Philippine Government and Politics

Summary:

The text outlines the multifaceted landscape of Philippine Government and Politics, focusing on “The Bureaucracy.” It delves into the bureaucracy’s historical evolution, challenges, and structure within the country’s political framework.

The overview of the Philippine bureaucracy starts by discussing the Western influences that shaped its development. The text emphasizes transitioning from traditional public administration to new public administration, development administration, and modern governance models. It covers the influence of scholars like Max Weber, Woodrow Wilson, and Karl Marx on bureaucratic theories.

The historical contexts of the Philippine bureaucracy can be traced back through various periods, including Pre-Hispanic, Spanish Era, Malolos Republic, American Period, Japanese Period, Post-WW2, and Pre-Martial Law, each characterized by distinct administrative systems and challenges.

Challenges facing the Philippine bureaucracy are explored, such as pressures from global and national imperatives, civil service and capability-building issues, reengineering, privatization, and new public management. The discussion also delves into the intricate interface between national and local governments, highlighting the dynamics, devolution, and decentralization in the governance context.

The Civil Service Commission’s history, qualifications, and roles are outlined, including the different ways of taking the Civil Service Examination. Additionally, the structure and functions of the bureaucracy are discussed, focusing on its roles in administration, policy advice, and organizational structure.

Excerpt:

Philippine Government and Politics

Philippine Government and Politics
THE BUREAUCRACY
I. Introduction
II. Philippine Bureaucracy
A. Overview of Western Influences
B. Political and Historical Contexts
C. Challenges
III. The Civil Service Commission
A. History
B. Basic Qualifications for Civil Service
C. Qualifications based on Special Cases
D. Officials
IV. Bureaucratic Processes

I. Introduction
Etymology
• From the French burel – meaning the cloth used over a writing desk, and Greek Kratos – meaning rule
• Bureaucracy – ‘rule by officials

B. Origin
• Max Weber (1864-1920)- Bureaucracy is a structured hierarchy of offices with an impersonal authority engaged in a division of tasks.
• Karl Marx – The state and the bureaucracy are instruments of class oppression by those who wield power over those without.