Building Political Party System

Page 1: Building the Philippine Political Party System

Democracy is fundamentally defined as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. A robust political party system is essential for the operational effectiveness of any democracy, serving as a foundation for valid political platforms and policies aimed at fostering national progress and development. However, the political landscape in the Philippines reveals that the current role of political parties tends to be more detrimental to the country's development than beneficial. One of the significant weaknesses in the Philippine political party system is the reliance on personal charisma over ideological platforms. Politicians in the country often exploit political parties primarily as vehicles for financial gain during elections rather than as platforms for comprehensive ideological commitment. This absence of party loyalty and ideological adherence raises questions about the authenticity of the political party system in the Philippines.

Moreover, the need for significant political reforms is apparent, focusing on reducing, if not completely eliminating, graft and corruption. To achieve this, a structured legal framework must be established to govern the political party system, strengthening it to fulfill its crucial role in the democratic process.

Page 2: What is the Political Party Development Act?

The Political Party Development Act is integral to the proposed suite of political and electoral reforms necessary for the Philippines. Its primary goal is to fortify the political party system, thereby facilitating genuine political development and democratization. Specifically, it seeks to dismantle the entrenched patronage networks within politics, enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing, and promote loyalty to party platforms over traditional personality-based politics.

Originally drafted in 2002 and endorsed at the inaugural Philippine Political Party Conference chaired by then-Speaker Jose de Venecia, the bill has garnered support from various election reform advocates. However, the pursuit of this legislation faced challenges, particularly when the legitimacy crisis surrounding President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo loomed during her 2004 presidential candidacy.

While House Bill 3655, representing the Political Party Development Act of 2008, passed through the 14th Congress, it ultimately stalled due to opposition from minority party-list representatives. Given insights drawn from the 2010 elections—dubbed the most financially burdensome yet revealing phenomena — a renewed push for legislative action surfaced within the 15th Congress.

Page 3: Legislative Efforts in the 15th Congress

The 15th Congress has progressed with efforts directed toward solidifying the political party system through various house and senate bills. Both Senate Bills 51 and 607 were introduced by Senators Edgardo Angara and Jinggoy Estrada, respectively, while Representatives such as Rufus Rodriguez, Maximo Rodriguez Jr., and others filed corresponding House Bills. These bills have been consolidated into a substitute bill at the committee level, intended for discussion and adoption in both legislative houses.

Given the increasing urgency to address the current political climate, which has seen weakening democratic institutions under the Aquino administration, these initiatives are provoked by direct calls for legislative reinforcement of political party functions and efficacy.

Page 4: Declaration of the Political Party Development Bill

A political party is categorized as a collective of individuals coordinated to promote an ideology or vision with the intent to engage in electoral processes. This framework allows political parties to embody the principles and issues represented by their constituents, fostering democratic participation. Within this structure, parties serve dual roles as venues for the nurturing of leaders and as engines for electoral campaigns and governance.

The Political Party Development Bill aims to enhance the political party landscape by: 1. Upholding party loyalty and adherence to ideological principles through penalties for turncoat politicians, 2. Mitigating graft and corruption with regulated campaign financing mechanisms, and 3. Professionalizing political entities supported by state subsidies to effectively nurture democratic processes.

Page 5: Funding and Activities of the Political Party Development Bill

Under the proposed legislation, a State Subsidy Fund would encourage political parties to engage in development activities beyond mere election-year campaigns. During non-election years, this fund could be allocated toward party administration, member training, research, and constituency outreach programs, among other logistical necessities crucial for party viability. By implementing this law, Philippine democracy can advance by amplifying the people's voices in democratic processes and governance.

Political Turncoatism

Political turncoatism refers to the shift in party allegiance by candidates, often deeply rooted within the national political culture, where many politicians utilize parties merely as financial instruments during election cycles. The Political Party Development Bill proactively promotes adherence to party principles to discourage inappropriate shifts in political affiliation based solely on perceived electoral advantage.

Page 6: Campaign Finance Regulation

The legislation addresses campaign financing, positing government regulations on contributions and expenditures throughout elections. Despite existing laws, candidates have historically bypassed these restrictions, often believing monetary influence can secure electoral success. Thus, the proposed bill seeks to enforce stricter regulations on campaign contributions and spending, imposing heavier penalties for violations.

In promoting democratic legitimacy, it is essential that elections are viewed as a product of citizen will rather than merely a platform for financial transaction. The bill aims to foster an environment where both candidates and voters acknowledge electoral processes as substantive democratic exercises.

Page 7: Allowable Expenditures

To comprehend financial flows related to political parties, the legislation outlines specific categories of expenditures essential for functioning effectively, designated into party development and campaign-related spending. Notably, operational costs tied to the party's structure and candidate travel expenses are permissible, as are expenses for outreach and information dissemination efforts.

Financial Accountability

The bill stipulates that the funds derived from state subsidies are to be strictly utilized for party development initiatives and allowable campaign activities, and all such expenditures must remain under the scrutiny of the Commission on Audit (COA) to ensure transparency and integrity.

Page 8: Campaign Contribution Limits

The Political Party Development Act indicates significant shifts in how campaign contributions will be handled. By implementing limits on voluntary contributions from natural and juridical individuals, the Act intends to disassemble the longstanding patronage systems between politicians and their contributors.

Furthermore, transparency is emphasized, necessitating political parties to declare all contributions received, which would further encourage a culture of accountability and discourage corrupt practices. The bill mandates that all transactions related to contributions are recorded and available for public scrutiny.

Page 9: Audit and Compliance

To ensure compliance, both the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) are given the responsibility to create a robust monitoring system to oversee party spending. This system incorporates a requirement for full disclosure of party financial activities, including income from donations and expenditures.

