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THE EVOLUTIONARY FUNCTIONS OF INTEREST GROUP: THE CASE OF
PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD INCORPORATED (PGBI) IN
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR
A Thesis
Presented to the
Department of Political Studies
College of Social Sciences and Humanities
Mindanao State University
Marawi City
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
SHIELA BANUELOS AL-AG
October 2012
APPROVAL SHEET
The undergraduate thesis hereto attached, entitled “THE EVOLUTIONARY
FUNCTIONS OF INTEREST GROUP: THE CASE OF PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS
BROTHERHOOD INCORPORATED (PGBI) IN PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL
SUR” prepared and submitted by MS. SHIELA BANUELOS AL-AG, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, is hereby
accepted.
____________________________
PROF. ELENA M. TABANAO
Thesis Adviser
__________________________ ______________________________
DR. SAMUEL E. ANONAS PROF. MYRTHENA M. FIANZA Panel Member Panel Member
____________________________
MR. IAN NASSER E. BEROWA
Panel Member
Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Arts
in Political Science.
__________________________
DR. ZAINAL D. KULIDTOD
Chairperson
Department of Political Studies
__________________________
DR. SAMUEL E. ANONAS
Dean
College of Social Sciences and Humanities
ABSTRACT
Al-ag, Shiela Banuelos. THE EVOLUTIONARY FUNCTIONS OF INTEREST
GROUP: THE CASE OF PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD
INCORPORATED (PGBI) IN PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR
Adviser: Prof. Elena M. Tabanao
This study used a qualitative- descriptive type of research that attempted to
examine and describe participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
(PGBI) as an interest and pressure group in the local politics of Prosperidad and its activities
in state and government processes particularly during the 2010 Elections in Prosperidad,
Agusan del Sur. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: first, to
determine the historical development of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated;
second, to know the organizational and leadership structure of PGBI; third, to determine the
political activities of PGBI during the 2010 Municipal Elections in Prosperidad; fourth, to
determine the degree of influence exerted by PGBI during the 2010 Municipal Elections in
Prosperidad; and lastly, to find out the condition of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) with regards to the local politics in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The concepts applied for the analysis of this study were the concept of group by Earl
Latham and the concept of interest group and political participation. This study used the
survey method using questionnaire and interview as tools in gathering the data. The first
group of key informants was the 100 Guardian respondents in Prosperidad coming from five
barangays namely; La Caridad, Patin-ay, Poblacion, Salvacion, and Sta. Maria. The 100
Guardians respondents were selected through selective sampling procedure from each of the
five barangays. The second group were the eight [8] key informants that were purposively
selected. They were composed of 2 Guardians/Politician and 6 PGBI Chapter
Leader/Founder.
For each group of respondents, different methods of data gathering were utilized.
Questionnaires were used for the 100 Guardians respondents while data from the key
informants were gathered through an interview schedule in which a semi- structured
interview guide was used. In terms of interpreting the data, both qualitative and quantitative
analysis was adopted. The first one was used in interpreting the statements gathered during
the interview schedule. On the other hand, quantitative analysis through frequency
distribution was used to interpret the responses made in the questionnaires.
Based on the data, the study found out that the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) in Prosperidad is an association of brotherhood/ sisterhood and charity
that is service- oriented and extends voluntary services to the community, and respects the
political views and standing of every member. It became a political interest group when it
expressed the demands and needs of its members to the municipal government with whom
the group have a close link. The study revealed that PGBI can easily expresses and directs
the demands of its members to the local government which means the group influences and
affects the decisions and actions of the local government.
The study also shows that PGBI has extensively participated during the 2010
Municipal Elections and their level of participation is high as they have performed different
campaign activities for a political candidate. They are deemed influential in the municipality
of Prosperidad because of numerous members and their close link with the local government
as well as with the military.
Based on the findings, the researcher concludes that the Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated acted as voluntary group and participated during the 2010
Municipal Elections in Prosperidad through showing political support to the political
candidates and conducting various campaign activities in the community. However, it was
founded in the municipality as a non-partisan group that promotes unity, welfare and
camaraderie among its members and extends voluntary services to the community. It was not
extensively involved in any political activity other than expressing and directing the demands
and needs of its members to the municipal government since the 2010 Municipal Elections.
