Contemporary Governance: Key Concepts and Systems

Global Divides: North and South

  • Global socio-economic and political categorization.
  • Global North: Wealthy, high standard of living, high technological advancement, high economic and educational development, industrial, less population.
  • Global South: Suffers from poverty, low standard of living, less technological advancement, low economic and educational development, agricultural, large population.
  • The Brandt Line (1980) distinguished the North and South.

Regionalism

  • Political, economic, or social system based on loyalty to a specific geographic region.
  • Emphasizes interests and identities of a particular area, often with a shared culture and ideology.

Asian Regionalism

  • Increasing cooperation and integration among countries in the Asian region.
  • Involves economic, political, and social aspects.
Key Drivers:
  • Economic Interdependence: Trade, investment, and supply chains.
  • Security Concerns: Rise of China and regional powers.
  • Shared Values: Focus on economic development and social harmony.
Examples:
  • ASEAN: Promotes economic, political, and social cooperation in Southeast Asia.
  • APEC: Promotes free trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • RCEP: Free trade agreement among 15 Asia-Pacific countries, aiming to create a single market.
Challenges:
  • Political Differences, Territorial Disputes, Economic Inequality.

Forms of Government & Political Systems

Philippines

  • Republic, Presidential, Representative, Unitary State
Political System

-Executive Branch (President), Legislative Branch (Congress - Senate and House of Representatives), Judicial Branch (Supreme Court).

Japan

  • Constitutional Monarchy.
  • Emperor (ceremonial), Prime Minister (policy making), Cabinet (implementing policies).
Political System
  • Legislative Branch (National Diet - House of Representatives and House of Councillors), Executive Branch (Prime Minister and Cabinet), Judicial Branch (Supreme Court and lower courts).

United States

  • Constitutional Federal Republic.
Political System
  • Legislative Branch (Congress - Senate and House of Representatives), Executive Branch (President), Judicial Branch (Supreme Court).
  • State governments manage law enforcement, healthcare, education, etc.

Russia

  • Federal Semi-Presidential Republic.
  • Executive power shared between President and Prime Minister.
Political System
  • Executive Branch (President and Prime Minister), Legislative Branch (Federal Assembly - State Duma and Federation Council), Judicial Branch.

China

  • Socialist, Unitary, Communist State.
  • Ruled by the Communist Party of China (CCP).
Political System
  • Party-state system with the CCP as the dominant institution.
  • Politburo Standing Committee ensures Party control.

United Kingdom

  • Constitutional Monarchy, Parliamentary Democracy.
  • Monarch is Head of State, but Parliament holds governmental power.
Political System
  • Westminster system with close executive-legislature relationship.
  • Parliament consists of the House of Lords and House of Commons.
  • Uncodified constitution derived from statutes, common law, etc.

Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO)

  • Online gambling companies licensed to offer services outside the Philippines (rebranded as "Internet Gaming Licensees").

Advantages

  • Revenue Generation, Economic Growth, Employment Opportunities, High Salaries.

Disadvantages

  • Money Laundering, Human Trafficking and Crimes, Immigration Violations, National Security Concerns.
Recent Events
  • President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued a total ban. Executive Order No. 74 prohibits the issuance of new licenses and the renewal of existing permits for POGOs and related operations. Ban set for December 31, 2024.
Controversies
  • The Alice Guo Controversy, The Bamban POGO Raid.

Corruption in the Philippines

  • Misuse of entrusted power for private benefit.

Types of Corruption

  • Nepotism & Favoritism, Extortion, Protection Money, Bribery, Tax Evasion, Ghost Projects & Payrolls, Passing of Contracts.

Effects of Corruption

  • Stolen Money, Poor Quality Projects, Expensive Public Services, Dirty Elections, Widening Gap Between Rich and Poor, Loss of Trust in Government, Discouraged Investors and Lost Jobs