Social Science

A branch of science that deals with the institutions and functioning of human society and with
the interpersonal relationships of individuals as members of society1

1. Economics

Economics is a branch of social sciences that aims to study the production, distribution, and
consumption of wealth.2 Economics is a social science because it examines the social behavior
of human beings with regards to allocation of scarce resources in order to meet the needs of
each individual in the society.3

A. Issue related to Economics

a. Poverty - It is a major social problem in the Philippines with 21.6 percent of the
Filipino population earning an income below the poverty line, according to the
Philippine Statistics Authority. The decline in poverty in the Philippines is slower
than that of other nations in the region, and for those who depend on farming and
fishing for income, economic trends keep them poor, largely due to misuse of
natural resources.4

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

The Government of the Philippines utilizes social protection programs to provide

poor families with direct assistance. Impoverished families can receive cash
assistance through a conditional cash transfer program. The program
requires all families to enroll their children in school and vaccinate their children
with government-provided immunizations.5

The 1987 Philippine Constitution substantially provides that “The Congress may
establish an independent economic and planning agency headed by the President
x x x ”6 Thus, such agency, the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) is an independent cabinet-level agency of the Philippine government
responsible for economic development and planning. It is headed by the President
of the Philippines as chairman of the NEDA board.7

Pursuant to Executive Order 5 s 2016, the government of the Philippines created

AmBisyon 2040 and The Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 in efforts to
reduce poverty. Both plans aim to improve living conditions for the poor and
reduce poverty by 15 percent by 2022. To achieve this goal, it is recommended

1
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/social%20science
2
https://sciencestruck.com/types-of-social-sciences
3
https://www.reference.com/world-view/economics-considered-social-science-87ee131d15bc7254
4
https://www.reference.com/geography/social-problems-philippines-52f943646461658d
5
https://borgenproject.org/facts-about-poverty-in-the-philippines/
6
ARTICLE XII, Section 9.
7
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Economic_and_Development_Authority
 these policies work towards creating more jobs, improving productivity in all
sectors and educating Filipinos with the necessary skills for work in today’s
economy.8

b. Poor performance of agricultural sector of economy

Agriculture is the main source of income for rural inhabitants, primarily in farming and
fishing. Most farmers and small landholders live in areas that are prone to natural
disasters or conflicts. Declines in agricultural productivity, unsuccessful small
landholder farming operations and unsustainable practices have caused deforestation
and weakened fish stocks.9

One of the most pressing concerns of the agricultural sector is the rampant conversion
of agricultural land into golf courses, residential subdivisions, and industrial parks or
resorts. In 1993 the nation was losing irrigated rice lands at a rate of 2,300 hectares
per year. Small land-holders find it more profitable to sell their land to developers in
exchange for cash, especially since they lack capital for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides,
and wages for hiring workers to plant and harvest the crops. Another concern is
farmers' continued reliance on chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides that have
destroyed soil productivity over time.10

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) mandated by the 1987 Constitution11, is

the lead government agency that holds and implements comprehensive and genuine
agrarian reform which actualizes equitable land distribution, ownership, agricultural
productivity, and tenurial security for, of and with the tillers of the land towards the
improvement of their quality of life.12
Thus, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Executive Order No. 75, Series
of 2019, which directs the identification of government-owned lands (GOL) which are
dedicated or suitable for agriculture, has been signed by the heads of the Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).13 In accordance with
the EO, signed by President Rodrigo Roa Dueterte in February 15, the IRR “shall govern
the identification, validation, segregation, transfer and distribution of all GOLs,
devoted to or suitable for agriculture and which are no longer actually, directly and
exclusively used or necessary for the purpose for which they have been reserved or
acquired for the purpose of eventual distribution to qualified beneficiaries.” 14
Also included in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 (PDP), under the Three
Pillars: Patuloy na Pag-unlad, focuses on economic growth. The Philippines have seen
massive growth in the past decade or so through their change from an agricultural

8
Supra at 5.
9
Supra at 5.
10
https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines-AGRICULTURE.html
11
ARTICLE XIII, Sections 4 to 8.
12
http://www.dar.gov.ph/about-us/mandate-mission-and-vision/
13
http://www.dar.gov.ph/articles/news/101263
14
Id.
 economy to industry and manufacturing focused powerhouse. The Philippines plan to
focus on continued growth of their technology, R&D, and innovation sectors. 15

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is working in the

Philippines to improve the incomes and food security of rural populations. IFAD
primarily focuses on women, fishers, small landholders and indigenous people
residing in fragile ecosystems. Recent projects and programs are intended to improve
the environment with natural resource management and sustainable access to land.
Projects also include skills for managing soil and water along with support for fishing
communities.16

2. Education

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values,
belief, and habits. Educational methods include storytelling, discussion, teaching training, and
directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators,
however learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal or
informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels,
or acts may be considered educational. The methodology of teaching is called pedagogy.
Formal education is commonly divided formally into such stages as preschool or kindergarten,
primary school, secondary school and then college, university, or apprenticeship.