Second, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated has a close link with the
military. Most of the chapter leaders of PGBI believed that the organization was not
established to help the military prevent the insurgent groups though one of the group‘s
concerns is keeping peace and order in the community. Third, PGBI acted as voluntary group
during the 2010 Municipal Election in Prosperidad by supporting a candidate and
participating during campaign activities, however, it was all out of the free will of the
members. They were able to affect the outcome of the elections by influencing the decision
of the electorate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Approval Sheet.......................................................................................................................... ii
Abstract .................................................................................................................................... iii
Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................. vi
Dedication .............................................................................................................................. viii
Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................... ix
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................... xi
List of Figures ........................................................................................................................ xiv
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study .........................................................................................1
Statement of the Problem .........................................................................................6
Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................7
Significance of the Study .........................................................................................7
Scope and Limitations..............................................................................................8
Theoretical Framework of the Study .......................................................................8
Analytical Framework ...........................................................................................19
Definition of Terms................................................................................................22
II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES
Interest Group Theories .........................................................................................24
Foreign Studies ......................................................................................................26
Local Literatures ....................................................................................................29
III. METHODOLOGY
Research Design.....................................................................................................33
Locale of the Study ................................................................................................33
Respondents ..........................................................................................................35
Sampling Procedure ...............................................................................................35
Research Instrument...............................................................................................36
Treatment of Data ..................................................................................................37
IV. THE PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD INCORPORATED
(PGBI) IN PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) .....................................38
Entrance to Politics ................................................................................................40
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood incorporated as an Organization ....................42
Political Participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in
Prosperidad during the 2010 Local Elections ........................................................63
Information Taken from the Key Informants.........................................................82
V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, IMPLICATIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary ...............................................................................................................84
Conclusion ............................................................................................................90
Implications ...........................................................................................................93
Recommendations .................................................................................................96
Bibliography
Appendices
Cover Letters
Questionnaire
Interview Schedule
Socio-demographic Table of the Respondents
Constitution and By-Laws of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
Maps
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
1 Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated as
an Organization
42
2 Objectives of Philippines
Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated
43
3 Organizational Structure of
Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated
44
4 Qualifications/Criteria in
Admitting New Members
45
5 Processes that New Members
Undergo
47
6 Obligations of a Member
49
7 Monthly Contribution
8 Whether or not Sanctions are
Imposed to those who Fail to
Comply with the Obligations
50
8.1 Sanctions for Failure to
Comply
51
9 Whether or Not PGBI
Established Close
Relationship with the Military
52
10 Relationship of PGBI
with the Municipal
Government and other
Groups
54
11 Whether or Not PGBI Prevent
Insurgent Groups in
Prosperidad
56
12 Assignment of Sub- Heads
56
12.1 Whether or not Sub-heads
are Elected or Appointed
57
12.2 Titles of the PGBI Officers 59
13 Schedule of PGBI Meetings
60
13.1 Reasons from Holding
Special Meetings
61
14 Reasons from Holding
Special Meetings
62
15 Decision of PGBI
63
16 Whether or not Respondents
Voted During the 2010 Local
Elections
64
17 Political Activities in the
Community
65
18 Whether or not PGBI
Encouraged its Members to
Get Involved in Electoral
Activities During the 2010
Local Elections
66
19 Whether or not PGBI and its
Members Conducted
Campaign in Behalf of a
Local Candidate
67
19.1 Campaign Strategies of PGBI
69
20 Whether or not PGBI
Donated Campaign Materials
for a Local Politician During
the 2010 Local Elections
70
20.1 Campaign Materials Donated
71
21 Whether or not PGBI
Contributed Money for a
Local Candidate During the
2010 Local Elections
72
22 Whether or not PGBI Have
Acted as Campaign Managers
for a Local Candidate
73
22.1 Contributions as Campaign
Managers
74
23 Reasons Why the PGBI
Conducted Campaign
Activities
75
24 Whether or not PGBI Have
Endorsed Local Candidate to
be Voted by its Members
76
24.1 Whether or not Members are
Obliged to Vote for the
Endorsed Candidate
77
25 Whether or not PGBI Practice
Block Voting During
Elections
78
26 Whether or not Respondents
Have Voted for the
Candidates that were
Endorsed by the PGBI Leader
78
26.1 Reasons Why Respondents
Voted for the Endorsed
Candidate
79
26.2 Reasons why Respondents
did not Vote for the Endorsed
Candidate
80
27 Criteria that Helped PGBI in
Choosing whom to Support
During the 2010 Local
Election
81
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1 Schematic Diagram Showing
the Analytical Framework
21
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Democracy means government by the people. In small political systems such as
local communities, it may be possible for the people to share directly in debating, deciding
and implementing public policy and other public issues. However, in larger political systems
according to Almond and Powell, democracy must be achieved largely through indirect
participation in decision-making. Elections, competitive political parties, free mass media,
and representative assemblies are political structures that make some degree of democracy,
some degree of government of people, possible at the level of the nation-state.1
In larger political systems, individuals working together as an interest groups are
more likely to be effective in promoting their interests.2 As Dahl puts it, man is a social
animal.3 Individuals in the society group themselves together into different organizations for
various reasons and purposes. However, groups do not arise spontaneously no matter how
favorable the context for group development and whatever interests are latent in the society.4
As Earl Latham asserts that the state is not the only association that exists in a
political community and there are lesser associations or groups that exist within the political
system. These lesser groups, according to Latham, exist for the self- expression and security
of its members. Each group has its own goals, missions, or objectives it wishes to achieve to
1 Almond and Powell Jr. Comparative Politics Today: A World View Today. 6th ed., Harper
Collins Publishers Inc., 2 Ibid.p40 3 Dahl, Robert A. Modern Political Analysis. Prentice Hall Inc. New Jersey, 1969. P.5 4 Owens, John R. Constantini, Edmonds and Weschler, Louis F. “California Politics and
Parties”. The Macmillan Company. USA, 1970.
reflect the values or interests of its individual members.5 These social values may include
wealth, security, popularity, prestige, self-esteem and power.6 To keep the group intact, the
common values and interests shared by its members that are largely expressed in the group‘s
goals and objectives must be fulfilled. If not, the members will lose its morale and dedication
which may lead to the dissolution of the group.7
In the Philippines alone, there is an observable presence of organizations, associations
and societies like that of worker‘s trade unions, farmer‘s associations, business associations,
non- governmental organization, people‘s organizations, neighborhood groups, academic and
welfare organization, student‘s leagues and fraternities.8 These groups and organizations
have developed and have been established in the country for a long period of time.
