Philippine Administrative System: A fusion of East and West

Philippine administrative system e.i. Public administration refers to the activities of

government in the society which purported development as its ultimate goal. 1 In such case, the

Philippine government can be described as an organic institution involved in the formulation,

implementation, and evaluation of policies and decisions that yield beneficent to the state and

its constituents. Many other ideas conform to such use of public administration in modern

times, especially in the early 18th century wherein the recognition of the people, “common

people”, especially in France during the French Revolution, and the English Magna Carta which

was espouse earlier in the year 1215. 2 This development in the socio-politik is hardly called

public administration yet due to its obscure and narrow concept of administration. This was

during the time of absolute monarchy and the prevalence of slavery and anarchism. However,

during the 18th century, public administration emerged as a form of public inquiry. People felt

the urge to be part in body politics more especially in the institutionalization of laws and

policies that are directed to their welfare and well-being. A century later, public administrative

became an integral part of government’s initiative in acquiring and internalizing public opinions.

Moreover, accounts whether how Philippine administrative system comes in contact

with western influence was envisaged by Briones as follows: “The questions might be raised as

to why detailed account of the development of western institutions were given.” 3 She said

continually, “Because all these institutions were transported to the Less developed countries e.i

Philippines at the time they were colonies.” Such institutions and administrative functions are

1
On Leoner Briones’ Philippine Public Fiscal Administration p. 2
2
Ibid
3
On Leoner Briones’ Philippine Public Fiscal Administration p. 33
intimately adopted in the Philippine setting. Briones mentioned Article VIII, Section 17 (1) of the

Philippine Constitution as an example of western influence on public administration in the field

of fiscal management. This is only one of the many influences of western ideologies that

permeated into the Philippine context of government. Going back to history, during the

American occupation, we knew that the first and formal Philippine government was establish

based on American’s Initiative to promote independence to the Philippines. As a result many of

our ancestors adapted their kind of leadership and take its roots their on out. On the other

hand, Leveriza (1990) espoused the idea of culture in politics and governance to which he

quoted Lipson on “The Great Issues of Politics” in his work saying:

“Culture is a way of life. It refers to the abstraction of characteristics acquired by an

individual or groups of individuals through learning after birth. It also represents the

influence upon the individual of his environment.”4

For Leveriza, the relationship between government and individual is found within its social and

political boundaries. He invoked that “The Philippine bureaucratic behavior is influenced by its

socio-economic structure, as well by the traditions and cultures of the Filipinos.” This cultures

and traditions foster relative interest in the geographical vantage point of Filipinos in the past

while they enjoy a rich variety of cultures and traditions through trade and immigration.

Furthermore, Agoncillo and Mangahas pointed out that the Philippines already had

trade, and cultural exchanges with Asian and Southeast Asian Neighbors long before the

coming of the West.5 This trade brought not only business among the nations but also with its

4
On Leveriza’s Public administration: The business of government p.43
5
Agoncillo, T. &, Mangahas, F. (2010). Philippine History. Philippines, Manila: C & E Publishing inc.
colossal influence on various settlements particularly on dealing peacefully and in an orderly

manner with various people. Consequently, their interaction with neighboring Southeast Asian

countries promulgated Philippine primitive society into immediate intellectual borrowing

following a course of more leeway and welcoming attitude towards traders. Agoncillo and

Mangahas mentioned Arab traders as an example of this earlier encounter of the east aside

from China, India, and Vietnam.

Lest we forget where our ancestors came from, in the course of history we knew that

they are primarily, for the lack of better term, Malays. This particular race has its roots in the

East. Thus, we say that the Philippine administrative system is indeed a mixture of the

ideologies of the East and West particularly Malaysia, China, Vietnam, and Spain and United

States, respectively.

Referrence:

1. Briones, Leonor. (1996). Philippine public fiscal administration. Philippines, Manila:

Fiscal Administration Foundation, Inc.

2. Leveriza, Jose. (1990). Public Administration: The business of government. Philippines,

Manila: Echanis Press. Inc.

3. Agoncillo, T. &, Mangahas, F. (2010). Philippine History. Philippines, Manila: C & E

Publishing inc.