A. Issue related to Education

a. Shortage of school buildings, textbooks and equipment

Since 1960, elementary enrolment has been expanding at the rapid rate of 4%
a year owing to increase in the number of children and in the enrolment ratio.
The shortages of classrooms and textbooks are particularly severe. The
nationwide classroom shortage is estimated to be 40,000 and the DECS (now
DepEd) operates two shifts in many schools. The textbook problem is even
more serious. A survey done in preparation for a World Bank education loan
found that the pupil-textbook ration in the public elementary schools is 10:1
and 79% of the textbooks are more than 5 years old. This situation has
persisted for many years.
Other teaching tools, such as science materials, teaching devices and audio-
visual aids, are also in short supply. Perennial graft and corruption in the
acquisition of books and in the construction of school buildings has often been
reported. This situation handicaps the teaching staff in their work.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Art. 14 Sec 5 The 1987 Constitution of The Republic of the Philippines

15
https://sites.tufts.edu/philippinesenergydevelopment/case-study-philippine-development-plan/
16
Supra at 5.
b. Overworked and underpaid teaching staff
Teaching has often been referred to as the “most notable of all professions.”
To many teachers, however, the noble image of their profession has been
transformed into an illusion. Over the last three decades, we have come to
think of the Filipino teachers as overworked and underpaid professionals.
The fact that teachers are paid subsistence wages is only half of their sad story.
Their daily bout with dilapidated classrooms, overcrowded classes, and lack of
teaching materials, among others, make the teachers hardly rewarded work
even more difficult.
Aside from classroom instructions, teachers perform a host of backbreaking
and time-consuming jobs unrelated to the teaching function. The National
Research and Development Center for Teacher Education under the DECS
listed 76 extracurricular activities performed by public school teachers. Such
activities include Operation Timbang, census taking, tax consciousness drive,
Clean and Green Drive, Alay-Tanim, Alay-Lakad, fund raising campaigns, lining
the streets to welcome foreign dignitaries, etc. To do all these, teachers are
forced to work two or three hours overtime every day. They also have to report
during weekends and holidays and even during their yearly vacation time.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Art 14 Sec 5 The 1987 Constitution of The Republic of the

Philippines
GR NO. 15622529-2008 Letran Calamba Faculty & Employees vs NLRRC

c. Bilingual policy and the problem of a national language

The bilingual policy in education aims to develop a Filipino who is proficient in
both English and Filipino. For the past 20 years, since the DECS adopted the
bilingual policy, Tagalog-based Pilipino has been used to teach over half of the
subjects in the elementary and secondary curriculum of both public and
private schools. Mathematics and the natural sciences continue to be taught
in English. Despite the findings of the Ateneo Social Weather Survey that 92%
of Filipinos already speak and understand Tagalog, many provinces north and
south of Metro Manila still encounter problems with the language. This is
unfortunate because Pilipino is used in nationally conducted exams and tests.
While the bilingual policy is a law which not even the Secretary of Education
can change, it has become a growing concern that many students are deficient
in communication skills.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Art 14 Sec 6 The 1987 Constitution of The Republic of the Philippines

d. Globalization issue in education
It is in the educational sector where the concept of globalization is further
refined and disseminated. It comes in varied forms as “global
competitiveness,” “the information highway,” “the Third Wave Theory,” “post
modern society,” “the end of history,” and “borderless economy.”
 The so-called Philippines 2000 was launched by the Philippine government to
promote “global competitiveness,” Philippine Education 2000 carried it to effect
through training of more skilled workers and surplus Filipino human power for
foreign corporations to reduce their cost of production.
The Philippines, including its educational sector, is controlled by US monopoly
capital through loan politics. This task is accomplished by the IMF, the World Bank
and a consortium of transnational banks, called the Paris Club, supervised by the
WB. The structural adjustments as basis for the grants of loans, basically require
liberalization, deregulation and privatization in a recipient country.
As transplanted into the educational sector, deregulation is spelled reduced
appropriation or reduced financial assistance to public schools through so called
fiscal autonomies; privatization and liberalization is spelled commercialized
education or liberalization of governments’ supervision of private schools and
privatize state colleges and universities.
The WB-IMF and the Ford Foundation have earmarked $400M for Philippine
education. These loans financed the Educational Development Project (EDPITAF)
in 1972; the Presidential Commission to Survey Philippine Education (PCSPE) in
1969; the Program for Decentralized Educational Development (PRODED) in 1981-
1989. As pointed out by many critics, “the massive penetration of WB-IMF loans
into the Philippine Educational System has opened it wide to official and
systematic foreign control, the perpetuation of US and other foreign economic
interest, and to maximize the efficiency of exploiting Philippine natural resources
and skilled labor.”
A number of studies and fact-finding commissions such as the Sibayan and
Gonzales Evaluation (1988), the Presidential Commission to Survey Philippine
Education (PCSPE, 1969), and the Congressional Commission on Education
(EDCOM, 1991-1992) have pointed out that the problems of Philippine education
are the problems of quality and political will.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