The Roman Catholic Church and other religious orders established the first welfare
organization in the Philippines during the era of Spanish rule. They established parochial
schools, orphanages, asylums, and hospitals, such as the San Juan de Dios Hospital and San
Lazaro Hospital. However, these schools and hospitals were reserved for the local elite. The
church also established Cofradias (brotherhoods), which encouraged neighborly behavior,
such as visiting the sick and helping with town fiesta preparations, and foundations, such as
Hermanidad de la Misericordia (brotherhood of mercy)9
5 Latham, Earl. “The Group Basis of Politics: Notes for a Theory”. The American Political
Sicence Review. June 1952. P.233 6 Ibid. p107 7 Ibid. p107 8 Barsaga, Delbert. “The Role of Tau Beta Epsilon Fraternity in the Election of Mayor Fidel E.
Garcia Jr. in the 2001, 2004, and 2007 Municipal Elections in Tubay, Agusan del Norte” Undergraduate Thesis, Marawi City: Mindanao State University, July 2010
9 “Overview of NGOs and Civil Society in the Philippines”. Asian Development Bank NGO and Civil Society Center. December, 2007. Available at www.adb.org/NGOs/docs/NGOPhilippines.pdf
During the late 19th
century, several Cofradias were established to resist Spanish
rule. Some organizations, such as the Cofradia de San Jose, were peasant groups established
to fight for Filipino independence. The Propaganda Movement, led by the native
intellectuals, sought reforms and equal rights for Filipinos. The movement used Masonic
lodges to spread propaganda ideals and education in collective action. By contrast, Katipunan
was a secular, anti- religious group that advocated independence through popular
revolution.10
Later, the Katipunan inspired student activist groups during the 1960s and
1970s that were termed illegal associations by the colonial government.
During the reign of Pres. Marcos who became the President in 1965, he envisioned a
―new society‖ which offered very little space for civil society and no tolerance for NGOs.11
His administration became increasingly associated with the suppression of civil, human and
political rights. As a result, such organization either fled underground by joining the armed
struggle of the National Democratic Front or sought shelter from Marcos‘ security forces by
affiliating with a university or religious institution, such as the Catholic Church‘s National
Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA). Other anti- Marcos organizations operated under the
innocuous names, such as the Agency for Community Education Services and the
Organization for Training. The activism of these and other CSOs eventually contributed to
the overthrow of the Marcos regime in the ―people power‖ revolution of 1986. 12
The number of groups and organizations began to flourish during the administration
of President Corazon Aquino; some of these were established by politicians, businesspersons,
and bureaucrats to advance personal rather than public welfare. During the Ramos
Administration, he advocated the cooperation of these groups and organizations by
10 Ibid. p.2 11 Ibid. p.2 12 Ibid. p.2
promoting their involvement in multi-stakeholder mechanism to promote peace in Mindanao
and in this period, they also have stimulated vibrant and public discourse and helped to
redefine the content of politics. But what really marked the development of these groups and
organizations is that they also became progressively institutionalized and professional.
College graduates began to see a career in the non-profit sector as viable option.
One of large groups and organizations is the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated, a non- stock and non-sectarian organization which has the goal of unifying the
personnels in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the police and civilian entities to
safeguard the laws of the Republic. It asserts to hold no loyalty to any political party or
person, except that of upholding any democratic government or authority duly sanctioned by
the people. The group originated in Iligan City as the ―Diablo Squad Crime Buster‖
composed of enlisted man in Philippine Constabulary. The DIABLOS were also self-
proclaimed staunch anti-Communist and spread out to the Visayan Islands and Luzon until
the time it was known for its controversial participation in liquidating their officers/comrades
labeled as Anti-Nationalistic. The group operated without any SEC registration except for the
unregistered Constitution and By-Laws. DIABLOS sympathized with the Reform the Armed
Forces Movement (RAM), the group of young military officers led by Gregorio Honasan. By
1982, they were reprimanded by the AFP leadership as an illegal group and were ordered to
disband.13
The remnants of the group asked help and advice from Honasan who, together
with other member of Diablo, signed and succeeded to reorganize the group under a different
name, Guardian Brotherhood Inc. The Guardians began recruiting civilians and professionals
after the first coup in 1987 failed and it was from the ranks of the guardians that Honasan
drew supports for the several coup attempts that he led against Aquino. After few months,
13 “Our Story” available at http://guardiansonline.net/story/ accessed on October 6, 2011
groups and faction inside Guardians mushroomed up to 22 factions including the Guardian
Binay Group of Makati. However, when Honasan won as the senator, he requested all
different factions to regroup into one umbrella entity of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI).
Today, the PGBI is reported to have members estimated to be 2.2 million all over the
archipelago, mostly members are of the military or of the Philippine National Police;
however, there is also a sizable number of civilians within the organization. As reported, the
group‘s involvement during elections was purely for peaceful related incidents.14
In the last
2010 elections, Senator Manny Villar asked the endorsement of the group. The endorsement
formally happened during the 9th
National Convention of the Philippine GUARDIANS
Brotherhood Incorporated.15
PGBI has also been working to be enlisted and to be fully
qualified under the party-list system in the coming 2013 party-list elections.16
It has always
been regarded to be influential in the masses given the sizable number civilian and military
members that is why political candidates sought their support during elections. Last 2010
elections, the Guardians have endorsed and supported the candidacy of one of its members
for mayoralty position in the municipality of Prosperidad in Agusan Del Sur and believed to
have helped him in victory.
