POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH

General Luna, Quezon

GLOBALIZATION,
REDEMOCRATIZATION, AND THE
PHILIPPINE DEMOCRACY

Globalization and Public Administration

(PUAD 40073)

Written Report

Group 6
Pastrana, Ericka B.
Ramos, Christopher
Perona, Joy Cyril
Palo, Angeline
Penarubia, Lorraine
Quijano, Marq Aaron
Perin, Rochelle

Mr. John Marlex Abella

Professor
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

OVERVIEW

Globalization in the Philippines refers to the country's society and economy becoming
more integrated into the world economy. Increased international trade, foreign investment, the
transfer of information and technology, and the transnational movement of labor and capital have
all been characteristics of this trend. Due to globalization, the Philippines, like many other
nations, has encountered both benefits and difficulties. In addition, redemocratization describes
the period when the country made the transition from President Ferdinand Marcos' authoritarian
leadership to a more democratic political structure. The People Power Revolution, which resulted
in the overthrow of the Marcos government and the return of democratic rule, signified this
change in the mid-1980s. The Philippines' new democratic era saw the creation of democratic
institutions and the writing of a new constitution. The government departments, agencies, and
organizations that make up the Philippine bureaucracy are in charge of carrying out laws and
providing public services. It is essential to the execution of policies and programs as well as the
operation of a democratic government. In conclusion, there is a complex and ongoing interaction
between globalization, redemocratization, and the Philippine bureaucracy. To ensure that the
Philippines can benefit from globalization while preserving a strong democratic system and an
accountable bureaucracy, it requires economic changes, governance, and problems that call for
careful management.

LESSON 13-14 (WEEK 6)

Globalization, Redemocratization, and the Philippine Bureaucracy

1. Globalization and the bureaucracy

2. What globalization means for administrative reform
3. New Public Management
4. Legislative and political context of the Philippine bureaucracy
5. Redemocratizing Philippine bureaucracy

Objectives: (3 domains)

1. To unblocking the connection of Globalization, Redemocratization to the Philippine

Bureaucracy.
2. To understand how Redemocratization shaped new society.
3. To understand and be more knowledgeable about the Philippine Bureucracy; How it
works? How it helps on making public policies? And its function when it comes to
formulating and implementing policies.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

Course Materials:

Read the Article:

 https://pascn.pids.gov.ph/files/Discussions%20Papers/2005/pidsdps0509.pdf
 https://www.cvs.edu.in/upload/bureaucracy.pdf
 https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/b13629-35/globalization-
bureaucracy-administrative-reform-hong-kong-ahmed-shafiqul-huque?
context=ubx&refId=6f65fd63-4ab8-4d94-b03f-dac680821c35

Watch video with this link:

 https://youtu.be/vhePS0mr3NQ?si=8Ai6g0uD9swBxa2L
 https://youtu.be/8lVkK7nkRa0?si=V_19Qs64_kdJ70C0
 https://youtu.be/ba6dzLXI4pw?si=moICrAFITnNmpdYZ

Globalization, Redemocratization, and the Philippine Bureaucracy

Definition of Terms

1. Globalization- how trade and technology have made the world into a more
connected and interdependent place.
2. Redemocratization- the process of making countries or organizations use
democratic ways of making decisions
3. Bureaucracy- refers to a complex organization that has multilayered systems and
processes.

What is Globalization?

Globalization is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that refers to the increasing

interconnectedness and interdependence of economies, cultures, and societies worldwide. It is
driven by various factors, including international trade, technological advancements, the
movement of capital and labor, and the exchange of information. Globalization has far-reaching
effects on businesses, governments, and individuals, influencing economic, cultural, political,
and social aspects of life.

What is Bureaucracy?

Bureaucracy is an organizational structure characterized by a hierarchy of offices or

departments responsible for decision-making and policy implementation. Bureaucracies are
prevalent in government agencies, corporations, educational institutions, and various other
organizations. Bureaucracies aim to provide structure and efficiency, but they can also be
criticized for their potential inefficiencies, red tape, and slow decision-making processes.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

Globalization and the Bureaucracy

Globalization has raised the demand for administrative systems to deal with the
complexities of international relations, trade, diplomacy, and global concerns. In an
interconnected world, these bureaucracies are critical for facilitating cooperation, settling
disputes, and implementing international accords. However, the effectiveness of these
bureaucratic institutions, as well as their ability to adapt to the changing demands of
globalization, is still a source of dispute and reform initiatives.

