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CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Rationale of the Study

The idea of a government has long been present in the world, from the primitive people

to the modern civilizations. The primitive people used to select the strongest, wisest and

richest one of their group to be their leader which proves that even from the start, humans

already did what they might to have a leader and live peacefully. From the different parts of the

Earth, systems of government are seen and there is a great variety of them, from the Vikings in

Europe to the tribes of South America, from the monarchs of the United Kingdom to the

Emperor of Japan. The idea of a government is even present in the bible.

A leader who is elected, selected or ascended has the control over his or her state,

kingdom or country. Their purpose is to make the lives of their country’s citizens, peaceful yet

flourishing with the help of technology and advancements made in the modern world. Despite

having the knowledge of their duty, some disputes are still created by these leaders which

causes arguments and disagreements within the country and with other countries as well.

Politics is, with no doubt, one of the highly studied and critiqued topic in the present world

whether it may be the government, the leaders or the idea of politics itself. This is why the

researchers wanted to study and compare the government of Japan and Philippines in order to

see the manifestation of political pros and cons in each country.


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The Problem

Statement of the Problem

The main purpose of this study is to assess and compare the political set-up and

governments of Philippines and Japan in terms of its political ideology, globalization, civil

society and citizenship and other concepts of politics and governance in both Philippines and

Japan.

Objectives:

This study aims to answer the following questions:

1. Is the concept of politics and governance of Japan similar to the Philippine set-up?

What are the similarities that Japan and Philippines share?

2. What are the differences that Japan and Philippines exhibit in their governance and

politics?

3. What possible concepts could the Philippines get from the politics and governance

of Japan and vice-versa?

Statement of the Hypotheses

1. Japan’s concepts of politics and governance is similar to Philippines’.

2. Japan and Philippines differ in social movements and the government set-up such as the

Executive, Legislative and Judiciary.

3. Japan and Philippines’ history and culture influenced the present situation of their

government and politics.


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Significance of the Study

The researchers have agreed to compare Japan with Philippines for they believe that analyzing

the two given countries can be of significance to the following:

As students, the researchers can improve their research, writing and communication

skills as they undergo this study.

This research will also help the teachers especially those who are in line to the subject

matter for there will be more input on the topic and they can learn as well.

The government officials of the Philippines, both in local and national levels, will also

benefit from this study for they can get ideas that they may use for the improvement of the

country’s political set-up.

The students, teachers and government officials are educated to be of better service to

the community.
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Definition of Terms

1. Authority – the exercise of legitimate power

2. Citizen – a member of society who possesses rights and responsibilities

3. Citizenship – an identification of an individual based on a formal and legal status

coterminous with the emergence of states

4. Civil Society – a society governed by law under the authority of a state

5. Conservatism – set of political beliefs on preservation of customs and traditions that

define the character of a society

6. Decentralization – the transfer of authority, responsibility and resources from the center

or national level to the lower levels of the administration

7. Executive – the head of the government who is responsible for the implementation of

laws

8. Democracy – a form of government in which people choose leaders by voting and

everyone is treated equally and has equal rights

9. Globalization – the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked

especially by free trade, free flow of capital and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor

markets

10. Governance – refers to the various ways through which a state is controlled by the

people who run it

11. Government – the group of people or a particular system who control and make

decisions for the state

12. Ideology – usually refers to a system of beliefs about how society should function

13. Judiciary – the branch of government that is empowered to decide legal disputes and

interpret law

14. Legislature – a collection or gathering of people who make laws

15. Liberalism – a set of political beliefs emphasizing individual rights and liberty
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16. Nation – a complex phenomenon shaped by a collection of cultural, political and

psychological factors

17. Politics – may be defined as the art of government, public affairs, compromise and

consensus, and power

18. Power - the ability to achieve a desired outcome and is usually thought of as a

relationship

19. Social Movement – large, sometimes informal groupings of individuals or organizations

which focus on a specific political or social issue

20. State – a politically organized body of people occupying a definite territory especially

one that is sovereign


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CHAPTER 2

Review of Related Studies and Literature

The word “governance” came from the Latin verb “gubernare,” or more originally from

the Greek word “kubernaein,” which means “to steer.” Basing on its etymology, governance

refers to the manner of steering or governing, or of directing and controlling, a group of people

or a state. (Tamayao, 2014)

Tamayao (2014) wrote in his article “What is Governance” that governance is essentially

related to politics, in that politics is often defined as the art of governance. Just as politics talks

about governments, institutions, power, order, and the ideals of justice, governance also deals

with the public sector, power structures, equity, and ideals of public administration.