However, other than for political support, PGBI in Prosperidad was believed to be
established in the municipality to help in keeping peace and order and help in fighting
14 Ibid 15 “Gringo Led Group Backs Villar Presidential Bid” The PGBI Red Sea Chapter. February 9,
2010 available at http://www.pgbiredsea.org/apps/blog/show/2815769-gringo-led-group-backs-villar-presidential-bid
16 Cabrera, Vincent. “SC cites COMELEC for contempt over Guardians Delisting” available at http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20110407-329838/SC-cites-Comelec-for-contempt-over-Guardians-delisting
insurgency and other leftist activities. The establishment of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as a group in Prosperidad and its development into an
interest group is the major concern of the researcher.
Statement of the Problem
This study focused on the development of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur into an interest group.
Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following:
1. What is the historical development of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur?
2. What is the organizational and leadership structure of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI)?
3. What were the political activities of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) during the 2010 Elections in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur?
4. What was the level of participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) during the 2010 Elections in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur?
5. What is the condition of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
(PGBI) with regards to the local politics in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur?
Significance of the Study
Self- protections and self- promotion are powerful motives in politics. It is
reasonable that people will form organizations for the expressed purposes of protecting and
promoting their self- interests. This study is deemed significant because the data can provide
information on the activities of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as an
interest and pressure group in Prosperidad. These data may be useful in comparing PGBI to
other interest groups in terms of their development, activities and participation in politics.
Second, the findings of the study may contribute to the existing literature on political
interest groups that play an important role in politics.
Finally, the results of this study may serve as an additional guide to those researchers
who may conduct studies of the same nature.
Scope and Limitations
This study focused on Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as an
interest and pressure group in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. It was conducted in the
Prosperidad since the area possesses a large and growing number of PGBI members.
One problem faced was the refusal to cooperate of some respondents in answering
the questionnaire.
Theoretical Framework of the Study
This study utilized the concept of the group as discussed by Earl Latham, the
concept of interest group and the concept of political participation in organizing and
analyzing the data as to the activities of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated as an
interest and pressure group in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
According to Earl Latham, the state does not absorb all the loyalties of the
individual in the political community.17
Social values and interests treasured by individuals
in a modern society are realized through lesser associations and groups such as the church,
corporation and trade unions. 18
Thus, the state does not have the entire allegiance of
individuals in the community and must compete with conflicting group loyalties.
Each of these lesser groups in the community has their own goals, objectives and
interests that are common to all its members and that the group wishes to achieve. These
values may be wealth, fame prestige and even power.19
To keep the group intact, the common
values and interests valued and cherished by its members are largely expressed in the group‘s
goals and objectives must be fulfilled. These lesser groups exist to fulfill the desires and
interests of its members—to achieve their choices and attain their goals.20
Satisfaction in the
fulfillment of the purposes of the group is an important element in keeping the group intact,
if these satisfaction is not fulfilled the ―group suffers from loss of morale, energy, and
dedication‖ which may lead to the dissolution of the group. 21
17 Latham, Earl. “Group Basis of Politics: Notes for a Theory’. The American Political Science
Review. June,1952. P.233 18 Ibid. p. 233 19 Dahl, Robert A. “Modern Political Analysis”. Prentice Hall Inc. New Jersey, 1969. P107 20 Ibid. p. 236 21 Ibid. P. 236
Groups exist for the individuals to whom they belong—for the self- expression and
security of the members which comprise them. 22
Individuals think first of their groups
before the state and the ubiquity of human relations which is manifested in the other group
forms other than the state are the reasons why most writers politics accepted the view that
group is the ―basic political form.‖23
These lesser organized groups are called ―basic political form‖ in the community
because they are structures of power since they ―concentrate on human wit, energy, and
muscle for the achievement of received purposes.‖24
Both state and these lesser groups are
―association of people for the achievement of ends common to the members, and the means
of achievement is the application of the association to the obstacles and hindrances which
block the goals.‖25
Thus, both state and lesser group forms represent and exercise power in
different forms.26
Organized groups represent systems of private government while the state
(or its organs) represents a system of public government. The phenomena of power appear in
these organized groups as well as in the formal structures of official agencies of the public
government.27
However, a group does not exist in isolation—for the achievement of its goals it has
to deal not only to the environment but also with several groups which may have different
and conflicting goals from its own. Sometimes the group, for the achievement of its goals,
has to do activities which involve ―claims made upon and through government
22 Ibid. p.235 23 Ibid. P.234 24 Ibid. P.235 25 Ibid. p.235 26 Ibid. p.235 27 Ibid. p.235
institutions.‖28
No matter what kind of state and government processes a group has been
involved, when this happens, a group now becomes a political interest group. Political
interest groups or interest groups differ from other groups because of its concern to influence
the government and state in the achievement of its goals.29
According to Salisbury, an
interest group is ―as an organized association which engage in activity relative to government
decisions‖30
and the ―characteristic which implicitly distinguishes an interest group from
other kinds of groups is the organization‘s concern for and activity regarding some issue
involving government.‖31
Thus, a group becomes an interest group once their activity is
involved in any state or government processes such as supporting a candidate during
elections.