Globalization and bureaucracy are two significant and interconnected concepts that have
a profound impact on the modern world. Globalization refers to the process of increased
interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, cultures, and societies.
Bureaucracy, on the other hand, pertains to the complex and hierarchical administrative
structures found in governments, organizations, and institutions. These two concepts intersect in
several ways:

1. International Organizations and Bureaucracy: Many international organizations, such as

the United Nations, World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank,
are bureaucratic in nature. They have intricated administrative structures that facilitate
cooperation and governance among nations. Bureaucracy is crucial for the functioning of these
organizations as they handle various global issues and facilitate international agreements.

2. Trade and Regulatory Bureaucracy: Globalization has led to the expansion of international
trade and economic interdependence. This has resulted in the need for bureaucracies to manage
complex international trade agreements, tariffs, and regulations. Bureaucratic bodies at the
national and international levels play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and
services across borders.

3. Immigration and Border Control: As globalization has increased mobility and migration,
many countries have had to strengthen their bureaucratic systems for immigration and border
control. Immigration and customs agencies play a key role in regulating the flow of people and
goods, balancing national security concerns with economic and humanitarian considerations.

4. Global Governance and Multilateral Diplomacy: Bureaucratic structures are often central
to global governance and diplomacy. Diplomatic bureaucracies handle negotiations, treaties, and
international agreements. Bureaucratic systems within countries manage the implementation of
these international obligations.

5. International Development and Aid Bureaucracy: Many governments and international

organizations provide development assistance to less developed countries. Bureaucratic
structures oversee the distribution of aid, manage projects, and ensure accountability and
transparency in development efforts.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

6. Global Health and Pandemics: In times of global health crises, such as the COVID-19
pandemic, bureaucracies play a significant role in managing healthcare systems, coordinating
responses, and implementing public health measures. International health organizations like the
World Health Organization (WHO) also rely on bureaucratic structures to fulfill their mission.

7. International Law and Legal Bureaucracy: The development and enforcement of

international law require legal bureaucracies. These organizations, such as the International
Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, are instrumental in ensuring compliance
with global legal standards.

8. Environmental Regulations: Global environmental challenges, such as climate change and

biodiversity loss, have led to the creation of international agreements and protocols. Bureaucratic
bodies like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are
responsible for monitoring and enforcing environmental regulations at the global level.
The interaction between globalization and bureaucracy is a complex and contested issue.
On a national level, globalization can impact the quality of governance and administrative
practices in different countries. Globalization has also influenced administrative reform efforts,
leading governments to undertake initiatives for improving administrative and managerial
processes. This often involves adopting market-oriented reforms, decentralization, and
privatization of public services as part of the "new public management" paradigm in response to
the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization.

NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

The rise of New Public Management occurred at the same time that democracy
replaced an authoritarian government in the Philippines. The government at the time had passed
many of the statutes that act as the foundation for government operations today as part of efforts
to strengthen and modernize the bureaucracy. All of these laws have their roots in the 1987
Constitution. Successive administrations kept up the policies, sometimes strengthening or
changing them.

When viewed in light of NPM goals, the Philippine government has effectively
carried out a number of these efforts thanks to the existence of the necessary legal and policy
frameworks. Though NPM is not specifically mentioned as the motivation, the justification for
these efforts cannot be summarized into one or two considerations. Governments have
occasionally cited globalization and redemocratization as the underlying ideologies of these
actions.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

Nevertheless, the data show that the country's government is significantly smaller than the
worldwide average and the norm for emerging nations when compared to its population. The size
of public sector enterprises fits this description as well. The level of government involvement in
the economy can also be categorized as extremely low (lower than the average for developed
nations that initially supported these liberal policies). As a result of decentralization initiatives,
local governments now house one-third of the bureaucracy, and the civil society movement at the
grassroots level is quite active. According to legislation, participation and human empowerment
are also catchphrases in national governance.

New Public Management (NPM) is an administrative and managerial approach to public

sector reform that emerged in the late 20th century. It represents a significant shift in the way
governments and public organizations are structured and operated.

NPM is characterized by several key principles and features:

1. Managerialism: NPM emphasizes the application of private-sector management techniques

and principles to the public sector. It borrows concepts and practices from the business world,
such as performance measurement, competition, efficiency, and customer orientation.

2. Decentralization: NPM promotes the decentralization of decision-making authority from

central government agencies to individual public organizations or units. This is intended to
increase flexibility and responsiveness at the local level.

3. Market Orientation: NPM introduces market-oriented mechanisms into the public sector.
This includes the use of competition, contracting out of services to private or non-profit
organizations, and the introduction of user fees or charges for certain public services.

4. Performance Measurement: NPM places a strong emphasis on measuring the performance

of public organizations and individual public servants. Key performance indicators (KPIs) and
performance targets are used to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of government
programs and services.

5. Customer Focus: Public organizations are encouraged to adopt a customer-centric approach,

treating citizens as customers. This means paying attention to citizen needs and preferences and
tailoring services accordingly.