Nevertheless, they are distinct from each other in the sense that politics is broader than

governance. Traditionally, the study of politics entails the concept of the “good life” and the

“ideal society,” which are so broad they include a web of subjects and every possible form of

government. The study of governance, on the contrary, is generally attuned to the concept of

democracy, and on how the government and the civil society arrive at a decision in meeting

their needs.

Many authors also distinguish the two by associating government with “control and

domination,” and governance with “decentralization and relational management.” On the one

hand, government refers to a central institution which wields power over its subjects. It is the

instrument patterned after the model of “command and control,” the government being in

command over the affairs of the people. On the other hand, governance is closely associated

with the concept of decentralization of power and the need for inter-sectoral management.

Governance is based on the realization that the government cannot do everything for the

people, so that in order to survive the state should not only rely on government but also on the

other sectors of the society. (Tamayao, 2014)


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Governance is traditionally associated with government. In literatures, they are often

used interchangeably. But in the 1980s, political scientists broadened the meaning of

governance as including, not just government actors, but also civil-society actors. Today,

governance includes three sectors: the public sector (state actors and institutions), the private

sector (households and companies), and the civil society (non-governmental organizations).

These three sectors are said to work hand in hand in the process of governance. This new use of

the term focuses on the role of “networks” in the achievement of the common good, whether

these networks are intergovernmental, transnational, or international. In other words

governance is broader than government in that other sectors are included in it. (Tamayao,

2014)

Governance entails two processes: decision-making and implementation of the decision.

In broad terms, decision-making refers the process by which a person or group of persons,

guided by socio-political structures, arrive at a decision involving their individual and communal

needs and wants. Implementation is the process that logically follows the decision; it entails

the actualization or materialization of the plan or decision. Governance is not just decision-

making because decision without implementation is self-defeating. Neither is it just

implementation because there is nothing to implement without a decision or plan. Thus, the

two processes necessarily go hand-in-hand in, and are constitutive of, governance. (Tamayao,

2014)

Tamayao (2014) also stressed out that the Philippines is plagued by bad governance.

Based on the six dimensions of governance in the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI), it

ranks in the lower half of the percentile. In 2010-2011, the Philippines ranked only 85th in the

Global Competitive Index (GCI), lagging behind most of its Southeast Asian neighbors. The

decline of trust on the actors of governance and the consequential poor economic condition

were brought about by the systemic corruption among and between public officials and private

organizations. In 2013, it ranked 94th among 177 countries in the Corruption Perception Index.
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Among the key institutions in the Philippines perceived to be most corrupt based on the Global

Corruption Index are “political parties,” “judiciary,” “police,” “public officials and civil servants,”

and “legislature.” This means all branches of the Philippine government are now challenged.

Bad governance is the root cause of all evils. It is what prevents the Philippines from

achieving its Millennium Development Goals. Rising above such state of governance is

a political imperative and the ideal solution to a wide range of politico-economic problems.

While the Philippines has already created “islands of good governance” in some national

agencies and local government units, its overall state is still miserable.

As perceived and experienced by the common Filipino masses, the foremost indicators

of bad governance in the Philippines are the unending cycle of poverty, the huge gap between

the rich and the poor, the deep-seated tradition of corruption, mistrust on formal government

institutions, yawning cynicism on the true motive of political actions, instability of the economic

environment, constant threats to the authority of the established government, and questions

on accountability and transparency. These are the usual content of everyday broadcast media,

so common that there perceived to be the normal state of affairs in the Philippines.

The history of the Philippines is believed to have begun with the arrival of the first

humans using rafts or boats at least 67,000 years ago as the 2007 discovery of Callao Man

suggested. Negrito groups first inhabited the isles. Groups of Austronesians later migrated to

the islands.