According to Almond and Powell in a state in highly developed political systems,
there exist multiple political functions that are performed by various political institutions,
political structures and agencies. In order for the political system to come out with policies
and decisions, individuals and groups must express their politically relevant demands and
wishes to the government.32
This function is interest articulation which refers to the
―formulation and expression of political demands and interests to the government.‖33
Usually, citizen may individually articulate his/ her demands and wishes to the policymakers
like ―making a plea or request to a city council member or officer.‖
28 Salisbury, John H. “Interest Groups”, pp. 171- 228 in Fred I. Greenstein and Nelson W.
Polsby, eds. Handbook of Political Science, Vol. 4. (Reading, M.A.: Addison- Wesley Publishing Co., 1975), P. 175
29 Ibid. p.175 30 Ibid. P 175 31 Ibid. p. 175 32 Almond and Powell Jr. “Interest Groups and Interest Articulation”. Comparative Politics
Today: A World View. Harper Collins College Publishers. New York, 1996. P.70 33 Ibid. p. 70
Almond and Powell identified interest groups as part of the political community that
performs the function of interest articulation and they asserted that individuals working
together as an interest group are more likely to be effective in promoting their interests.34
With the existence of an interest group, people can now have an outlet where they can put all
their resources together—human, information and financial—to influence the government
more effectively.35
Interest groups have been organized on the basis of tribal membership, race, national
origin, religion, and policy issues. Usually the most powerful, largest and financially
strongest groups are those based on occupation or profession since livelihoods and careers of
men and women are affected most immediately by government actions and decisions.36
There are several types of interest groups varying in structure, decision- making style,
financing, and support base and others—the individual contractors that act alone in
contacting political officials. These individual contractors may become very important when
people send similar messages or when he or she is too influential to be ignored. The more
interesting is the creation of networks of individual supporters by political leaders, who try to
build following with the exchange of favors and support with each citizen in the network. A
network of personal supporters are special kind of political structure, because their members
are not drawn together by a shared interest in making political demands, but are held together
by the skill and the resources of the leader in satisfying the needs of the followers.37
34 Ibid. P. 23- 28 35 Ehrmann, Henry. “Interest Groups” in David Shills, ed. International Encyclopedia of Social
Sciences, Vol.8. McMillan Co. and Free Press. New York, 1986. P 487 36 Ibid. P. 70 37 Ibid. P. 71
The anomic interest groups are the more or less spontaneous groups that form
suddenly when many individuals respond similarly to frustration, disappointment, or any
strong emotions. They are flash affairs, rising and subsiding suddenly. This type of interest
group arise where organized groups are absent in the community, smoldering discontent may
be sparked by an incident or by the emergence of a leader. The actions of this type of interest
groups may lead to violence.38
Non-associational interest groups, just like anomic groups, are rarely organized and
their activities are episodic. They differ from anomic interest groups because their interests
are based on ethnicity, region, religion, occupation or perhaps kinship. Because of continuing
economic or cultural ties, non- associational groups have more continuity than anomic
groups. There are two kinds of non- associational groups—the first type is the very large
group that has not become formally organized, although its members perceive their common
interests. The problem with this kind of group is that with so many members sharing a small
problem, it is difficult to find a leader willing to commit the effort and time to organize. The
second type is the small kinship, lineage, economic, or ethnic subgroup whose members
know each other personally. In this type, there is a long- term continuity and only
intermittent and unspecialized articulation of interests. However, if the members in this type
of group are well- connected, or its goals unpopular or illegal, the group may prefer to remain
informal.39
Institutional interest groups are formal and have other political or social functions in
addition to interest articulation. This type of group expresses their own interests or represents
38 Ibid. p. 72 39 Ibid. P.72
the interest of other groups in the society. The strength of institutional interest groups is
usually provided by their organizational base. In authoritarian regimes, which prohibit or at
least control other groups, institutional groups play a very large role.40
Associational interest groups, on the other hand, are formed explicitly to represent
the interests of a particular group. It includes trade unions, chambers of commerce and
manufacturer‘s associations, ethnic associations, religious associations and civic groups.
They have orderly procedures for formulating interests and demands, and they usually
employ a full- time professional staff. However, some writers believed that some
associational groups articulate special demands and advantages that are may be contrary to
public interest or the interests of the less well- organized citizens. It is also believed that
associational interest groups—where they are allowed to flourish—affect the development of
other types of groups. Their organizational base gives them an advantage over non-
associational groups; their tactics and goals are often recognized as legitimate in the society;
and by representing a broad range of groups and interest may effectively limit the influence
of anomic, non- associational, and institutional groups.41
Aside from interest articulation, an interest group may also perform the function of
interest aggregation. Interest aggregation refers to the activity in which the demand of
individuals and groups are combined together.42
An interest group becomes an interest
aggregator when it is big enough to accommodate the interests and demands of individuals
and groups. The pursuit of the group‘s politically relevant and interests can be more
effective because such interests and demands are backed up by a sizable number of people
40 Ibid. P.73-74 41 Ibid. P.75 42 Ibid. P. 87
with substantial political resources. Because of these functions that interest groups perform –
interest articulation and aggregation—Salisbury views interest groups as input units ―which
contribute a significant portion of demands to the decision- making process of the political
system.‖43
On the other hand, Janda, Berry and Goldman view interest groups as vehicles of
political participation for when its members pool their resources together, they tend to
participate more in politics making interest groups vehicles for political participation.44
Political participation is not committed to any social goal, choosing priorities and deciding
what resources to commit the goal attainment. It refers to those acts that aim at influencing
the government by affecting either the selection of government personnel or the choice made
by the government personnel.45
In addition, political participation can be also be defined as
those voluntary activities like voting and working in campaign, by which member of the
society share in the selection of leaders.46
Through participation, citizens can be considered powerful and capable of making
crucial decisions; they can set and define who among the political candidates should be given
powers to govern them, to answer their desires and aspiration in order to come up with their
desired outcome.47
Moreover, political participation may also be regarded as the actions of
43 Ibid. 74 44 Janda, Kenneth. Berry, Jeffrey and Goldman, Jing. “The Challenge of Democracy”.
Hougston Miffler Company. USA, 1997. P.320 45 Nie, Norman and Verba, Sidney. “Political Participation” in Fred Greenstein and Nelson W.
