Good Citizenships and LAw of t123he Land

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1. GOOD CITIZENSHIP

2. OBJECTIVES: At the end of the session, the students are expected to: Know the preamble of the 1987 Constitution Understand the principle of good citizen Differentiate Nationalism to Patriotism Develop in the students a sense of patriotism and national pride. A genuine love, appreciation and commitment to the Philippines and Filipino things. Develop a sense of the common good, the ability to look beyond selfish interest, a sense of justice and sense of outrage at its violation. Develop value and habits of discipline and hard work, self-reflection and analysis, along with the internalization of spiritual values.

3. Good governance is not enough to let us work on being good citizens. Commissioner Teresita D. Baltazar,

4. Am I a truthful person? Am I a committed student who delivers quality work? Have I developed the habit of sharing my blessings with others especially to those who are less fortunate? Do I encourage others especially my family members to be a law abiding citizen? Am I a law abiding citizen? Do I consider the welfare of my fellowmen in my conduct of my decisions and action? Is the world a better place with a law? Am I consistent in my sense of respect for the law and government?

5. Bill of Rights Is the articles that articulates and enlists the right of an individual that the government is duly bound to: - Protect - and carry out - Respect Serve as the protection against abuses & injustices by the government including its officials

6. Importance of Bill of rights Is a constitutional enumeration of rights Privileges guaranteed by the state to all persons It is the statement of individual liberties

7. Article III 1987 philippine Constitution Section 1 No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

8. Section 2 The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unresonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after examination under aoth or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized.

9. Section 3 the privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires otherwise, as prescribed by law. Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.

10. Section 4 No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances

11. Section 5 No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise of civic or political rights

12. Section 6 The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law.

13. Section 7 The right of the people to information on matters of public concerns shall be recognized. Access to official records, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

14. Section 8 The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged. Section 9 Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation

15. Section 10 No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed. Section 11 Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty

16. Section 12 Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent and independent counsel preferably of his own choice No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which vitiate the free will shall be used against him Any confession or admission ontained in violation of this or section 17 hereof shall be inadmissible in evidence against him . The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations of this section as well as compensation to the rehabilitation of victims of torture or similar practices, and their families.

17. Section 13 All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law

18. Section 14 No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law. In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf.

19. Section 15 The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it. Section 16 All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.

20. Section 17 No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself Section 18 No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations. No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

21. Section 19 Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman punishment inflicted The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against any prisoner or detainee or the use of substandard or inadequate penal facilities under subhuman conditions shall be dealt with by law.

22. Section 20 No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax. Section 21 No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense. Section 22 No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted .

23. PREAMBLE A preliminary statement A preparatory statement of the introduction

24. Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution “ We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations , promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and prosperity the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and regime of truth , justice , freedom, love, equality and peace, do ordain and promulgate this constitution.”

25. The importance of PREAMBLE it will tell us what the Filipino people is striving for what we aspire to be, and what we believe in. The preamble is like a Constitution’s “abstract.” It tells us the goals, aspirations, and what to expect on a nation’s set of laws.

26. The Good Citizenship Values Cluster Pagkamaka-Diyos Faith in the almighty Respect for Life Order Work Concern for the Family and Future Generations Pagkamaka-Tao Love Freedom Peace Truth Justice

27. Pagkamaka-Bayan Unity Equality Respect for the Law and Government Patriotism Promotion of the common Good Pagkamaka-kalikasan Concern for the Environment

28. Good Citizenship Values Faith in the Almighty “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He rewards those who deligently seek him” (Hebrew 11:6) Respect for Life “Life is raw material. We are artisans. We can sculpt our existence into something beautiful, or debase it into ugliness. It’s in our hands” – (Cathy Better)

29. Order “Order is the sanity of the mind, the health of the body, the peace of the City, the security of the State. As the beams of the house, as the bones of the body, so is order to all things .” – (Southey ) Work “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” – (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ) “Give fish to a man and he will have food to eat for a day; Teach him how to fish and he shall have food to eat throughout his lifetime ”– (Confucius)