Scholars generally believe that these social groups eventually developed into various

settlements or polities with varying degrees of economic specialization, social stratification, and

political organization. Some of these settlements (mostly those located on major river deltas)

achieved such a scale of social complexity that some scholars believe they should be considered

early states. This includes the predecessors of modern-day population centers such as Maynila,

Tondo, Pangasinan, Cebu, Panay, Bohol, Butuan, Cotabato, Lanao, and Sulu as well as some

polities, such as Ma-i, whose possibly location are still the subject of debate among scholars.
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These politics were either greatly influenced by the Indian Hindu religion, language,

culture, literature and philosophy from India through many campaigns from India including the

South-East Asia campaign of Rajendra Chola I, Islam from Arabia or were Sinified tributary

states allied to China. These small maritime states flourished from the 1st millennium. These

kingdoms traded with what are now called China, India, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and

Indonesia. The remainder of the settlements were independent barangays allied with one of

the larger states.

The first recorded visit by Europeans is the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan. He sighted

Samar Island on March 16, 1521 and landed the next day on Homonhon Island, now part of

Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Spanish colonization began with the arrival of Miguel López de Legazpi's

expedition on February 13, 1565 from Mexico. He established the first permanent settlement in

Cebu. Much of the archipelago came under Spanish rule, creating the first unified political

structure known as the Philippines. Spanish colonial rule saw the introduction of Christianity,

the code of law and the oldest modern university in Asia. The Philippines was ruled under the

Mexico-based Viceroyalty of New Spain until Mexican independence. After which, the colony

was directly governed by Spain. Spanish rule ended in 1898 with Spain's defeat in the Spanish–

American War. The Philippines then became a territory of the United States.

American rule was not uncontested. The Philippine Revolution had begun in August

1896 against Spain, and after the defeat of Spain in the Battle of Manila Bay began again in

earnest, culminating in the Philippine Declaration of Independence and the establishment of

the First Philippine Republic. The Philippine–American War ensued, with extensive damage and

death, and ultimately resulting in the defeat of the Philippine Republic.

The United States established the Insular Government to rule the Philippines. In 1907,

the elected Philippine Assembly was convened as the lower house of a bicameral legislature

and in 1916 the U.S. Federal Government formally promised independence in the Jones Act.

The Philippine Commonwealth was established in 1935, as a 10-year interim step prior to full
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independence. Before independence, World War II began and Japan occupied the Philippines.

After the end of the war, the Treaty of Manila established an independent Philippine Republic.

In 1972, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law. Following the

assassination of Ninoy Aquino, Marcos held snap elections in 1986 and subsequently fled the

country during the People Power Revolution which installed Cory Aquino as president and

reestablished democracy.

In the 21st century, the Philippines is the 12th most populous country of the world, part

of ASEAN, a key ally of the United States, with an economy dombinated by fishing and

agriculture with a growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and nearly 10% of the

population abroad as overseas Filipino workers.

Recorded Japanese history begins in approximately A.D. 400, when the Yamato clan,

eventually based in Kyoto, managed to gain control of other family groups in central and

western Japan. Contact with Korea introduced Buddhism to Japan at about this time. Through

the 700s Japan was much influenced by China, and the Yamato clan set up an imperial court

similar to that of China. In the ensuing centuries, the authority of the imperial court was

undermined as powerful gentry families vied for control.

At the same time, warrior clans were rising to prominence as a distinct class known as

samurai. In 1192, the Minamoto clan set up a military government under their leader,

Yoritomo. He was designated shogun (military dictator). For the following 700 years, shoguns

from a succession of clans ruled in Japan, while the imperial court existed in relative obscurity.

First contact with the West came in about 1542, when a Portuguese ship off course

arrived in Japanese waters. Portuguese traders, Jesuit missionaries, and Spanish, Dutch, and

English traders followed. Suspicious of Christianity and of Portuguese support of a local

Japanese revolt, the shoguns of the Tokugawa period (1603–1867) prohibited all trade with

foreign countries; only a Dutch trading post at Nagasaki was permitted. Western attempts to

renew trading relations failed until 1853, when Commodore Matthew Perry sailed an American
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fleet into Tokyo Bay. Trade with the West was forced upon Japan under terms less than

favorable to the Japanese. Strife caused by these actions brought down the feudal world of the

shoguns. In 1868, the emperor Meiji came to the throne, and the shogun system was abolished.

Japan’s constitution was promulgated in 1946 and came into force in 1947, superseding

the Meiji Constitution of 1889. It differs from the earlier document in two fundamental ways:

the principle of sovereignty and the stated aim of maintaining Japan as a peaceful and

democratic country in perpetuity. The emperor, rather than being the embodiment of all

sovereign authority (as he was previously), is the symbol of the state and of the unity of the

people, while sovereign power rests with the people (whose fundamental human rights are

explicitly guaranteed). Article 9 of the constitution states that Japan “forever renounces war as

a sovereign right of the nation”—a clause that has been much debated since the constitution’s

promulgation.