6. Flexibility and Innovation: NPM encourages public organizations to be more innovative and
flexible in their operations. This includes experimenting with new service delivery models and
adopting best practices from other sectors.

7. Accountability: NPM emphasizes greater accountability for results. Public managers and
organizations are expected to be accountable not only for their budgets but also for achieving
specific outcomes and meeting performance targets.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

8. Contracting and Outsourcing: Government agencies may contract out the provision of
certain services to private or non-profit organizations. This is seen as a way to harness the
efficiency and innovation of the private sector.

9. Performance-Based Pay: NPM sometimes involves the introduction of performance-based

pay and incentives for public servants, linking their compensation to their performance and
achievements.

10. Reduction in Bureaucratic Layers: NPM often advocates for streamlining and reducing
bureaucratic layers in public organizations to make decision-making more efficient.

NPM has been widely adopted in many countries as a response to the challenges of
improving public sector efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing service delivery. However, it
has also faced criticism, including concerns about the potential for privatization to undermine
public accountability, the oversimplification of complex public issues, and the risk of focusing
too narrowly on cost-cutting at the expense of long-term policy goals. Nonetheless, NPM has left
a lasting impact on public administration and continues to influence public sector reforms around
the world.

THE LEGISLATIVE AND POLITICAL CONTEXT OF THE PHILIPPINE

BUREAUCRACY

Emerging from what Samuel Huntington labels as the "Third Wave" of

democratization, developing countries such as the Philippines are struggling to surmount new,
more difficult challenges to development.

The first of these challenges was to strengthen the bureaucratic apparatus of the State
to improve servicing the public interest. This was supposed to be achieved after several decades
of cooptation or subversion from authoritarianism and dictatorship. According to Grindle (2000)
"developing countries almost invariably possess weak governance institutions that can function
effectively in a democracy. Weak institutions of governance are also a defining characteristic of
developing countries. Democratization in the 1980's and 1990's did not noticeably put an end to
problems of rent secking, abuse of power, or institutional incapacity and decay". In the
Philippine context, this aptly describes the situation of the post-Marcos bureaucracy.

The Marcos regime made many significant policies that have shaped how our
bureaucracy is run today. The elevation of the Civil Service Commission to the status of a
constitutional body was by fiat of the 1973 Constitution (and reiterated in the 1987 Constitution).
Presidential Decree No. I put into effect the Integrated Reorganization Plan which resulted to an
extensive transformation of the civil service -- partial decentralization, creation of administrative
regions, standardization of office functions, abolition or merger of offices, and the creation of a
central planning entity, the National Economic and Development Authority. PD No. I also led to
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon
massive purges as scores of civil servants were fired. Presidential Decree 807 or the
Civil Service

Code established the Civil Service as the central personnel agency of government. (De Leon:
2002; Rosas: 2000; ARMDEV: 1998; Endriga: 1985)

However, under the Marcos regime, the bureaucracy was transformed into an
instrument to serve the interests of the powers-that-be instead of the public interest, and as one
scholar of the Philippine bureaucracy notes, Marcos made the civil service "more subservient
than at any other time in history". (Endriga: 1997). The almost two decades of dictatorship led to
a reorientation of the civil service away from the democratic principles of representativeness,
responsiveness and responsibility. With the ousting of the dictatorship in 1986, several
legislative and policy initiatives were undertaken to restore public trust in the bureaucracy.

The Redemocratizing Philippine Bureaucracy

A new Constitution was passed in 1987 which provided a basis for laws regarding the
behavior of public officers. Article 11 of the Philippine Constitution has 18 sections devoted to
the accountability of public officers. There has been an Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act
(Republic Act 3019) since 1960, and a Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public 21
Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713) passed in 1989. (UNPAN: n.d.) More recently,
Republic Act 7080 or the “Anti-Plunder Law” was enacted in 1991.

The process of redemocratizing the Philippine bureaucracy is a multifaceted and

ongoing endeavor aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government
institutions following the transition to democracy in the mid-1980s. This transition, often
referred to as the "People Power Revolution," marked the end of authoritarian rule under
President Ferdinand Marcos and the restoration of democratic governance in the Philippines.
Redemocratizing the Philippine bureaucracy involves several key aspects:

1. Institutional Reforms- One of the primary objectives of redemocratization is to reform and

strengthen government institutions. This includes the reconfiguration of government agencies
and departments to align with democratic principles and values. For instance, the establishment
of independent oversight bodies, such as the Commission on Human Rights and the Commission
on Audit, has played a crucial role in ensuring accountability and transparency.