30. Concern for the Family and Future Generations “ When His parents saw Him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety…” He went down with them to Nazareth and was obedient to them: and his mother kept all these things in her heart.” ( Matthew 19:4-7)

31. Love “Love is patient …It never fails, it is eternal … There are faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.” ( 1 Corinthians 13 ) Freedom “Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought .”– (Pope John Paul II)

32. Peace “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men of goodwill”– (Luke 2:14) Truth “The truth can be hidden for a time but it cannot be overcome” – (St. Augustine) “ If it is not right do not do it: if it is not true, do not say it” – (Marcus Aurelius)

33. Justice “You, Lord, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works” – (Psalm 145:17) “ Treat others the way you want to have them treat you” – (Matthew 7:12 ) Unity “Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” – (Psalms 133) “ Let’s work together to attain the common good for our community people …” ( SJ Lee, 2004)

34. Equality “That all men are created equal: that they are endowed by their creator with inalienable rights …” ( Thomas Jefferson ) Respect for Law and Governance “The law is not meant to curtail freedom: it is meant to ensure that every citizen acts responsibly while exercising his freedom.” (TIBI, 2004)

35. Patriotism “The Filipino is worth dying for.” – (Sen. Benigno Aquino, Jr .) “Patriotism is not a short outburst of emotions, but a lifetime of dedication.” (AR Stevenson)

36. Promotion of the Common Good “Common good is a substantial and extremely fertile estate, no crowding or diminishment as it is shared with others.” – (St. Augustine)

37. Concern for the Environment “For 200 years we’ve been conquering nature. Now we’re beating it to death.” ( MacMillan) “ And now, we have to do something… to save our only Planet Earth… before it’s too late !” – (Serge J. Lee,2004)

38. Nationalism and National Pride

39. Nationalism is a patriotic feeling of love for one’s own country a strong deep-seated attachment to one’s native land It is a “dynamic Filipinism .” is not developed, nor does it come through by accident or chance It is feed and nourished systematically over a period of time .

40. National Pride All of us must be proud of being a Filipino As a good citizen every Filipino should know the different national symbols and their meanings

41. The national symbols of our country are: The Filipino Flag The Philippine National Anthem The Sampaguita – National Flower The Narra Tree – National Tree The Kundiman – National Song The Nipa Hut

42. The Barong Tagalog for men The Balintawak for women The National Seal of the Philippine Republic The National Hero – Dr. Jose Rizal 10. Tinikling, Cariñosa, Pandanggo sa Ilaw – The Filipino Folk Dances 11. The Patriotic Pledge – Ang Panatang Makab

43. Teaching of Nationalism To carry out the program of Teaching Nationalism, the following practical activities should be undertaken. Use classroom decorations to include pictures of Filipino great men, local historical scenes, and inspiring quotation by Filipino patriots 2. Establish a Filipiniana Section in the Library 3. Establish a Social Science Museum to exhibit relics, documents with cultural and historical values 4. Require extensive use of Filipino hymns and folk songs 5. Use native materials for classroom instruction/use 6. Study biographies of great Filipinos 7. Commemorate historical events of national importance 8. Celebrate specials days – (e.g. National heroes Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, etc.) 9. Organize educational field trips to places of national interest in Manila and outside 10. Visit beautiful spots in the Philippines 11. Organize pageant presentations on Filipino talents 12. Organize educational exhibit of Philippine products

44. CONTENTS AND MEANING OF FILIPINO NATIONALISM (GREGORIO C. PITACSIL) The Historic Service of Nationalism - Nationalism is the commenting principle that unities the people of a nation, in order to realize an ideal that becomes national with respect and dignity it deserves among other nations . B . The Development of Filipino Nationalism - The lack of national sentiments was the cause of all the failures of the sporadic revolts in the Philippines from 1565 to 1872. The Execution of Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora in 1872 and Jose Rizal in 1896 emotionally united the people due to their national demand for reform. The Katipunan with Bonifacio as leader initiated the uprising movement. The Philippine Revolution under Aguinaldo with its adoption of the Filipino Flag and the signing of the National Anthem and Promulgation of the Malolos Constitution completed the needed symbols that expressed our national sentiments, the elements that bind and unite the Philippines to develop the Filipino Nationalism . C. The Program of Filipino Nationalism - The program of Filipino nationalism has been to forge instruments that would liberate and completely emancipate Filipinos in all aspects of the National Life.