RA 10618- Rural Farm School Act

3. Geography

It is concerned with the Earth's atmosphere and physical surface, including how humans affect those
things and in turn are affected by them. The discipline is a mixture of physical geography and human
geography, making it both a physical science and a social science.17

A. Issue related to Geography

a. Annual Population – The population of the Philippines has been steadily

growing for many years. It is the 13th most populated country in the world,
between Mexico and Ethiopia, and grew at a rate of 1.72% between 2010 and
2015. The 2019 population is 108.12 million, according to the latest UN
estimates.i

17
https://study.com/academy/lesson/geography-as-a-social-science-definition-explanation.html
Components of Population Change
• One birth every 14 seconds
• One death every 50 seconds
• One net migrant every 8 minutes
• Net gain of one person every 21 seconds

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Establishment of POPCOM
In 1967, President Ferdinand Marcos joined other world leaders in adding his
signature to a Declaration on Population that had been made the previous year
by representatives of 12 countries (often incorrectly cited in Philippines
government documents as "the UN Declaration on Population"). Two years
later, Executive Order 171 established the Commission on Population
(POPCOM), and in 1970 Executive Order 233 empowered POPCOM to direct a
national population programme.

The Population Act

The Population Act [RA 6365] passed in 1971 made family planning part of a
strategy for national development. Subsequent Presidential Decrees required
increased participation of public and private sectors, private organizations and
individuals in the population programme.

Under President Corazon Aquino (1986 to 1992) the family planning element
of the programme was transferred to the Department of Health, where it
became part of a five-year health plan for improvements in health, nutrition
and family planning. According to the Philippines. National Statistics Office, the
strong influence of the Catholic Church undermined political and financial
support for family planning, so that the focus of the health policy was on
maternal and child health, not on fertility reduction.

The Population Management Program

The Ramos administration launched the Philippine Population Management
Program (PPMP)in 1993. This was modified three years later to incorporate
"responsible parenthood" policies. During the Philippines 12th Congress
(2001-2004) policymakers and politicians began to focus on "reproductive
health."

Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program

In 2006 the President ordered the Department of Health, POPCOM and local
governments to direct and implement the Responsible Parenthood and Family
Planning Program.

The Responsible Parenthood and Natural Family Planning Program's primary

policy objective is to promote natural family planning, birth spacing (three
 years birth spacing) and breastfeeding which are good for the health of the
mother, child, family, and community. While LGUs can promote artificial family
planning because of local autonomy, the national government advocates
natural family planning.

The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic

Act No. 10354), informally known as the Reproductive Health Law or RH Law,
is a law in the Philippines, which guarantees universal access to methods on
contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.

Influence of the Catholic Church

Over 80% of Filipinos are Catholic, so it is not surprising to encounter assertions
that population management infrastructure and operations "largely reflect the
Catholic Church's position on family planning which emphasizes responsible
parenting, informed choice, respect for life and birth spacing." The Catholic
bishops of the country have been accused of opposing and hampering
population management and fertility reduction policies.18

b. Loss of Agricultural Lands, Deforestation, Soil Erosion, Air and Water

Pollution, Improper Disposal of Solid and Toxic Waste

The Philippines also suffers major human-caused environmental degradation

aggravated by a high annual population growth rate, including all of those issue
listed.

Loss of Agricultural Lands

A lot of Agricultural Land and now turning into residential, commercial,
industrial or institutional. Sicogon is just one example of converted agricultural
lands.

Between 1988, when the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL) took
effect, and 2016, a total of 97,592.5 hectares of agricultural land—the size of
Metro Manila and Cebu City—were approved for conversion to nonagricultural
purposes, according to the DAR.