The government is now based on a constitution that stipulates the separation of powers

between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The emperor’s major role now

consists of such formalities as appointing the prime minister—who is first designated by the

Diet (Kokkai)—and appointing the chief justice of the Supreme Court (Saikō Saibansho),

convoking sessions of the Diet, promulgating laws and treaties, and awarding state honours—

all with the advice and approval of the cabinet (naikaku).

“If our concept of ideology remains the classic one in which the illusion is located in

knowledge, then today's society must appear post-ideological: the prevailing ideology is that of

cynicism; people no longer believe in ideological truth; they do not take ideological propositions

seriously. The fundamental level of ideology, however, is not of an illusion masking the real

state of things but that of an (unconscious) fantasy structuring our social reality itself. And at

this level, we are of course far from being a post-ideological society. Cynical distance is just one

way [...] to blind ourselves to the structuring power of ideological fantasy: even if we do not
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take things seriously, even if we keep an ironical distance, we are still doing them.” (Žižek,

1989)

Power is frequently defined by political scientists as the ability to influence the behavior

of others with or without resistance. The term authority is often used for power perceived as

legitimate by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power

is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings. The use of power need not involve coercion,

force or the threat of force. At one extreme, power closely resembles what English speakers call

“influence”, although some authors make a distinction between the two. (Boundless Sociology)

The role of the nation-state in globalization is a complex one in part due to the varying

definitions and shifting concepts of globalization. While it has been defined in many ways,

globalization is generally recognized as the fading or complete disappearance of economic,

social and cultural borders between nation-states. Some scholars have theorized that nation-

states, which are inherently divided by physical and economic boundaries, will be less relevant

in a globalized world. (Investopedia, 2015)

According to Investopedia (2015), The role of the nation-state in a global world is largely

a regulatory one as the chief factor in global interdependence. While the domestic role of the

nation-state remains largely unchanged, states that were previously isolated are now forced to

engage with one another to set international commerce policies. Through various economic

imbalances, these interactions may lead to diminished roles for some states and exalted roles

for others.

As a country progresses, one can’t help but wonder as to how the people live in a

country. There might be citizens who live in a communist country which are oppressed and

deprived of freedom whereas there are citizens that live in democracy and are given equality

just like Philippines, Japan and other countries who declare democracy. Communism and

Democracy are two political ideologies or philosophies that dictate how political systems should

be managed. Both systems are considered to be 'left-wing' on the political spectrum and more
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liberal in nature than some other political ideological alternatives (i.e. fascist or conservative

ideologies).(Glen, 2013)

In reality there are no truly communist states in existence, regardless of the names that

certain governments have historically given to their system of government. Cuba, the Soviet

Union, and China have typically referred to themselves as communist but private property and

ownership were never fully established. At best they were/are all countries with a dictatorship

that borrows to an extent from communist ideology. Democratic countries span the world and

the majority of developed nations have democratic political systems. North America and

Europe are both almost fully democratic in terms of the government system used by countries

on those continents. (Glen, 2013)

Political decentralization, a process that involves moving power from national authority

to local government, is a practice meant to increase government efficiency and responsiveness.

It is based on the idea that local representatives are better able to understand and respond to

local needs. Decentralizing is a difficult process that is not supported by all political groups, but

there are many potential benefits to a decentralized political system.

One of the greatest benefits to a decentralized political system is its ability to address

local issues. Because a national government is obligated to respond to a variety of groups, it is

inevitable that the interests of some groups are compromised or are not addressed at all. A

regional government composed of local residents is in a position to understand the unique

problems of an area and to appropriately legislate and fund the resolutions to those issues.

Unlike national governments, regional governments are also able to represent the cultural

values of local residents.

Large centralized governments are a concentrated source of political power, and as a

result, can experience serious problems when individuals become corrupted or fail to do their

jobs. A decentralized political system that is composed of many local governments provides a

distribution of power that can prevent widespread corruption or unresponsiveness. In addition,


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local governments that become corrupted or that fail to respond to local residents are easier

than national governments to hold accountable due to their small size.