45. PATRIOTISM refers to love for or devotion to one’s country The Filipino Civic Code General Faith in Divine Providence Patriotism Love of Fellowmen . Respect of Parents and Elders Reverence for heroes

46. Individual Honor Devotion to Truth Fortitude Self-Reliance Humility Self-control

47. Frugality Purposeful Living Perseverance Punctuality Cleanliness Appreciation of the Beautiful

48. Social Industry Interest in Education Respect for Law and Authority Sense of Duty and Responsibility Justice and Righteousness Tolerance

49. Civic Courage Judicious Imitation Sportsmanship Good Breeding

50. THE NATIONAL FLAG (REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491) For centuries, flags have been used to symbolize everything from nations to basic beliefs (http://www. Flagpictures.org/philippines.htm). thus, flag connotes the identity and the pride of a certain country. The national flag of the Philippines was made of silk with a white triangle containing a sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, a blue field and a red field. The white triangle stands for equality and fraternity; the blue field for peace, truth and justice; and the red field for patriotism and valor. The eight rays of the sun stand for the first eight provinces that the colonizer have put under martial law . The three stars symbolize Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. ( Corpuz et.al:2008 ). SECTION 4. The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.

51. HOW TO DISPLAY A FLAG For household and office display, the flag must be displayed vertically, with the triangle on top. The blue field should be to the right (left of observer) and the red field to the left (right of the observer). The flag should never be displayed horizontally except in flagpoles or hung fastened by its fly. The fly portion should always be free to move. When flown from a flagpole, the flag should have its blue stripe on top in times of peace, and the red on top in times of war. When displayed in the middle of the street, as between buildings or posts, the flag should be balanced vertically with the blue stripe pointing to north or east. When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from stationary staffs, the Philippine flag should be in the center at the highest point, or at the right of the other flags. Also, it must always be in the peak, and not smaller than the other flags of pennants or organizations. When displayed with another flag from crossed staffs, the Philippine flag should be on its right side, the left side of the observer. Its staff should be over the staff of the other flag. Two Philippine flags should never be displayed crossed staff.

52. FOLDING A FLAG 1. Hold the flag at each of its four corners and pull it taut. The folder holds the corners at the end with the blue and red fields ; 2. Fold the flag in half, lengthwise, with the red field covering the blue field. Pull it taut again making sure the open side’s edges are flush with one another; 3. Fold it in half again, the closed side cover the open side, again maintaining the flattening tension and parallel, flush edges on the open side. The blue field should now be displayed face up; 4 . Take the closed side’s blue field corner and fold it over the open side forming a right triangle (a triangle with a ninety-degree angle); 5 . At the right – angle, fold the flag again such that new right triangle is formed, still keeping the open edges parallel; 6. Fold the right – angle corner of the new triangle over such that it forms a new right triangle with what had been the bottom edge now flush with the side of the flag below it; 7. Continue this sequence of folds creating right angles until the flag is completely folded into a right triangular bundle. The white field and yellow sun should now predominate in the visible areas of the flag.

53. PROHIBITED ACTS (Republic Act 849) 1. Defacing or ridiculing the flag by dipping the flag as a salute, or adding additional marks on the flag; 2. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, a covering, or as a part of a costume or a uniform; 3. As a trademark or for commercial or agriculture labels or designs; 4. As part of merchandise or in any advertisement or infomercial; and 5. As a pennant in the hood, side, back, and top of motor vehicles.

54. HALF-MAST SECTION 23. The flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places where it is displayed, as provided for in this Act, on the day of official announcement of the death of any of the following officials: a. The President or a former President, for ten (10) days; b. The Vice-President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for seven (7) days; and c. Other persons to be determined by the institute, for any period less than seven ( 7) days . The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the institute. The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised briskly to the peak before it is lowered for the day (http://www.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-8491/).

55. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OF THE FLAG OF THE PHILIPPINES The Pledge of Allegiance to the Filipino is the national and official pledge of the Philippines . The Philippine Allegiance was legalized below Executive Purchase No. 343 and by the Heraldic Code of Philippines. The Law states that there is not an exact language that it must be spoken in, however, it is usually spoken in Tagalog (http ://www.filipinoflag.net/2012/06/filipino-flag-national-pledges.html). Thus, it should be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibits them from making such pledge are permitted to excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing attention ( Labuguen et.al:2012 ).

56. SECTION 25. The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag: PANUNUMPA SA WATAWAT NG PILIPINAS Ako ay Pilipino Buong Katapatang nanunumpa Sa watawat ng Pilipinas At sa bansang kanyang sinsagisag Na may dangal , katarungan at kalayaan Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Maka-Diyos Maka -Tao Makakalikasan at Makabansa

57. NATIONAL ANTHEM The National Anthem of the Philippines, composed in 1898 by Julian Felipe, is entitled Lupang Hinirang (“Chosen Land”). It was originally a march, with Spanish lyrics, derived from a poem by Jose Palma entitled Filipinas. General Aguinaldo adopted this march as his anthem and the song became a symbol of revolt during the American occupation, and was henceforth deemed illegal to be played. Eventually, the song became legalized and was translated first into English, then Tagalog, and finally formalized into Pilipino in the 1960’s. The law in the Philippines regulates how the anthem shall be performed and that it must be sung in Pilipino, though translations in other languages exist ( http://liveinthephilippines.com/content/lupang-hinirang-the-philippine-national-anthem / ). SECTION 35. The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang SECTION 26. The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or without the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem.

58. THE HUMAN ACTS, INTEGRITY, DISCIPLINE AND HARD WORK A human act is an act which proceeds from the deliberate free will of man. It is any sort of activity, internal or external, bodily or spiritually performed by a human being. Human Acts refer to only those acts that proceed from a deliberate and freely willing human being. Integrity is a firm adherence to a code of moral and values; its quality or state of being is complete or undivided and honest. Discipline is the orderly or regular pattern of behavior in accordance with a self-imposed rule or self-rules and with the rules of the organization. It is training or experience that corrects, molds, strengthens or perfect especially the mental faculties or moral character in order to acquire some corrected knowledge or skill. Hard work is a need to work with utmost effort or energy, that of being industrious, working with endurance based on the human ability and capacity to work deliberately in many sort of activities.

59. Duties of the People 1. To vote honestly and wisely 2. To obey the laws of the land 3. To respect public authority 4. To be loyal to the republic 5. To defend the Motherland 6. To pay taxes to the government 7. To take active interest in local, national and international affairs.

60. Rights The following are the various classes of rights that a citizen of a democratic state must enjoy: Natural Rights rights conferred upon to human being by God. this cannot be taken from the person. Civil Rights rights granted by the state for promotion of common welfare of individual citizen.

61. Political Rights – rights conferred by the state to the people so that they may participate in government. Constitutional Rights - rights recognized and protected by the constitution and part of the fundamental law of the land . Statutory Rights – rights conferred by statutes or law promulgated by law making body and can be abolished by the same body.

62. SUFFRAGE Suffrage, as conferred by the constitutional provision, is not a natural right of the citizens , but a political right intended to enable them to participate in the process of government to assure it derives its powers from the consent of the governed . What is Suffrage? -Suffrage is the right and obligation to vote of qualified citizens in the election of certain national and local officers of the government and in the decision of public questions submitted to the people (De Leon: 2008). Suffrage itself doesn’t guarantee equality for all. Having the right to vote provide to represent them in government. For groups that have fought for suffrage, getting the vote has not been the end of struggle. Instead , it is the stage in obtaining political and social equality, a struggle that continues today.