The figure does not include pending applications for conversion, agricultural
land reclassified by local government units and illegally converted land.
The rampant conversion of prime agricultural land, partly driven by rapid
urbanization, population growth and speculation, has led to conflicting land
uses.19

Major Environmental Laws

1. REPUBLIC ACT 9003 ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF
2000

18
https://www.consciencelaws.org/law/commentary/legal055-002.aspx#Figure_2
19
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/876377/many-farms-lost-to-land-conversion
 In partnership with stakeholders, the law aims to adopt a systematic,
comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall
ensure the protection of public health and environment. The law ensures
proper segregation, collection, storage, treatment and disposal of solid
waste through the formulation and adaptation of best eco-waste products.
2. REPUBLIC ACT 9275 PHILIPPINE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 2004
The law aims to protect the country's water bodies from pollution from
land-based sources (industries and commercial establishments,
agriculture and community/household activities). It provides for
comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize pollution
through a multi-sectoral and participatory approach involving all the
stakeholders.
3. REPUBLIC ACT 8749 PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999
The law aims to achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National
Air Quality guideline values for criteria pollutants, throughout the
Philippines, while minimizing the possible associated impacts to the
economy.
4. REPUBLIC ACT 6969 TOXIC SUBSTANCES, HAZARDOUS AND NUCLEAR
WASTE CONTROL ACT OF 1990
The law aims to regulate restrict or prohibit the importation,
manufacture, processing, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical
substances and mixtures the present unreasonable risk to human health.
It likewise prohibits the entry, even in transit, of hazardous and nuclear
wastes and their disposal into the Philippine territorial limits for whatever
purpose; and to provide advancement and facilitate research and studies
on toxic chemicals.
5. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(EIS) STATEMENT OF 1978
The Environment Impact Assessment System was formally established in
1978 with the enactment of Presidential Decree no. 1586 to facilitate the
attainment and maintenance of rational and orderly balance between
socio-economic development and environmental protection. EIA is a
planning and management tool that will help government, decision
makers, the proponents and the affected community address the negative
consequences or risks on the environment. The process assures implementation
of environment-friendly projects.

Cases related to Environment

G.R. No. 101083 /July 30, 1993/ OPASA vs. FACTORAN

4. History

History is the continuous, systematic narrative and research into past human events as interpreted
through historiographical paradigms or theories.

A. Issue related to Education

a. La Camara Celebrates 4th Philippine-Spanish Day With An Economic Luncheon

In commemoration of the long history of friendship of the Philippines and Spain, La
Camara held a luncheon last June 17, 2019 to celebrate and further tighten the ties
between the two countries.
The lunch brought everyone to a trip down memory lane as they share a glimpse of
history when the countries’ friendship started on July 1, 1898 at the church of Baler.
As Baler celebrates this momentous event for the 17th time (in accordance to
Republic Act No. 9187), this year will also mark the town’s 120th Anniversary
simultaneous with La Camara’s 120th Anniversary.
Moreover, the luncheon also discussed strengthening the Bilateral ties of the two
countries. Honorable Joey Leviste, Chairman of the Philippine-Spanish Busines
Council, welcomed guests, followed by His Excellency Jorge Moragas, Spanish
Ambassador to the Philippines, who gave a keynote address and discussed Bilateral
trade relations of Spain.
Ending the discussion, Ms. Agnes Legaspi, the Assistant Director of the Export
Marketing Bureau of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) gave a briefing on
Philippine-Spanish economic relations highlighting the growing bilateral trade of the
Philippines as well as the ranking, trade performance, and opportunities in the
future.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Republic Act No. 9187

b. Torre de Manila
It is a high-rise residential building being built by DMCI Homes in Ermita, Manila.
The building has been controversial due to its proximity to the Rizal Monument. It
rises behind the monument changing the skyline of what used to be the best park
skyline in Metro Manila.] The tower has been publicly known as "a national photo
bomber and "a national disgrace to Rizal." Various attempts to halt construction
were made from 2012 to 2017. Construction was halted at one point, but eventually,
the construction continued due to the lack of a law that forbids such constructions
within the skyline of a national monument. The developers challenged conservation
groups in the Supreme Court of the Philippines, stating that the National Cultural
Heritage Act of 2009 has no provision to protect skylines. In 2017, the court ruled in
favor of Torre de Manila's developer, DMCI Homes, effectively deflecting further
attempts to stop the construction of the building. Torre de Manila and developer
DMCI Inc. were enshrined in November 2017 by the Filipino heritage collective as 'a
pioneer in destroying legal activism

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Supreme Court case

The Knights of Rizal filed a petition with the Supreme Court of the Philippines on
September 12, 2014, first, to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) to suspend
the construction, and then if successful, to order the demolition of the building,
citing the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act (Republic Act No.
4846), the National Cultural Heritage Act, and the building's zoning violations. The
Knights suggested that the Supreme Court should create a "Writ of Pamana"
("heritage") or "Writ of Kasaysayan" ("history") similar to the existing "Writ of
Kalikasan" ("nature") as a special legal remedy to enable quicker action on the part
of the Supreme Court to protect the country's heritage.
 On June 16, 2015, and voting 8–5 (with two justices on leave), the Supreme Court
issued a temporary restraining order suspending construction, and set oral
arguments for June 30. On April 25, 2017, the Supreme Court, voting 9 to 6,
dismissed the Knights' petition and lifted the previously issued restraining order,
allowing construction to continue. In a statement the court said it "dismissed the
petition mandamus for the reasons that: (1) Court has no jurisdiction over the
subject matter; (2) the petitioners have no standing to sue; and (3) they stand to
suffer injury. Furthermore, the Court also found that there is no law that prohibits
the construction of the challenged Torre de Manila." During oral arguments, the
attorneys for both sides agreed that there was no law explicitly banning construction
because of disruption of sightlines but disagreed over whether other laws or
regulations forbid construction because of sightline concerns.

