In the study of Philippine politics, a critical question arises: If political parties have historically struggled to aggregate the interests of the masses, have civil society and social movements taken their place? Traditionally, political parties serve as the bridge between the state and the people. However, in the Philippines, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and interest groups are increasingly becoming the primary links for development and governance.
This section explores the dynamic state-society interaction in the Philippines, focusing on actors outside the government who shape policy, demand accountability, and drive social change.
Defining the “Third Sector”: Civil Society and NGOs
The United Nations categorizes civil society as the “third sector,” standing alongside the government (state) and the market (business). It is a social sphere independent of both, where citizens organize to pursue shared interests.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
CSOs are non-state, non-profit, voluntary organizations. They include a vast array of networks, associations, and movements that engage in collective action to advance common goals.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
NGOs are a subset of CSOs. They are voluntary citizen groups organized at local, national, or international levels. They perform humanitarian roles, advocate for human rights, and provide technical expertise in fields like environment and health.
Characteristics of a Successful Civil Society
According to Ghaus-Pasha (2004), a successful civil society must be:
- Autonomous: Separated from the state and the market.
- Need-Based: Formed by individuals with common needs and values.
- Endogenous: Developed through internal processes, not controlled by external forces.
The Role of Civil Society in Good Governance
Civil society acts as a catalyst for accountability and effectiveness in government. Its primary functions include:
- Policy Advocacy: Analyzing and pushing for pro-people legislation.
- Monitoring: Regulating state performance and official behavior.
- Social Capital: Helping citizens articulate their values and ideas.
- Mobilization: Engaging marginalized sectors in political affairs.
- Service Delivery: Participating in development work to improve community well-being.
Types of CSOs in the Philippine Context
The diversity of the Philippine “third sector” can be categorized into several functional types:
| Type of CSO | Key Characteristics | Philippine Examples |
| Religious | Act based on religious precepts; focus on education and relief. | NASSA (Catholic Church), Red Cross |
| Community-Based | Local solidarity, resource sharing, and community building. | Urban Land Reform Task Force |
| Philanthropic | Non-religious, value-based (humanism and generosity). | Ayala Foundation, Metrobank Foundation |
| Expert | Require scientific or technical knowledge (e.g., environment). | Greenpeace Philippines, Haribon Foundation |
| Trade Unions | Labor associations promoting workers’ interests. | Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) |
| Business CSOs | Defend industry interests; include “BINGOs.” | Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry |
| Govt-Oriented | Independent but often influenced by national authorities (GONGOs). | Various state-initiated local councils |
Strategies for Policy Influence
To influence national policy, CSOs employ specific strategies, each requiring a unique set of tactics and skills:
| Strategy | Tactics | Required Skills |
| Education | Media, workshops, conferences | Research, analysis, communication |
| Collaboration | Networking with government | Transparency, technical capability |
| Persuasion | Lobbying, demonstrations | Negotiation, motivation, vision |
| Litigation | Use of courts/legal system | Legal expertise, communication |
| Confrontation | Public gatherings, speeches | Leadership, mobilization, courage |
Understanding Social Movements
A social movement is a collective body characterized by high political activism and a commitment to changing society. Unlike CSOs, they are not always formally organized. Social Movement Organizations (SMOs) are the formal structures that carry out the tasks needed for these movements to survive.
Aberle’s Four Types of Social Movements
Sociologist David Aberle categorized movements based on who they want to change and how much change they want:
- Alternative: Limited change for specific individuals (e.g., anti-smoking campaigns).
- Redemptive: Radical change for specific individuals (e.g., religious conversion movements).
- Reformative: Limited change for the entire society (e.g., environmental movements).
- Revolutionary: Radical change for the entire society (e.g., the 1896 Revolution).
The Lifecycle of a Social Movement
Movements generally move through three stages:
- Emergence: Widespread discontent but unorganized.
- Coalescence: Identifying leaders and organizing strategies.
- Bureaucratization: Developing formal structures to sustain the struggle.
The Philippine Civil Society Landscape
The Asian Development Bank (2007) describes Philippine CSOs as among the most vibrant in the world. The Philippines reportedly has the highest number of NGOs per capita in Asia.
The Three Pillars of Philippine CSOs
- People’s Organizations (POs): Represent marginalized sectors (farmers, fisherfolk, urban poor).
- Development NGOs: Intermediate agencies with professional staff providing services.
- Cooperatives: Voluntary associations for equitable capital contribution and benefit-sharing.
Legal Foundations (1987 Constitution)
The Philippine state is constitutionally mandated to encourage CSOs:
- Article II, Sec. 23: Encourages NGOs and community-based organizations.
- Article XIII, Sec. 15-16: Respects the role of independent POs and guarantees the right of the people to effective participation at all levels of decision-making.
The 1991 Local Government Code further institutionalized this by requiring CSO representation in local development councils.
Major CSO Networks in the Philippines
| CSO Network | Founded | Primary Focus |
| Association of Foundations (AF) | 1972 | Education, Science, and Governance |
| Bayan | 1985 | National liberation and anti-imperialism |
| CODE-NGO | 1991 | Largest network of development NGOs (1,600+ members) |
| NATCCO | 1977 | Confederation of Cooperatives (1.6M members) |
| NASSA | 1966 | Poverty alleviation and peace (CBCP-led) |
| GABRIELA | 1984 | Women’s rights and sectoral reforms |
Historical Evolution of Social Movements
Colonial Period to 1896 Revolution
Early resistance was fueled by socioeconomic inequality and land disputes. This evolved from local revolts to the Propaganda Movement (Ilustrados) and finally the Katipunan, a revolutionary, mass-based armed movement that ended Spanish rule.
American and Japanese Occupations
The failure of American land reform birthed socialist movements like the Socialist Party (1929). During WWII, the Hukbalahap emerged as a powerful peasant-based resistance against the Japanese and the elite-dominated status quo.
The Martial Law Era
Under the Marcos dictatorship, open activism was suppressed. This led to the growth of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Eventually, a broad alliance of religious, legal, and sectoral groups (e.g., FLAG, KOMPIL, GABRIELA) culminated in the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Post-1986 to Present
The post-EDSA period saw the “Independent Left” and social democrats enter mainstream politics. Movements now focus on democratization, environmentalism, and sectoral rights. Groups like Bayan Muna and Akbayan represent the transition of social movements into electoral politics via the party-list system.
Prospects, Challenges, and Statistics
While Philippine CSOs are influential, they face significant hurdles:
- Funding Dependency: Many NGOs rely on external grants, affecting long-term sustainability.
- Technical Gaps: There is a constant need for training in government procurement and fund management.
- Elite Domination: Despite democratic gains, political and economic power remains concentrated in elite families, complicating agrarian and social reforms.
Impact of CSOs on Legislation
The success of Philippine civil society is evident in the passage of landmark laws:
- Republic Act 9262: Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act.
- Republic Act 8371: Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
- Republic Act 7279: Urban Development and Housing Act (UDHA).
Membership and Scope
Concrete data highlights the scale of this sector. As of recent estimates, the National Confederation of Cooperatives (NATCCO) alone manages a network of over 1.6 million individual members. The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) coordinates more than 1,600 organizations, demonstrating the massive horizontal reach of civil society compared to traditional political parties.
The ongoing challenge for these movements is bridging the gap between “protest politics” and “governance.” By integrating into the party-list system and local councils, social movements continue to push the Philippines toward a society founded on social justice and genuine equality.