2. Civil Service Reform- Redemocratization has called for reforms within the civil service to
promote professionalism and merit-based hiring in the bureaucracy. The goal is to reduce
political patronage and nepotism, ensuring that civil servants are selected and promoted based on
their qualifications and competence.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

3. Transparency and Accountability- A central component of redemocratizing the bureaucracy

is the promotion of transparency and accountability in government operations. This involves
mechanisms such as freedom of information laws, open government initiatives, and the
strengthening of auditing and anti-corruption agencies to curb graft and embezzlement.

4. Citizen Engagement- Encouraging citizen participation in governance is a key element of

redemocratization. Initiatives like local government decentralization and community-based
decision-making processes aim to involve citizens in the decision-making and oversight of public
services and projects.

5. E-Government and Technology- The adoption of modern technology and e-government

systems has been a crucial element in improving the efficiency and accessibility of government
services. This aligns with global trends in digital governance and aims to reduce bureaucracy in
administrative processes.

6. Human Rights and Rule of Law- Protecting human rights and upholding the rule of law are
integral to the redemocratization process. Establishing a robust legal framework and independent
judiciary is essential for ensuring that the bureaucracy operates within the boundaries of the law
and respects the rights of citizens.

7. Civil Society and Media- A vibrant civil society and independent media play a pivotal role in
holding the bureaucracy accountable. These actors act as watchdogs, scrutinizing government
actions and advocating for good governance

The bureaucracy had to function once more under a republican, democratic, presidential
structure. This structure is built not for efficiency, but to ensure the there is no overconcentration
of powers. This meant dealing with different power centers that resulted from the
reestablishment of the checks-and-balance mechanism of a presidential system. A very vibrant
and sometimes oppositionist bicameral legislature, and an increasingly activist judiciary have
become regular features in policymaking and execution. Redemocratization also meant the
creation of more access channels for citizen’s participation by government. This is manifested in
the decentralization process, with the passage of the Local Government Code (RA7160) of 1991,
as well as the enshrinement of civil society participation in governance and the emphasis placed
on the private sector as the engine of economic growth by no less than the Constitution.

Finally, emerging from years of authoritarianism meant that the Philippine bureaucracy
had to be weaned away from the value system that was predominant pre-1986. This meant the
reestablishment of civilian supremacy over military rule, respecting the rule of law, transparent
transactions open to public scrutiny, and the duty ethic that would lead to accountability in
governmental actions. Of course, the presence of a very active and adversarial media, as well as
the rise of watchdog groups has all served to constrain negative bureaucratic actions.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

However, the (re)birth pangs of democracy became apparent as the bureaucracy faced one crisis
after another. As the revolutionary government of Aquino came into power, it had set up the
Commission of Government Reorganization with the following aims: “de-Marcosify” the
bureaucracy, reduce its size, increase decentralization, decrease government’s role in the
economy, and increase accountability, efficiency and cost effectiveness”. (ARMDEV: 1998).

It is important to note that this period also coincides with the rise of New Public
Management, and that these reforms reflect many of NPM’s prescriptions. According to Cariño
(1990) the Aquino government had “reaffirmed its commitment to free enterprise and people
power, both implying a reduced role for itself”, and that this reduction would occur with
privatization and citizen participation – two of the key concepts that would guide subsequent
legislation and policies undertaken during that period, and two concepts underpinning NPM.
This then led to the broadest and fastest reorganization experienced by the civil service which
covered 22 administrative offices, 250 government-owned and controlled corporations, and was
accomplished in 3 months and 10 days (ARMDEV: 1998).

The process of redemocratizing the Philippine bureaucracy is continuing and fraught

with difficulties, such as concerns of corruption, political influence, and the necessity for long-
term commitment to democratic principles. Various Philippine administrations have pursued
these changes to varying degrees, reflecting the complexity of the country's democracy process.
Researchers and policymakers continue to study and analyze the progress and problems of the
Philippine bureaucracy's continuing change.
POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
GENERAL LUNA ANNEX, MULANAY BRANCH
General Luna, Quezon

REFERENCES

Eldis. (n.d.). Globalization, redemocratization and the Philippine bureaucracy. Retrieved from.

https://www.eldis.org/document/A75091

Tillah M., April 05, 2005). Globalization, Redemocratization and the Philippines Bureaucracy.

Retrieved from.https://pascn.pids.gov.ph/files/Discussions%20Papers/2005/pidsdps0509.pdf

What is Globalization | IGI Global. (n.d.). https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/education-literature-

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UUT9CbUecF0jsk2G1bLWYd6bnCZg

Ridde, V. (2008). Defying boundaries: globalization, bureaucracy and academic exchange.

Promotion & Education, 15(1), 3–4. https://doi.org/10.1177/1025382307088090