5. Law

Law is one of the important branches of social sciences. The study of law deals with the
study of law structures and implied legal policies. It also incorporates case studies in the
past and social patterns for the possibilities of formulation of new laws. The study of law
basically deals with legal subjects, legal systems, legal theories and legal institutions.20

Issue: Train Law

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, officially cited as Republic
Act No. 10963, is the initial package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP)
signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 19, 2017. TRAIN consists
of revisions to the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, or the Tax Code. This
reform includes packages that make changes in taxation concerning the personal
income tax (PIT), estate tax, donor's tax, value added tax (VAT), documentary stamp
tax (DST) and the excise tax of petroleum products, automobiles, sweetened
beverages, cosmetic procedures, coal, mining and tobacco.21

In the first quarter of 2018, both positive and negative outcomes have been observed.
The economy saw an increase in tax revenues, government expenditure and an
incremental growth in GDP. On the other hand, unprecedented inflation rates that
exceeded projected calculations, has been the cause for much uproar and objections.
There have been petitions to suspend and amend the law, so as to safeguard particular
sectors from soaring prices.22

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

To protect the poor and vulnerable from the impact of moderate increases in prices,
Dominguez said P25.7 billion has been allotted in the 2018 budget for the targeted
cash transfer program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
for the benefit of the poorest 10 million households.23

20
Supra at 2.
21
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_Reform_for_Acceleration_and_Inclusion_Act
22
Id.
23
https://www.dof.gov.ph/taxreform/index.php/2018/01/22/rain-to-address-income-inequality/
 The DSWD will identify the beneficiaries based on the Listahanan, the Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino or 4Ps Program, and the list of social pension beneficiaries, he
said.24

Further, the Department of Finance submitted to the Congress Package 2 of the TRAIN
law, called TRABAHO, which seeks to lower the corporate income tax paid by some
95 percent of businesses, while at the same time retaining and providing new fiscal
incentives for deserving recipients that will contribute to national development and
help generate pro-poor investments and jobs.25

Alvarez said that based on the requirements under Republic Act 10708 or the Tax
Incentives Management and Transparency Act (TIMTA), the Department of Finance
(DOF) estimates incentives granted to registered enterprises in PEZA zones reached
P235.3 billion in 2015 alone, out of a total of P301 billion, which includes the incentives
for 13 other investment promotion agencies (IPAs).
Issue: Plea Bargaining Agreement in Drug Cases

The Supreme Court (SC) has adopted a plea bargaining framework on illegal drugs
cases, less than a year after it declared unconstitutional the legal provision under
Section 23 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act or R.A. 9165 that barred those
charged in drug cases to avail of the provision on plea-bargaining, regardless of the
imposable penalty.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

In the case Estipona, Jr. v. Hon. Lobrigo, G.R. No. 226679, 15 August 2017, Estipona
filed a Motion to Allow the Accused to Enter into a Plea Bargaining Agreement,
praying to withdraw his not guilty plea and, instead, to enter a plea of guilty for
violation of Section 12, Article II of R.A. No. 9165 (Possession of Equipment,
Instrument, Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs) with a penalty
of rehabilitation in view of his being a first-time offender and the minimal quantity of
the dangerous drug seized in his possession.( 0.084 gram). The Supreme Court ruled
that Section 23 of RA 9165 is unconstitutional. It violates the doctrine of separation
of powers by encroaching upon the rule-making power of the Supreme Court under
the 1987 constitution.26
Under the new framework, there shall be no plea bargaining in cases where the
penalty is life imprisonment or life imprisonment to death. 27
Only those charged with violation of Section 11 of RA 9165 for possession of illegal
drugs where the quantity is less than five grams (in case of shabu, opium, morphine,
heroin and cocaine, and less than 300 grams in case of marijuana) with a penalty of 12

