Modernization of Laws in the Philippines

Asian Law Series

No.9

by Prof. Myrna S. Feliciano,Dr. Pacifico A. Agabin,Prof. Merlin M. Magallona,Prof. Carmelo V. Sison
March 2001

Preface / Institute of Developing Economies

I.

Problems of Law and Development in the Philippines: Perspectives and Approaches / Myrna S. Feliciano, Pacifico A. Agabin, Merlin M. Magallona, Carmelo V. Sison

A. Problems in Perspective
B. The Function of Law in Development
C. Law and Development in Historical Experience
II.

Impact of Modernization on Democratization, Decentralization and Empowerment / Myrna S. Feliciano, Pacifico A. Agabin, Merlin M. Magallona, Carmelo V. Sison

A. Introduction
B. Cultural Composition of the Inhabitants of the Philippines Christians Indigenous Communities (Infieles) Muslims Values of the Cultural Majority
C. Development of the Philippine Legal System
D. People’s Participation in Decision-Making
 1. Constitutional Basis
 2. Statutory Basis
 3. Party-List System
 4. Clean Air Act
 5. Civil Society Participation
E. Decentralization, Devolution, and People’s Participation in Local Governance
 1. Centralization in Governance
 2. Decentralization
  a. Definition
  b. 1973 Constitution
  c. 1987 Constitution
 3. Devolution
  a. Definition
  b. 1991 Local Government Code: Basic Features
 4. People’s Participation in Local Governance
  a. Local Initiative, Referendum, and Recall
  b. Local Development Councils
  c. Civil Society (NGOs and POs)
  d. Effect
F. Indigenous Peoples Rights to Participation in Governance
 1. Pre-Spanish Colonization
 2. Spanish Colonization
 3. American Regime
 4. Martial Law
 5. Post February 1986 Revolution
G. Conclusion
III.

Modernization of Laws on the Exploitation of Natural Resources and Its Impact on Enviromental Law / Myrna S. Feliciano, Pacifico A. Agabin, Merlin M. Magallona, Carmelo V. Sison

A. Introduction
B. Modernization of Law as a Double-Edged Instrument
C. The Advent of the “Service Contract” in the Exploitation of Natural Resources
D. Economic Effects of the New Legislation
E. Impact on the Environment and on Environmental Law: Advent of Strict Liability
F. Impact on Traditional Doctrines of Liability
IV.

Women, Law and Development / Myrna S. Feliciano, Pacifico A. Agabin, Merlin M. Magallona, Carmelo V. Sison

A. Historical Perspective
B. The International Dimension
C. Situation: the Filipina’s Situation Today
D. Constitutional Standards and Implementing Policies
 1. Family Law
 2. Labor and Social Legislation
 3. Health
 4. Economic Rights
 5. Criminal Law and Violence Against Women

Reference / Myrna S. Feliciano, Pacifico A. Agabin, Merlin M. Magallona, Carmelo V. Sison