Polsby, eds. Handbook of Political Science, vol. 4. P. 1-74 46 McClosky, Herbert. “Political Participation,” in David Shill, ed. International Encyclopedia of
Social Science, Vol.11 . McMillan Co. and Free Press. New York, 1986. P.252 47 Ibid.
the citizens by which they seek to influence and support the government and the existing
political system.
McClosky asserts that the more active forms of political participation include formal
enrollment in a party, canvassing and registering voters, speechwriting and speechmaking for
politicians, competing for public and party office, and working in campaigns.‖48
On the other
hand, Janda, Berry and Goldman assert that political participation can be distinguished into
conventional and unconventional forms. Conventional political participation is relatively
routine behavior that uses the established institutions of government, like campaigning for a
candidate and voting during elections. While unconventional political participation refers to
the relatively uncommon behavior that challenges or defies established institutions of
dominant culture like attending riots and participating in coups.49
For Thomas Patterson, political participation is a sharing of activities designed to
influence public policy and leadership, such as voting, joining political parties and interest
groups, writing to elected officials, demonstrating for political causes, and giving money to
political to political candidates.50
Other than voting, Patterson also offered various ways of
participation such campaign activities, community activities, lobbying group activities,
attentiveness to news and virtual participation.51
In addition, Nie and Verba identified two properties of political participation—the
dimension of participation wherein citizens engage in various ways to attempt to influence
government; and the modes of participation which refers to the distinction among other types
48 Ibid. P. 253 49 Ibid. p.252 50 Patterson, Thomas E. “The American Democracy”. McGraw- Hill Company. New York, 1997. 51 Ibid. P.212
of political act by which citizen‘s influence the government in different ways to produce the
needed output.52
The Dimension of Political Participation is characterized by the citizens' influence to
the various activities that govern the process of a political undertaking. In the case of an
electoral exercise, there exist a multiple range of possibilities and option as to how citizens
can communicate and channel out their preferences. One way is through the application of
pressure to political leaders to conform to them through the game or lose votes.53
This
provides citizens the time and effort to advance and give them certain initiative to strengthen
their claims. Dimension has something to do with the magnitude, time and effort or citizens
as to how fully they can carry out their demands and interests as well as to determine how far
it will attract communal action or not. In a way, dimension of participation is also a venue for
the advancement of collective benefits from the government. This provides interplay among
and between citizens as to how long and how extensive their domain of participation is being
exercised.54
The mode of participation, on the other hand, is simply the method of participation
itself and is the most important property of political participation. It is the medium of
communication, control and influence of citizens and groups may use in every demand they
wish to convey publicly. Mode of participation constitutes four areas of communication;
voting, campaign activity, citizen- initiated contacts and cooperative activity.55
52 Ibid. p .6 53 Ibid. p .68 54 Ibid. p. 68 55 Ibid. p. 69
Voting is the most frequent citizen‘s activity which influence leaders through
pressure, or threats of losing votes rather by gaining them and it is a powerful power of the
citizens during election time since it can ensure or end the candidates desire for a position.
However, voting is a restricted form of participation since citizens have the opportunity to
cast their vote only at a particular time to engage, in by a majority, in every democratic
country. 56
During electoral period, citizens can participate actively through engaging in
campaign activity. In this way, citizens can increase their influence over the election outcome
beyond one allocated time. It enables the candidates to freely express their own views and
political platforms and gives the citizens the rights to campaign for their own candidates.57
Citizen- initiated contacts is the only mode of participation that can reasonably be expected
to result to a particularized benefit or through which an individuals can contact government
leaders for important matter. And lastly, cooperative activity involves group or organization
activity that deals with social and political problems. Individuals join with other citizens and
may take a place at any time and in relation to any type of issue or problem of concern to the
group. It involves activity within formal organization as well as information cooperation
among citizens. This type of participation can combine information preferences with pressure
and more likely to be relevant to outcomes of a somewhat collective nature, though the
outcome may affect a particular group in the society rather than the entire community.58
Political participation applies to all political actions of individuals. In ancient
Athens, direct participation in the political affairs of the city was deemed to be the essence of
56 Ibid. p. 70 57 Ibid. p. 71 58 Ibid.
democracy. However even though informed participation is desirable, it is not a necessary
condition of democracy. Today, with states forming ever larger units encompassing millions
of people, democracy and direct public participation in decision-making are not inextricably
bound.59
Nonparticipation is not necessarily in indication of alienation, nor is it necessarily a
bad thing. It could indicate hostility or indifference, but it might also mean satisfaction and
consent with the way elected, responsible politicians are carrying out their tasks. What is
important is that democracies provide opportunities for participation, so that when
individuals or groups feel strongly about an issue, they are free to generate political activity,
mobilize people, and actively promote their interests.60
Analytical Framework
This study made use of the concept of group, interest group and political
participation in analyzing the activities of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
(PGBI) as an interest and pressure group in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Figure 1 provided a
schematic diagram on the analytical framework of the study.