63. Thus, suffrage in the Philippines is indicated in three documents: a. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights; b. The International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights; and c. The 1987 Philippine Constitution They all call for universality of the right; equality in access to public services and secrecy of voters. The will to participate in the election of officials determines the kind of democratic government that will eventually be established .

64. 2. Who are qualified to vote in the Philippine elections?  At least eighteen (18) years of age on or before election day  Has resided in the Philippine for at least one (1) year and in the place wherein he proposes to vote, for at least (6) months immediately preceding the election; and  Is not otherwise disqualified by law, such as: 1. Any person who has been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment of not less than one (1) year; 2. Any person adjudged by final ad judgment of having committed crimes such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the firearms laws and against national security; 3. Insane or incompetent person as declared by competent authority.

65. Procedure of Filing of Application for Registration The applicant shall personally appear the Election Officer and present any of the following identification documents which bear applicants photograph and signature : 1. Current employee’s identification card (ID) with the signature of the employee or authorized representatives. 2. Postal I.D. 3. Students ID or library card, signed by the school authority 4. Senior Citizen’s ID 5. Driver’s license 6. NBI/PNP clearance 7. Passport 8. SSS/GSIS ID or 9. PRC License In the absence of any of the above mentioned identification documents, the applicant may be identified under by oath . a) any registered voter of the precinct, or b) any of this relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

66. 3. Absentee Voting On February 13, 2003, President Gloria Macapagal - Arroyo signed into Law Republic Act OF 2003. RA 9189 recognizes and gives back the right suffrage of the Overseas Filipinos. Absentee voting as provided under R.A. 7166 and E.O. No. 157, is a system of voting whereby any person who by reason of public functions and duties, is not in his/her place of registration on election day may vote in the city/municipality where he/she is assigned on election day, provided that he/she is a duly registered voter.

67. 4. Who are qualified to vote under RA 9189? ● All Filipino citizens abroad and Filipinos in the Philippines who will be abroad during the election period, 18 years old and above, may vote in the Philippine elections under RA 9189. ● An immigrant or permanent resident recognized as such in the host countries is qualified to vote provided she/he signs a sworn statement promising to resume actual physical permanent residence in the Philippines not later three years (3) from approval of the application for registration; attesting that s/he has not applied for citizenship in another country; and that failure to return shall cause the removal of her/his name from the National Registry of Absentee Voters and the permanent disqualification to vote in absentia.

68. Election Process in an Automated Election System Republic Act 9369, enacted in 2007, amended Republic Act 8436 or the Election Automation Law, which mandated the use of an Automated Election System (AES) in the country. This system will comprise the use of appropriate technology for registration , voting, counting votes, and canvassing/transmittal of election results . Feature of the System The Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) Technology is a paper – based ballot voting and counting machine. It is a specific type of Optical Marker Reader (OMR), an electronic voting system that uses an optical scanner to read marked paper ballots and tally the results .

69. The election Automation Law provides for the following features of the automated system : ● Use of appropriate ballots ● Stand – alone machine which will count and consolidate election results ● Provision for audit trails ● Minimum human intervention ● Adequate safeguard and security measures Official Ballot The official ballot consists of an oval shaped paper ballot corresponding to the pre-printed names of candidates. The ballots accommodate 300 names of candidates,with 150 names per side of the ballot. To prevent tampering and use of fake ballots, the ballot has a watermark and ultraviolet (UV) features, and one barcode which corresponding to each ballot. A designated color will correspond to the different elective position. A marking pen will be provided by the BEI during Election Day.

70. Stand – Alone Machine Throughout the voting process until the printing of the initial eight (8) copies of election returns, the PCOS machine is not connected to any transmission cable or modern . Only after the printing of initial Ers will the BEI connect the links for transmission to eliminate doubts that the PCOS can be manipulated remotely . Audit Trail The machine generates an audit log which documents and reports the activities processed by the machine at a particular date time. A random manual audit will be conducted in randomly – selected precincts chosen by the Commission thru a composite committee with representation from citizen’s arm.