24
Id.
25
https://www.dof.gov.ph/index.php/train-package-2-aims-to-boost-pro-poor-investments-create-jobs/
26
ARTICLE VIII, Section 5(5).
27
https://abogado.com.ph/sc-releases-guidelines-on-plea-bargaining-involving-drug-cases/
 years and one day to 20 years in prison and a fine ranging from P300,000 to P400,000
can plea bargain to violation of Section 12 that carries a penalty of six months and one
day to four years in prison and a fine ranging from P10,000 to P50,000. 28
“If accused admits drug use, or denies it but is found positive after drug dependency
test, he/she shall undergo treatment rehabilitation for a period of not less than six
months,” the high court said.29
On the other hand, if the accused is charged with possession of shabu, opium,
morphine, heroin, and cocaine of more than five grams but not exceeding 10 grams,
or with marijuana of 300 grams but not more than 500 grams (Section 11), the accused
can enter into a plea bargain to violation of Section 11 (less than five grams in case of
shabu, etc. and less than 300 grams of marijuana) to lower the penalty from 20 years
to life imprisonment and fine ranging from P400,000 to P500,000, to 12 years and one
day to 20 years prison term and fine ranging from P300,000 to P400,000. 30
If an accused is charged with possession of equipment, apparatus and other
paraphernalia for dangerous drugs under Section 12, he or she can plea bargain to
violation of Section 15 or use of dangerous drugs to lessen the penalty from six months
and one day to four years in prison and fine from P10,000 to P50,000, to six months
treatment and rehabilitation if he or she admits drug use or is found positive after
drug use/dependency test.31
For violation of Section 14 for possession of equipment, apparatus and other
paraphernalia for dangerous drugs during parties, social gatherings or meeting, he or
she can plea bargain to violation of Section 15 on use of dangerous drugs to lower the
penalty from a maximum or four months in prison to six months of treatment and
rehabilitation.32

6. Politics
Politics refers to a set of activities associated with the governance of a country, or an area. It
involves making decisions that apply to members of a group. It refers to achieving and
exercising positions of governance—organized control over a human community, particularly
a state.
A. Issue related to Politics
1. Poverty and Corruption - The links between corruption and poverty affect both
individuals and businesses, and they run in both directions: poverty invites
corruption, while corruption deepens poverty.

28
Supra at 24.
29
Id.
30
Id.
31
Id.
32
Id.
 Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

Philippine Laws in Graft and Corruption

1. THE OMBUDSMAN ACT OF 1989
Republic Act No. 6770.
2. AN ACT FURTHER DEFINING THE JURISDICTION OF THE SANDIGANBAYAN,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE P. D. NO. 1606, AS AMENDED, PROVIDING FUNDS
.THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES..
Republic Act No. 8249.
3. AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL ORGANIZATION OF
THE SANDIGANBAYAN, AMENDING FOR THAT PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO.
1606, AS AMENDED
Republic Act No. 7975.
4. ANTI-GRAFT & CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT
Republic Act No. 3019.
5. AN ACT AMENDING SECTIONS EIGHT, NINE, TEN, ELEVEN, AND THIRTEEN OF
REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED THIRTY HUNDRED AND NINETEEN, OTHERWISE KNOWN
AS THE ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT.
Batas Pambansa Bilang 195.
6. AMENDING SECTION 7 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3019, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT
Presidential Decree No. 677
7. CODE OF CONDUCT & ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES
Republic Act No. 6713
8. AN ACT DEFINING AND PENALIZING THE CRIME OF PLUNDER
Republic Act No. 7080
9. AN ACT DECLARING FORFEITURE IN FAVOR OF THE STATE ANY PROPERTY FOUND TO
HAVE BEEN UNLAWFULLY ACQUIRED BY ANY PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE AND
PROVIDING FOR THE PROCEEDINGS THEREFOR
Republic Act No. 1379
10. GRANTING IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION TO GIVERS OF BRIBES AND OTHER GIFTS
AND TO THEIR ACCOMPLICES IN BRIBERY AND OTHER GRAFT CASES AGAINST PUBLIC
OFFICERS
Presidential Decree No. 749
11. CITIZEN'S COUNSELOR ACT OF 1969
AN ACT TO PROMOTE HIGHER STANDARDS OF EFFICIENCY AND JUSTICE IN THE
ADMINISTRATION OF LAWS AS WELL AS TO BETTER SECURE THE RIGHT OF THE
PEOPLE TO PETITION THE GOVERNMENT FOR REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES, CREATING
THEREFOR THE OFFICE OF THE CITIZEN'S COUNSELOR
Republic Act No. 6028
12. AMENDING CERTAIN RULES ON DISCIPLINE OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND
EMPLOYEES
Presidential Decree No. 6
13. MAKING IT PUNISHABLE FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES TO RECEIVE, AND
FOR PRIVATE PERSONS TO GIVE GIFTS ON ANY OCCASION, INCLUDING CHRISTMAS
Presidential Decree No. 46
 14. PRESIDENT JOSEPH E. ESTRADA'S DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST GRAFT AND
CORRUPTION
Proclamation No. 189
15. PRESCRIBING A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RELATIVES AND CLOSE PERSONAL
RELATIONS OF THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET
Executive Order No. 317
16. CREATING THE PRESIDENTIAL ANTI-GRAFT COMMISSION AND PROVIDING FOR ITS
POWERS, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Executive Order No. 12
NOTE: Executive Order No. 12 repealed Executive Order No. 268 (below)
17. CREATING THE NATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION AND ABOLISHING THE
PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION AGAINST GRAFT AND CORRUPTION CREATED UNDER
EXECUTIVE ORDER 151, S. 1994, AS AMENDED
Executive Order No. 268
18. AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 12 DATED 16 APRIL 2001 ENTITLED "CREATING
THE PRESIDENTIAL ANTI-GRAFT COMMISSION AND PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS,
DUTIES, AND FUNCTIONS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES"
Executive Order No. 327
19. AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 531, SERIES OF 2006, TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN
THE PRESIDENTIAL ANTI-GRAFT COMMISSION
Executive Order No. 531-A
20. AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH A DENOUNCED PUBLIC OFFICER
MAY BRING ACTION AGAINST AN INFORMANT OR WITNESS WHO GAVE FALSE OR
MALICIOUS TESTIMONY AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION TWO OF
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED SEVEN HUNDRED FORTY-NINE, "GRANTING
IMMUNITY FROM PROSECUTION TO GIVERS OF BRIBES AND OTHER GIFTS AND TO
THEIR ACCOMPLICES IN BRIBERY AND OTHER GRAFT CASES AGAINST PUBLIC
OFFICERS."
Batas Pambansa Bilang 242
21. CIVIL SERVICE DECREE OF THE PHILIPPINES
Presidential Decree No. 807
22. CRIMES COMMITTED BY PUBLIC OFFICERS UNDER THE REVISED PENAL CODE33

