June 20-30: Action Plan
July 1-Aug. 5: Courtesy call to all sectors and implementation
Request: kit, materials, mobilization funds, accreditation by the coordinating body
MAGUINDANAO
Members:
1. Hernane Salabit - Datu Odin Sinsuat/Tauntaka
2. Jocelyn B. Palangan - DOS
3. Reymundo Tabudlong - Barira, North Tupi, Guindulungan
4. Bainon D. Lakman - Sultan Kudarat, North Upi, Sultan Mustasa
5. Sannie Bello - North and South Upi
1130-1145
1145-12
12-1pm
1 pm
6. Rogelio D. Egas - South Upi Maguindanao
7. Joel A. Alejandro - North Upi Maguindanao
8. Alex P. Bernan - Gen.. SR Pendatun
9. Abdulkader Abubakar - Pagalungan, Datu Montawal
10. Jandatu Salik - North Upi
11. Rahib M. Nando - Datu Paglas
12. Badria M. Silongan – Pagulungan/Paggawan
13. Annuarudin U. Tayuhan – Sultan Kudarat
14. Norodin M. Manalo – Sultan Kudarat
15. Abedin S. Tuya – Sultan Mastura
16. Alim A. Cacarib – Sultan Kudarat
17. Abdulahami Romanda – Parang
18. Musalik P. Kabunte – Datu Piang
19. Bashit Imam – Matanog
20. Carlo Basser – Bagundang, SKP
21. Datu Marcos M. Untong – DOS
22. Tuna K. Sangalan – DOS
23. Esmeralda A. Simpol – Datu Piang
24. Datwan D. Metikano – Sultan Kudarat
25. Suharito Utap – DOS
Reports:
1. Area to be covered: Pagalungan; Datu Montawal; DOS; Datu Piang; Datu
Saudi; Buldon; Barira; Matanog; North Upi; Sultan Kudarat; Datu Paglas;
Salipada K. Pendatun; Sultan Sa Barongis; Paglat; Buluan; Sultan Mastura;
Sharif Aguak; Mamasapano; South Upi; Talayan; Guindulungan; Datu
Unsay; Datu Sangki; Radja Buayan; Parang; Ampatuan; Kabuntalan; Talitay
2. Modes of intervention: courtesy call ; Focus Group Discussion (FGDs): a.
Informal Groups, b. Formal Groups; distribution of leaflets/flyers
3. Sector to be concentrated on: youth; community organization; organize
leaders (municipal officials/barangay officials, religious leaders and sectors)
4. Time table:
June 20, 2005 - Start of the activities
August 1, 2005 - Reporting
Other related matters:
- Headquarter
- Coordinate with the CBCS
- Budget
Commitment Setting
Closing Remarks and End of Training
Ms. Rebecca Malay
Picture Taking
Lunch
Departure