Different kinds of electoral system are likely to encourage different kinds of party

organization and party system. While it is important for party systems to be as representative

as possible, most experts favor systems which encourage the development of parties based on

broad political values and ideologies and specific policy programs, rather than narrow ethnic,

racial, or regional concerns. As well as reducing the threat of societal conflict, parties which are

based on these broad ‘crosscutting cleavages’ are more likely to reflect national opinion than

those that are based predominantly on sectarian or regional concerns.

The question of accountability is often raised in discussions of political parties and

electoral systems, especially in relation to individual elected members. The relationships

between electors, elected members, and political parties are affected not only by the electoral

system but also by other provisions of the political legislative framework such as term limits,

provisions regulating the relationship between parties and their members who are also elected

representatives, or provisions barring elected members from changing parties without resigning

from the legislature.

The freedom for voters to choose between candidates as opposed to parties is another

aspect of accountability. Many countries in recent years have therefore introduced a greater

element of candidate-centered voting into their electoral systems, for example, by introducing

open lists in PR elections. Just as electoral system choice will affect the way in which the

political party system develops, the political party system in place affects electoral system

choice. Existing parties are unlikely to support changes that are likely to seriously disadvantage

them, or changes that open the possibility of new, rival parties gaining entry to the political

party system, unless there is a strong political imperative. The range of options for electoral

system change may thus be constrained in practice.


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Civil society organisations (CSOs) can provide both immediate relief and longer-term

transformative change – by defending collective interests and increasing accountability;

providing solidarity mechanisms and promoting participation; influencing decision making;

directly engaging in service delivery; and challenging prejudice. In this way, excluded groups can

be effective drivers of their own change by forming or participating in organisations that

represent group interests. CSOs also play an important role in conducting research to raise the

profile of excluded groups.

However, these activities can be constrained by institutional factors, such as the type of

regime they are operating in, the level of decentralization of state institutions and various other

aspects of governance. New research is recognizing the importance of building alliances and

platforms across the state and civil society, to connect champions of change.

Case studies have shown that social movements can act as the first steps towards

developing a sense of self-identity and citizenship, which does not necessarily emerge initially

through engagement with the state. They allow individuals to turn grievances into a sense of

collective injustice, and then action. The paper below argues: ‘A sense of citizenship normally

starts with people’s own agendas – they create a political identity around a matter that

immediately affects their lives… Group membership amongst those who are marginalized and

the sense of dignity and solidarity that comes with this can stimulate people to aspire as a

precursor to political engagement.’ (2006: 19)

Throughout history, citizenship has maintained strong ethical links to justice, democracy

and liberty and to debates about what a person’s conduct should be in society. Aristotle

describes the citizen as ‘one who has a share in both the ruling and being ruled’ where

citizenship confers some form of status with rights and duties. A general definition used in

political philosophy sees citizenship as a series of rights and responsibilities that relate to the

individual as a member of a political community, including civic, political, social and economic

rights and duties.


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Montersen (2016) wrote on his article “Why is politics important?” that “It is very

important to care about politics because you should know what is going on around you. Also, it

is important to have a say in what is going on around you. The political decisions people make

will affect many lives. Many people see politics as the government and the laws being made,

and that is true, but it is way more complicated than that. Every law that is made will impact

many. Sometimes the decisions will affect people in a bad way. Every vote that you make will

either break people or make people.”

“One reason you should care about politics is because you should always know what is

going on around you. For example, if a new law is made is made in your area, you might want to

make sure that you and the people around you know that a new law has been made so that no

one breaks the law without even knowing it. Also, if something dangerous is happening around

you or someone you know, you want to be aware if someone is breaking the law. It is very

important to know what is happening around you.”

“Another reason you should care about politics is because you should have a say in what

will happen. Everyone should have a say in what will happen, because we all live side by side

with each other, and it would not be fair if someone was left out. Also, each vote makes a

difference in the ways that we live. It is always important to share your opinion. The way you

vote will affect many people, and their everyday life.”

“Finally, you should care about politics because the decisions people make will affect

many lives. For example, if someone wanted to build on land, it might be good for the people

who worked in the area, but residents who lived nearby and loved the land and relied on the

land for water and food, might be devastated. Sometimes things that sound like good ideas

might be very devastating later.”


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CHAPTER 3

Research Methodology

Research Environment

The researchers gathered and collected data from the web sources as cited in the

Bibliography.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers gathered data from the sources and cited them and these data were

then analysed through comparison and presented.