71. Security Human Intervention The voters personally feeds the ballot into the machine, while only the BEI members operate the PCOS. Transmission is done electronically, with sufficient system back-up . Security Measure The automated election system has the following security measures: ● Use the password and personal identification number (PIN) ● Digital signatures of BEI Members ● Encryption, the same security used by banks ● Less- than- 2 minutes transmission speed ● Hard copies for distribution o 30 copies of election returns at the precinct level o 30 copies of certificate of canvass at municipal level o 14 copies of certificate ● Audit Log ● Data storage device ● Transmitted data ● Activity reports ● Series of systems tests ● Back up batteries ● Back up PCOS units o 30 copies of election returns at the precinct level o 30 copies of certificate of canvass at municipal level o 14 copies of certificate of canvass at provincial level

72. 5. What are the action points for citizen – voters in exercising the right of suffrage ? a. Before Elections Prepare the exercise the right of suffrage and the right to and informed and free choice. ● Register during the period allowed for voter registration. ● Be informed of the issues, platforms, and personalities of the political candidates. ● Set specific guidelines on choosing government leaders in terms of the candidate’s social affiliations and interests, competence, lifestyle and performance records. ● Conduct/participate in public debates that would inform citizens and again the commitment of the candidates to integrate, foremost, the interests and welfare of the citizen in their program of government

73. b. During Elections Exercise vigilance and participate in governance ● Vote according to your conscience. ● Protect the integrity of your own vote from any other undue influence. ● Volunteer in organizations that work for clean and peaceful elections. ● Watch out for instances of cheating in the elections and inform authorities and the rest of the electorate of such activities.

74. GOOD GOVERNANCE Good governance depends of transparency, accountability and equality in ways that are responsive to the needs of people. It is composed of the mechanisms processes and institutions through which citizens and groups can articulate their interests, exercise their legal rights, meet their obligations and mediate their differences. Indeed, it accomplishes in a manner if essentially free from abuse and corruption and with due regard for the rule of law . The true of “good” governance is the degree to which it delivers on the promise of human rights : civil, economic, political and social rights.

75. The Four Elements of Good Governance as cited by ADB Accountability Public officials must be answerable for government behavior, and responsive to the entity from which their authority is derived. Participation The involvement of citizens in the development process. Beneficiaries and groups affected by the project need to participate so that government can make informed choices with respect to their needs, and social groups can protect their rights. Predictability Government must be able to regulate itself via laws, regulations and policies, which encompasses well – defined rights and duties, mechanisms for their enforcement, and impartial settlement of disputes. Predictability is about the fair and consistent application of these laws and implementation of government policies. Transparency The availability of information to the general public and clarity about government rules, regulations, and decisions. It can be strengthened through the citizens’ right to information with a degree of legal enforceability. Transparency in government decision-making and public policy implementation reduces uncertainty and can help inhibit among public officials.

76. CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE To ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality. It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the presents and future needs of society .

77. Participation Participation by both men and women is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation could be either direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions or representatives . It is important to point out that representative democracy does not necessarily mean that the concerns of the most vulnerable in society would be taken into consideration in decision making. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand . Rule of Law Good Governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.

78. Transparency Transparency means that decision taken and their enforcement are done in a manner that follows rules and regulations. It also means that information is freely available and directly accessible to those who will be affected by such decision and their enforcement . It also means that enough information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and media . Responsiveness Good governance requires that institutions and processes try to serve all stakeholders within reasonable timeframe.

79. Consensus Oriented There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, culture and social contexts of a given society or community . Equity and Inclusiveness A society’s well-being depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. This requires all groups , but particularly the most vulnerable, have opportunities to improve or maintain their well-being.

80. Effectiveness and efficiency Good governance means that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society while making the best use of resources at their disposal. The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection and the protection of the environment . Accountability Accountability is a key requirement of good governance. Not only governmental institutions but also the private sector and civil society organizations must be accountable to the public and to their institutional stakeholders. Who is accountable to whom varies depending in whether decisions or actions taken are internal or external to an organization or institution. In general an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions. Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law.