List of political scandals in the Philippines

1980s.
- Bataan Nuclear Power Plant bribery and graft case.
- Imelda Marcos' shoe collection
- Marcos scandals
2000s
- Estrada Midnight Cabinet - Chief of Staff Aprodicio Laquian jests in a press conference that he is
the only one sober during the President's "Midnight Cabinet," drinking and gambling sessions in
Malacañan Palace.
- Juetengate, 2000 - Chavit Singson exposé on Pres. Joseph Estrada receiving jueteng payoffs and
bribes. This led to the impeachment of Estrada and eventual downfall.

33
https://www.doe.gov.ph/transparency/laws-graft-and-corruption
 - Hello Garci scandal, 2004 - scandal involving Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on committing
electoral fraud during the 2004 National Elections.
- Fertilizer Fund scam, 2004 - controversy involving accusations that Agriculture Undersecretary
Jocelyn Bolante diverted ₱728 million in fertilizer funds to the 2004 election campaign of
President Arroyo.
2010s
- Priority Development Assistance Fund scam, 2013 - involving businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles
and several other linked politicians.
- Ilocos Norte tobacco excise tax funds controversy, 2017 - involving alleged misuse of Ilocos
Norte's Tobacco Excise Tax funds by Governor Imee Marcos, partner Mark Chua, and six Ilocos
Norte local government officials.
- New Bilibid Prison drug trafficking scandal, 2016 - involving former Justice Secretary, now
Senator Leila de Lima and several other government officials linked to illegal drug tradeat the
New Bilibid Prison.

2. Epal Politics
These are the politician politicians place their names or political colors to ensure that
they “made” it.s who place their names or political colors to ensure that they “made”
it.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

17th Congress
Senate Bill No. 1535
ANTI-EPAL LAW

Filed on August 1, 2017 by Pacquiao, Emmanuel "Manny" D.

AN ACT PROHIBITING INCUMBENT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO NAME GOVERNMENT
PROJECTS AFTER THEM OR OTHER PERSONS WHOSE NAME OR IDENTITY MAY IN ANY
MANNER BE ASSOCIATED WITH SAID OFFICIALS AND/OR FROM CLAIMING CREDIT
THROUGH SIGNAGE ANNOUNCING A PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT
Scope: National
Legislative status: Pending in the Committee (8/2/2017)

7. Psychology
It is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychology is a multifaceted
discipline and includes many sub-fields of study such areas as human development,
sports, health, clinical, social behavior and cognitive processes.

A. Issue related to Psychology

i. Mental Health Bill
The passage of the Philippine Mental Health Law or Republic Act 11036 is
the government’s policy in integrating mental healthcare in the general
healthcare system.

This law will secure the rights and welfare of persons with mental health
needs, mental health professionals, provide mental health services down
to the barangays, integrate psychiatric, psychosocial, and neurologic
services in regional, provincial, and tertiary hospitals, improve our mental
healthcare facilities and promote mental health education in our schools
and workplaces.

Every day, 7 Filipinos turn to suicide. One in 5 Filipino adults also suffer
from a form of mental disorder. RA 11036 cements the government’s
commitment to a more holistic approach to healthcare: that there is no
health without mental health.

What are the important points of the Mental Health Bill?