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CHAPTER 4

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This chapter presents analyzed and interpreted data gathered from web sources,

encyclopedias and books.

Table 1

Comparative Analysis of the Political Ideologies of Philippines and Japan

PHILIPPINES JAPAN

The Philippine government follows Politics in Japan does show a conservative

Liberalism as there is individualism, freedom stance, certainly. This is seen in how rarely the

and equality to its citizens. Liberalism is a regime changes. Since 1955, Japan has had

political philosophy that limits authority only had four changes in the main governing

through the enshrinement of rights. party with no change in the main ruling party

Liberalism for everyone is called liberal from 1955 to 1993. Secondly, the main and

democracy. Economic liberalism and dominant party in Japan, the Liberal

neoliberalism call for free markets. The Democratic Party (LDP), has a conservative

Philippines has a long liberal tradition that slant. For example, while most of the other

cannot be limited to the Liberal Party. major political parties support some legal

recognition of same-sex couples, the LDP is

strictly opposed to it.

The Philippines and Japan are following different political ideologies as the Philippines is

Liberal while Japan is Conservative.


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Table 2

Comparative Analysis of the Government of Philippines and Japan

Philippines Japan

The Philippines is a democratic and Japan's Constitution, which came into force

republican state. As a republican state, in 1947, is based on three principles:

sovereignty resides in the People and all sovereignty of the people, respect for

government authority emanates from them. fundamental human rights, and renunciation

Our people have accepted this notion and of war. The Constitution also stipulates the

decided to delegate the basic state authority independence of the three branches of

to principally three branches of government government - legislative (the Diet), executive

— the Executive, the Legislative, and the (the cabinet), and judicial (the courts).

Judiciary – each branch being supreme in its

own sphere but with constitutional limits and

a firm tripod of checks and balances .”

Table 2. 1

Comparative Analysis of the Branches of Government of Philippines and Japan

Branch Philippines Japan

Executive The executive branch is headed by Japan has a parliamentary

the President, who is elected by a direct system of government like

vote of the people. The term of office of Britain and Canada. Unlike the

the President, as well as the Vice- Americans or the French, the

President, is six (6) years. As head of the Japanese do not elect a

Executive Department, the President is the president directly. Diet

Chief Executive. He represents the members elect a prime minister


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government as a whole and sees to it that from among themselves. The

all laws are enforced by the officials and prime minister forms and leads

employees of his department. He has the cabinet of ministers of state.

control over the executive department, The cabinet, in the exercise of

bureaus and offices. executive power, is responsible

to the Diet.

Legislative The legislative branch, which has The Diet, Japan's

the authority to make, alter or repeal laws national parliament, is the

is the Congress. Under a bicameral system, highest organ of state power

the Congress is composed of the Senate and the sole law-making organ

and the House of Representatives. The of the state. The Diet comprises

Senate is composed of twenty-four the 475-seat House of

Senators, who are elected at large by the Representatives (lower house)

qualified voters of the Philippines. The and the 242-seat House of

term of office of the Senators is six years. Councilors (upper house). All

The House of Representatives, on the Japanese citizens can vote in

other hand, is composed of not more than elections once they reach the

250 members, unless otherwise fixed by age of 18.

law, who are elected from legislative

districts apportioned among the

provinces, cities and the Metropolitan

Manila area, and those who are elected

through a party-list system of registered

national, regional and sectoral parties or

organizations. The term of office of


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members of the House of Representatives,

also called “Congressmen,” is three years.

Judiciary Judicial power is vested in the Judicial power lies with

Supreme Court and in such lower courts as the Supreme Court and lower

may be established by law. The judiciary courts, such as high courts,

has the moderating power to determine district courts, and summary

the proper allocation of powers between courts. The Supreme Court

the branches of government. When the consists of a chief justice and 14

“judiciary mediates to allocate other justices, all of whom are

constitutional boundaries, it does not appointed by the cabinet. Most

assert any superiority over the other cases are handled by district

departments; it does not in reality nullify courts. There are also summary

or invalidate an act of the legislature, but courts, which deal with

only asserts the solemn and sacred problems like traffic violations.

obligation assigned to it by the A lay judge system was

Constitution to determine conflicting introduced in May 2009. Under

claims of authority under the Constitution this system, six adult citizens (20

and to establish for the parties in an actual or over) are chosen at random

controversy the rights which that to act as lay judges in criminal

instrument secures and guarantees to cases tried in district courts.

them.”

