The document provides an overview of the historical development of elections and political parties in the Philippines, tracing the evolution from pre-colonial governance to the contemporary multi-party system. It discusses the influences of colonial rule, the consolidation of power during martial law, and key issues affecting the electoral process today, such as absentee voting and election fraud. The summary concludes with insights on the need for effective checks and balances in the electoral system and the dominance of personalities over political parties.

1. On Philippine Elections
and Political Parties

2. Overview
What are the historical
underpinnings of elections in the
Philippines?
How did the Philippine party
system develop and perform?
What are some of the pressing
issues surrounding the Philippine
electoral and party systems?

3. The Electoral System
Periodic election of officials by
single-ballot plurality vote
Executive and senators elected at
large
Existence of legislative districts
and local government units
Electorate: duly registered citizens
18 years of age and above

4. Pre-Colonial Philippines
No elections for ruling authorities
Government was based more on
intangibles
– Kinship
– Customs/Traditions
– Favors
– Unwritten laws

5. Colonial Government
In colonizing the Philippines,
Spain effectively formalized and
modernized government rule
To be able to administer the
colony effectively, the colonial
government created pockets of
local authority across the country

6. American Colonial Rule
American colonial rule set the
foundation for elections in the
Philippines
Government institutions and the
electoral system were patterned
after the American system
Filipinos could run for public office
in a limited capacity

7. Commonwealth
Introduced a more
accommodating electoral system
Over time, Philippine elections
were dominated by a single-party
Creation of the COMELEC to
oversee the conduct of elections

8. 1973 Constitution
Consolidation of power under
Martial Rule
Less electoral safeguards
– Weakening of the powers of the
COMELEC
– Lack of checks and balances within
the electoral system

9. The Filipino Party System
American Colonial Rule
– Initial dominance of the Federal Party
Party advocating Philippine statehood
within the United States
– Rise and subsequent preponderance
of the Nacionalista Party
Coalition of different groups advocating
Philippine independence

10. The Filipino Party System
Post-War Period
– Split of the Liberal Party from the
Nacionalista Party
Encouraged by the Americans to
avoid single-party hegemony
Over time, the distinction between the
two became blurred
Growing importance of personalities

11. The Filipino Party System
Martial Law
– Clampdown on political institutions
– Rise of the Kilusang Bagong
Lipunan (KBL) as the dominant
political party
– Eventual emergence of regional
political parties

12. The Filipino Party System
Post-EDSA (1986)
– Development of a multi-party
system

13. Lessons
Effective checks and balances are
needed over the electoral system
Elections are used to lend
legitimacy to a regime
There are very few distinguishing
characteristics between political
parties in the Philippines

14. More Lessons
Parties have generally been
ineffective as political institutions
that lend predictability to politics in
the Philippines
Personalities overpower parties
as political entities

15. Some Contemporary Issues
Party-list
Absentee Voting
Election Fraud
Political Dynasties
Nuisance Candidates
Etc.