According to Latham‘s group theory, groups in the community such as Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) has their own goals, objectives and interests
that are common to all its members and it wishes to achieve. Its primary objective is to
provide goods to all its members. PGBI is a non-stock and non-sectarian organization which
main objective is to ―unite, develop and maintain camaraderie among its members for the
betterment and more effectively address matters of their common interests, concerns, and
59 Jackson, Robert and Jackson Doreen. “A Comparative Introduction to Political Science”.
Prentice Hall Inc.. 1997. P.110 60 Ibid., P. 110.
with the view of achieving sustainable development for the Filipino communities as a non-
government organization dedicated in pursuit of peace and prosperity for all Filipinos.‖61
The primary function of these groups is to provide goods that are common to all its
members. Satisfaction in the fulfillment of the purposes of the group is an element in keeping
the group strong and intact. The study used the concept of interest group in examining PGBI
as an interest group. According to Almond and Powell, associational interest groups are
formed explicitly to represent the interest of a particular. As shown in the Figure 1, aside
from the common group interest of PGBI, its main objectives are for the betterment of the
community and the people; the group‘s activities involves that is meant to ―protect the rights
of the civilian.‖ This concept is also used in looking into the relationship of PGBI with the
local politics in Prosperidad and how it interacts and directs it demand to the local
government. The participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as
an interest group as well as a pressure group in the local politics in Prosperidad may be
regarded as the group‘s action for the advancement of its member‘s interests and demands.
The study used the concepts of voting and campaign activity in looking at the
political participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) during the
2010 Local Elections. Janda, Berry and Goldman views interest groups as vehicles of
political participation when its members pool their resources together. Conventional political
participation, according to Janda, Berry and Goldman, can be defined as those voluntary
activities like voting and working in campaign during elections
Voting is the most frequent citizen‘s activity during elections however it is a
restricted from of participation since citizens have the opportunity to cast their vote only at a
61 Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI), Constitution and By-Laws
particular time to engage, in by a majority, in every democratic country. 62
Campaigning for a
particular candidate is a way to display support that may lead the candidate to victory.
According to Nie and Verba, campaign activities can range from participating in gatherings
for a political candidate, or distributing leaflets of a candidate, attend political meetings,
contribute money, or simply persuading others to vote. In this way, citizens can increase
their influence over the election outcome beyond one allocated time. In the diagram, it is
shown that PGBI may have used its available resources in influencing the outcome of the
elections.
62 Ibid.
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram showing the Analytical Framework
Legend:
Activities of PGBI within the organization
Activities of PGBI in relation to the community
Activities of PGBI during the 2010 local elections in Prosperidad
PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD
INCORPORATED (PGBI)
2010 LOCAL ELECTIONS
- Supporting Candidates
human resources
financial resources
material resources
non-material resources
Within PGBI
- Cooperation between and
among members for
mutual benefits
- Financial and material
assistance to any
members in need
- Collective leadership,
decision, action and
responsibility
- Abide by the Law of the
Land
PGBI in relation to the
Community
- Service to the community
- Establishment of better
society
- Ensure peace and order,
justice and freedom of
people
- Helps against insurgents
Definition of Terms
To ensure understanding of the concepts used in this study, the following terms are
defined conceptually and operationally.
Campaign Activity - The term refers to the organized effort during the electoral process
conducted by a person or groups that were designed to influence the selection of
candidates.63
Campaign activity can range from participating in gatherings for a political
candidate, or distributing leaflets of a candidate, attend political meetings, contribute money,
or simply persuading others to vote.64
Election – It refers to the means by which the people choose their officials for a definite and
fix periods of time and to who they entrust, for the time being, as their representatives in the
exercise of power of the government.65
The term refers to a form of procedure, recognized by
the rules of an organization, whereby all or some of the members of the organization choose
a smaller number of persons or one person to hold office of authority in the organization.66
Interest group - The term means an organized association which engage in activity relative
to government decisions and the characteristic which implicitly distinguishes an interest
group from other kinds of groups is the organization‘s concern for and activity regarding
63 Kenneth Janda, Jeffrey Berry and Jing Goldman. The Challenge of Democracy. (USA:
Hougston Miffler Company, 1997) 64 Ibid. 65 Hector S. De Leon. Textbook on the Philippine Constitution. (Quezon City: Rex’s Printing
Company, 1989), p. 175 66 Mackenzie, W.J.M. “Election: Functions of Elections” cited in David L. Sills, ed. International
Encyclopedia of Social Sciences. Vol.5. (London: Macmillan Company and the Free Press, 1986)p.2.
some ,issue involving government.67
In this study, it refers to Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) in Prosperidad.
Political Activities -
Political Participation – The term refers to those acts that aim at influencing the government
by affecting either the selection of government personnel or the choice made by the
government personnel.68
In this study, it refers to those voluntary activities like voting and
working in campaign activity by PGBI members.
Voting – It refers to the method and a mode of participation for a group such as a meeting or
an electorate to make a decision or express an opinion. In this study it refers to the voting in
the 2010 Local Elections in Prosperidad.
67 Ibid. P 175 68 Ibid. P 1-74
CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
This chapter presents some foreign and local literature which are relevant to the
development of interest groups and their participation in political processes.
Interest Group Theories
The formation of interest groups can be traced back by Arthur Bentley and his group
interpretation of politics. Bentley asserted that all political activity consists in various groups
pursuing one another, forming one another and pushing out new groups to mediate the
adjustments. Building on the work of Gumplowicz and Simmel, he noted that groups are not
static and immutable but rather malleable and ever-changing. He believed that groups, not
individuals, are the primary causal force in society and that they are responses made by
similar persons. Like Bentley, Truman believed that all interest groups arose more or less in
responses to a shared political or economic frustration.69
Bentley and Truman‘s works
became the basis of today‘s interest group pluralism—the belief that democracy is a
marketplace for competing points of views and the government is the final arbiter of those
competing views.