Both Philippines and Japan have an executive, legislative and judiciary body but the

power of the Executive is different as the President in the Philippines can implement laws and

enforce them and lead a country whereas Japan’s Emperor holds little to no power since he is

only a representation or a symbol.


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Table 3

Comparative Analysis of the Globalization Situation in Philippines and Japan

Philippines Japan

The Philippines is one of the countries in Asia This is a topic that the OECD picked up a

where the country has been affected by couple of years ago, and is of even greater

globalization. The country is taking part in relevance today. The steady rise in its share

the process of globalization ever since the of world trade until the 1990s was a key

country signed agreements with WTO (World aspect of its rapid post-war

Trade Organization) in 1995. Since then, the development. But, contrary to what you

nation had hope for WTO to bring would think, the OECD basically concludes

developments within the nation’s poor that Japan is perhaps the least globalized of

economy and also to have a role within the its 30 member countries. There is no country

global economy and trade. Now, which needs globalization more than

globalization is very effective in the Japan. With its ageing and declining

Philippines, it has allowed major changes in population, Japan needs to boost

the nation like more labor, and more productivity to maintain its prosperity. Labor

Filipino and foreign companies has emerged productivity in foreign affiliates in Japan was

in the nation in order to help the country’s 60% higher than the national average in the

developing economy. Generally, the manufacturing sector and 80% higher in the

Philippines is one of the developing countries service sector in 2002. And migration can be

that is rapidly dealing with globalization ever very helpful in filling labor shortages,

since the influence of the US during particularly for health care where demand is

the World War II. growing rapidly due to population ageing.

Both Philippines and Japan are globalized countries and both of their economy is rising

in their own industries.


23

Table 4

Comparative Analysis of Citizenship in Philippines and Japan

Philippines Japan

Under the 1987 The embassy of Japan is a jus

Philippine Constitution, Article Japan to the Philippines sanguinis state, which means

IV, Section 1, it states that the offers dual-citizenship to nationality is deferred by

following are citizens of the Filipinos who meet certain blood, not by location of

Philippines: requirements. A Filipino birth. If a baby is born in

1. Those who are citizens of may also be naturalized to Japan and either of its

the Philippines at the a Japanese citizen when he parents is a Japanese

time of the adoption of or she meets the national, then the baby will

this Constitution; requirements. Filipinos have Japanese citizenship. If

2. Those whose fathers or may enter Japan as a child is born to Chinese

mothers are citizens of tourists, students and parents living in Japan, it

the Philippines; visitors for as long as they won’t automatically be

3. Those born before have their passport and granted citizenship.

January 17, 1973, of Japan VISA.

Filipino mothers, who

elect Philippine

citizenship upon reaching

the age of majority; and

4. Those who are

naturalized in

accordance of law
24

Filipinos need their VISA in order to enter Japan however, both countries offer dual-

citizenship.

Table 5

Comparative Analysis of Civil Societies of Philippines and Japan

Philippines Japan

The basis for civil society in the Nonprofit groups highlighted

Philippines comes from the Filipino concepts deficiencies in Japan’s status quo, notably the

of pakikipagkapwa (holistic interaction with fragility of a social system dependent on

others) and kapwa (shared inner self). With government at every stage and the resulting

this in mind, NGO’s or non-governmental tendency for citizens to become passive

organizations have erupted in the society. consumers of public services, as well as the

Some chairmen of different departments physical and functional limitations of the

came from NGO’s. There are also NGO’s who government in responding to society’s needs.

support candidates or party-lists for the At the same time, the image of ordinary

elections. NGO’s function as an independent citizens coming together in the face of great

institution to carry out certain movements to hardship to create their own public sphere

make the citizens’ life safer, healthier and demonstrated that civil society existed in

better. The Philippines has the largest Japan as a reality, not simply an abstract

number of non-governmental organizations concept. The impact on Japanese society can

(NGOs) per capita in Asia be compared to the changes that took place

in Eastern Europe after the collapse of the

Berlin Wall.