Non-compliance with these financial regulations would result in disqualification from state subsidies, reinforcing the bill's commitment to transparent political financing.

Page 10: Criteria for Eligibility for State Subsidy

Eligibility for the State Subsidy Fund revolves around specific criteria, including political representation, organizational strength, and a track record of performance. Political parties must meet these benchmarks to qualify for financial support, which aims to ensure that the beneficiaries are genuinely contributing to the political system through active participation and robust institutional frameworks.

Page 11: Strengthening the Political Landscape

The act’s intent extends beyond mere financial aid; it also envisions a transformation in political party culture, encouraging parties to realize their potential as vital components of democratic governance. Furthermore, this measure intends to prevent corruption by dissuading political entities from accepting illicit funds, fostering integrity and responsibility within political parties.

Page 12: Legislative Differences

The document summarizes important legislative comparisons between versions from the House and Senate, focusing on terminology and implementation guidelines pertinent to the political party systems and financing regulations.

Page 13: Institutionalization of Political Parties

The legislative details highlight how political parties must undergo formal registration processes illustrating their commitment to uphold democratic principles. The proposals emphasize the necessity for formal structure within political organizations to cultivate a political climate conducive for democratic practices.

Page 14: Candidate Selection Process

To reinforce democratic practices, the bill necessitates transparency and inclusivity within candidate selection processes. Political parties are mandated to develop systematic approaches for nominating candidates that reflect the values and aspirations of the members and the community.

Page 15: Regulations on Political Turncoatism

Reflections of the turncoatism issue indicate the significance of maintaining party loyalty and discourage shifting allegiances, which can destabilize political integrity. The act proposes various penalties for those found guilty of turncoatism, such as disqualification from subsequent elections and loss of public office.

Page 16: Amount for Campaign Expenditures

Setting clear limits on political spending highlights the necessity for fiscal accountability in electoral campaigns. The outlined amounts for campaign expenditures standardize spending practices across parties, which contributes to a more equitable election process.

Page 17: Monitoring and Reporting on Political Party Development

A comprehensive monitoring approach promotes consistent evaluation of political activities, ensuring that parties uphold their operations transparently while contributing to overall political development across the country.

Page 18: Anti-Corruption Measures

In addition to outlining regulatory frameworks for financial transactions, there are defined sanctions addressing misuse of funds, providing a proactive stance against corruption within the political framework.

Page 19: Sanctions and Penalties

The bill delineates penalties for parties and candidates not adhering to the regulation, setting forth severe consequences for non-compliance and violations. This measure underlines the importance of maintaining public trust in political institutions and processes, dissuading corrupt behaviors among political entities.

Page 20: Appropriations for the Fund

Addressing the financial aspects, the legislation appropriates substantial funding intended for the State Subsidy Fund, ensuring that political parties receive sufficient funding to promote accountability and democratic practices throughout their activities.

Page 21: Lead Agency Responsibilities

The implementation of the law falls under the jurisdiction of a regulatory body tasked with overseeing adherence to these new guidelines. This reinforces accountability measures and transparency in political processes to mitigate corruption and enhance overall democratic governance.

The evolution of the Philippine party system has undergone several significant phases, shaped by colonial rule, independence, dictatorship, and democratic transitions. Based on the image you provided, here’s a brief overview:

### 1. Early Political Parties (1900-1935)

- The Federalista Party (1900) was the first political party, advocating for U.S. statehood.

- The Nacionalista Party (1907) emerged as the dominant force, advocating for Philippine independence.

- Other parties, such as Progressista and Republican, briefly competed but did not last long.

### 2. Pre-World War II Politics (1935-1941)

- The Nacionalista Party consolidated power, often dominating elections.

- There was a brief emergence of a National Socialist Party and other opposition parties, but Nacionalista largely remained in control.

### 3. World War II and the Japanese Occupation (1941-1945)

- The Japanese-backed KALIBAPI (Kapisanan ng Paglilingkod sa Bagong Pilipinas) replaced all political parties during the war.

- Other underground resistance movements continued their activities against the Japanese.

### 4. Post-War Politics and the Two-Party System (1946-1972)

- The Liberal Party (LP) was formed in 1946 as a breakaway from the Nacionalista Party, creating a two-party system.

- For several decades, Liberal and Nacionalista alternated power, similar to a Western-style democracy.

### 5. Martial Law and One-Party Rule (1972-1986)

- Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in 1972, leading to a decline in democratic party competition.

- Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) became the dominant party under Marcos.

- Opposition groups like Laban (Lakas ng Bayan) were suppressed but later played a role in the People Power Revolution.

### 6. Multi-Party System and Democratic Transition (1986-Present)

- The People Power Revolution (1986) led to the fall of Marcos and the restoration of democracy.

- Several new parties emerged:

- PDP-Laban and UNIDO became anti-Marcos opposition forces. Lakas-NUCD, later evolving into Lakas-CMD, dominated under Fidel Ramos.

- Other parties, such as NPC, PRP, PMP, and LDP, reflected various political factions.

- The system became multi-party, with frequent shifting alliances.

- In the 2000s, coalitions like Lakas-Kampi and parties like Bagumbayan formed.

### Key Trends in the Philippine Party System

1. From Two-Party to Multi-Party System – The dominance of Nacionalista and Liberal gave way to a fractured, multi-party system.

2. Shifting Alliances – Many politicians switch parties for electoral advantage rather than ideological reasons.

3. Personality-Driven Politics – Unlike Western political parties based on ideologies, Philippine parties often revolve around key figures.

4. Coalitions and Mergers – Many elections are won through temporary alliances rather than strong party loyalty.

Would you like me to focus on a specific period or party?