1. It makes treatment available at all levels of the national health system.

2. It asserts patients’ rights to receive humane treatment.

3. It states that patients have the right to give their full, informed consent
before they receive any treatment, as well as the right to appoint their own
legal representatives.

4. It pushes to remove the stigma surrounding mental health disorders by

requiring local government units, schools, and companies to spread
awareness.

5. It states that treatment and medication for mental health conditions

will be covered under Philhealth.

6. It charges the DSWD with working with local government units and the
DOH to provide “community resilience and psychosocial well-being
training.” This includes counseling services in the event of natural
disasters.

7. It establishes a Philippine Council for Mental Health and charges it with

ensuring that the Mental Health Act is properly implemented.
8. It recognizes drug addiction as a mental health issue and requires all
local health care facilities to be capable of administering drug tests.

9. It states that people who voluntarily submit themselves or who are

charged under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be
examined for mental /health conditions.

10. It criminalizes failure to obtain informed consent from a mental

patient, violating the patients right to confidentiality, discrimination
against people with mental health conditions, and administering inhumane
treatment
8. Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and
culture of everyday life. It is a social science that uses various methods of empirical
investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about social order,
acceptance, and change or social evolution.

A. Issue related to Sociology

a. Floods - Flooding happens during heavy rains, when rivers overflow, when
ocean waves come onshore, when snow melts too fast, or when dams or
levees break. This is the most common natural-weather event. Flooding may
be only a few inches of water or it may cover a house to the rooftop. Floods
that happen very quickly are called flash floods.

Causes of floods

The Philippines suffers considerable flood damages brought about by the

occurrence of severe weather disturbances every year, which significantly
reduces gains in the economic development of the country. The government
in its desire to reduce or mitigate flood damages has embarked on a program
of expansion of the flood forecasting and warning service to cover flood-prone
areas in the country.

Much of the country experiences heavy rains and lots of typhoons every year,
so flooding is practically guaranteed. I you’re in Manila, congestion and
geography are the main reasons of flooding. Manila has always been prone to
flood. It’s low-lying and the drainage is not good,( there used to be canals and
channels – called esteros), but they’ve either been built over or have been
backed up with garbage, plus a lot of it is paved over so there is no ground
absorption. Also everything drains to only one place, Manila Bay, via flood
drains, which are inevitably clogged with garbage ,or the Pasig River, which
itself floods.

Outside Manila, heavy rainfalls turn into disastrous and destructive floods and
landslides or mudslides because of deforested hills and mountains.

Related Laws, memoranda, executive orders, city ordinances

RA 10692 – An Act providing for the modernization of the Philippine

Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA). Also known as “The PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015.”

RA 10121 – An act strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management system, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk
Reduction And Management Plan, appropriating funds therefor and other
 purposes. Also known as the “ Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Act of 2010”

To develop, promote, and implement a comprehensive National Disaster Risk

Reduction and Management Plan that aims to strengthen the capacity of the
national government and the local government units, together with partner
stakeholders, to build the disaster resilience of communities, and to
institutionalize arrangements and measures for reducing disaster risks,
including projected climate risks, and , enhancing disaster preparedness and
response capabilities at all levels.

b. Prostitution - Prostitution in the Philippines is illegal. Prostitution is often

available through bars, Karaoke bars, massage parlors, brothels, street walkers
and escort services.

Poverty, cultural factors and the attitude of people toward money and the
social acceptance of prostitution play a major role in the prevalence of
prostitution. The girls and their families turn to prostitution to enable the
family to maintain a certain level of lifestyle.

Moreover, women and children involved in prostitution are vulnerable to rape,

murder, and AIDS as well as other sexually transmitted diseases.

Article 202 of the Revised Penal Code provides that women who, for money or
profit, habitually indulge in sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct, are
deemed to be prostitutes.

Any person found guilty of any of the offenses covered by this article shall be
punished by arresto menor or a fine not exceeding 200 pesos, and in case of
recidivism, by arresto mayor in its medium period or a fine ranging from 200
to 2000 pesos, or both, in the discretion of the court.

Our existing legislation on prostitution is viewed as discriminatory against

women as it views prostituted women as criminals.

Although Article 202 was repealed by RA 10158 it only decriminalizes vagrancy,

while the provision that penalizes prostituted women remains.

What are the policy recommendations in addressing the issue on

prostitution?

1. It is recommended that criminal liability should be shifted to clients or

recipients of sexual services and the exploiters (pimps, traffickers, brothel
owners)

2. To decriminalize women in prostitution and regard them as victims not

criminals.
 3. Establish support mechanisms for prostituted persons to get out of the
system of prostitution.

Submitted by:
Alter Fuentes Viray
Allan Sicerio
Napil Dela Cruz
Khristine Kendall Espinosa

i
http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/philippines-population/