Both countries have non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations and

they function to the societal changes of the country in order for the country to become better.
25

Table 6

Comparative Analysis of Social Movements in Japan and Philippines

Philippines Japan

On 21 September 1972 Ferdinand Marcos However, in Japan, many people would think

signed Presidential Proclamation No. 1081 social movements are a bad thing and they

declaring martial law. Under the dictatorial avoid doing it. One of the biggest reasons

regime of Marcos, the following decades why Japanese people do not join social

witnessed widespread human rights movement is that they fear the bizarre eyes

violations. The brutality of the regime drew toward people those who join movements

strong opposition from variety social groups such as demonstration march. It is not say

and movements, especially from the National there is no social movements at all in Japan,

Democratic Front (NDF). Opposition to the but the understanding toward social

Marcos regime escalated after the killing of movements is lower than other countries.

opposition member Benigno Aquino in 1983. Since demonstration type of social

The opposition culminated in a massive movement is hated by Japanese, it is

popular uprising widely known as EDSA 1 that important to find the suitable social

toppled the Marcos regime in February 1986. movement instead to change our society

Ironically, it was moderate social movements better.

and disaffected before martial law all the

way up to the uprising and that, through its

leading role in “people power” brought back

democratization to the Philippines

(Timberman 1991: 154).

Filipinos are more eager to participate in Social Movements such as Revolutionary and

Reformative whereas the Japanese are not very particular with Social Movements.
26

Table 7

Comparative Analysis of the Local Government of Philippines and Japan

Philippines Japan

Officially, local government in the The local government system in

Philippines often called local government Japan consists of two teirs: prefectures and

units or LGU’s, are divided into three levels – the municipalities that make up the

provinces and independent cities, prefectures. Prefectures and municipalities

municipalities and component cities, and are both local public entities of equal status

barangays. In one area, above provinces, is and cooperate in local administration

an autonomous region, while below according to their share of duties.

barangays in some cities and municipalities Prefectures are regional authorities

are sitios and puroks. These LGU’s elect their comprising municipalities and are in charge

own executives and legislatures such as of broader regional administration. Japan is

governors in the province, mayors in the made up of 47 prefectures and 790 cities,

cities and municipalities and barangay 745 towns and 183 villages as of January 1,

captains in the barangays. 2015.

Both countries have Local Governments however, Philippines’ local government is

divided into three – provinces and cities, municipalities and barangays while the LGU of Japan is

divided into two – the prefectures and the municipalities.


27

CHAPTER 5

Summary of Findings, Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary of Findings

1. Philippines’ government and culture is more on Liberalism while Japan is more on

Conservatism.

2. Both countries exhibit sovereignty for the people and fundamental rights of its citizens.

3. Both countries have three branches in their government which is the Executive,

Legislative and Judiciary however, these branches are interdependent in the Philippines

while they are independent in Japan.

4. The Executive is the President in the Philippines which is elected by the people while the

Executive in Japan is the Prime Minister which is selected from the Diet. The Emperor of

Japan holds little to no power instead, the Emperor hosts the gatherings and is only a

representation or a symbol.

5. The Legislative branch of both countries consists of the House of Representatives

however, Japan’s lower house of the Diet is called the House of Councilors. Only

Philippines has a Senate.

6. Both countries’ Judiciary branch consists of the Supreme Court and lower courts. The

President appoints the chief justice in the Philippines while the cabinet appoints the

chief justice in Japan.

7. Both Philippines and Japan are in need of Globalization in order to fight poverty and

other social issues of the country.

8. Both countries have NGO’s or non-governmental organizations in order to aid the

government on their projects for the welfare of their citizens.

9. The Filipinos had social movements that are revolutionary and reformative while the

Japanese citizens find no significance in participating in social movements.


28

10. Both countries have Local Government Units but the LGU of the Philippines is divided

into three – provinces and cities, municipalities and barangays while the LGU of Japan is

divided into two – the prefectures and the municipalities.


29

Conclusions

From the Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data and the Findings, the

following were concluded:

1. Japan’s concepts of politics and governance is similar to Philippines’.

2. Japan and Philippines differ in social movements and the government set-up such as the

Executive, Legislative and Judiciary.

3. Japan and Philippines’ history and culture influenced the present situation of their

government and politics.

Recommendations

From the Findings and Conclusion, the researchers would like to recommend the

following:

1. More research shall be conducted to prove further the similarities and differences of the

governance and politics of Japan and Philippines.

2. A case study shall be conducted to investigate the present situation of both countries in

terms of economic growth and political predicaments.

3. Government officials of both countries should always find ways for improving their ways

in the government especially for those officials involved in criminal and administrative

cases.
30

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