Mancur Olson argued that special interest groups accumulate in greater numbers in
stable societies with freedom to organize and that political instability interrupts group
formation. He believed that group formation accompanies economic development and as
societies become wealthier and their economic structure advances, the group‘s organizational
69 LaVaque-Manty, Mika. “Bentley, Truman and the Study of Groups.” Annual Review of
Political Science, 2006. P.1-18
level should also increase. The reason is that the overall well- being of a society with higher
marginal productivity creates more productive ground from redistributive politics and thus
stimulates group formation. Furthermore, Olson suggests that stability constitutes the absence
of upheaval that alters the fundamental institutional structures within which groups operate.70
In his study of interest group formation, Murell examines why interest group
activity varies between jurisdictions. The groups in his study represent for-profit industries
and uses international data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OEDC) to test 11 hypotheses regarding interest group formation. He finds the
population, the degree of government decentralization, and the length of time that a
democratic economic system existed to be determinants of interest group formation.
Furthermore, his findings support Olson‘s hypothesis that more groups form in stable
environments characterized by freedom to organize.71
Becker, on the other hand, explores the effects of competition among interest groups
for influence. He contends that competition among interest groups is welfare enhancing in
that it leads to a minimization of dead weight cost to society.72
In Frieden‘s analysis of Latin
American Economic Reforms which concentrates on the politics of interest group influence,
he argued that economic interest groups exerted more pressure on policymakers in direct
proportion to what they had to gain or lose from policy and to the ease with which they could
70 Olson, Mancur. “The Rise and Decline of Nations: the Political Economy of Economic
Growth, Stagflation, and Social Rigidities” . Yale University Press. New Haven, 1982. 71 Murell, Peter. “An Examination of the Factors Affecting the Formation of Interest Groups
in OECD Countries”. Public Choice Vol.43, Issue No. 2 P.151- 171 72 Becker, G. S.“A Theory of Competition among Pressure Groups for Political Influence”.
Quarterly Journal of Economics Vol.98,No.3. 1983 P.371 -400
mobilize. He suggests that the organizational capacity of interest groups is directly
proportional to their asset specificity and concentration.73
Foreign Studies
In Jeffrey Berry, Kent E. Portney, Robin Liss, Jessica Simoncelli and Lisa Berger‘s
study determined whether city politics fit with the interest group theory and they have also
showed the interaction between policymakers and interest groups. Their study showed that
the interest group‘s role in city politics has grown over time; and government officials
operate in a web of many relationships with many different groups—the government officials
that they needed to work with these groups if they are to get their functions done. This
suggests a collaborative policymaking in the city between interest groups and policymakers
wherein citizen participation requirements in the cities are, opportunities for interest groups,
not individual citizens.74
However, it is also shown in this study that larger economic actors
with enormous sums at stake are actively pushing for government positions.
The study done Vineeta Yadav shows that interest groups display different lobbying
patterns across political systems as a result of variation in institutional incentive structures
and voter preferences of parties or candidates. The study compared interest groups in
developing countries specifically Brazil and India. The result of the study shows that interest
groups make parties, not individual politicians, the target of their lobbying strategies which
creates stronger parties and policy that is less led by interest groups. In Brazil, on the other
73 Frieden, J.A. “Debt, Development and Democracy: Modern Political Economy and Latin
America, 1965- 1985.” Princeton University Press. New Jersey, 1991. 74 Berry, Jeffery. Portney, Kent. Liss, Robin. Simoncelli, Jessica and Berger, Lisa. “Power and
Interest Groups in City Politics”. Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston. Tufts University, December 2006.
hand, interest groups lobbies target individual candidates with the exact choice candidate
being a function of personal attributes. The authority of parties over members is further
undermined by the behavior of interest groups and a policy decision is relatively highly
influenced by interest groups.75
Austin Ranney‘s observation about the American election and campaign process
asserts that the best way for a political candidate to win or influence the outcome of the
election is to form a ―Political Action Committee‖.76
A political action committee (PAC) is
―any organization that is not directly affiliated with a particular party or candidate that spends
money to influence the outcome of the elections.‖77
In Texas, for example, political
candidates have no limits on how much a PAC can contribute to a particular candidate during
state election. At times candidates and parties are criticized for taking large contributions, but
campaigns are expensive, and candidates usually readily welcome large contributions to their
campaign coffers regardless of any negative perceptions.78
These PACs usually support candidates, both the republican and democratic parties,
who are sympathetic to the particular policy preference of the PAC. However, Vogler
asserted that the participation of the PACs during election led to one negative effect—the
domination of interest groups in Congress leading to the paralysis of the Congress as
Congressmen tend to pass laws that bring benefits to groups that supported them during
75 Vineeta Yadav. “Interest Group Dynamic in Developing Countries: An Empirical Comparison
of Brazil and India”. Yale University, October 2005. 76 Austin Ranney. “Politics in the United States,” in Gabriel Almond and G. Bingham Powell.,
eds. Comparative Politics Today: A World View. Harper Collins College Publishers. New York, 1996. P. 784- 824
77 Ibid. 78 “Political Parties, Campaigns, Elections and interest Groups in Texas. Government in Texas”.
P. 715-746
elections.79
Like in the United States, European groups taking part in campaign periods also
tend to support candidates and parties that support in turn their interests. Gallagher states that
major interest groups are one of the sources of the party‘s campaign funds to fight election
campaigns in European party politics. These major interest groups support political
candidates whose policies they think will help and favor them.80
Interest groups hope that
their chosen parties get into the government and in turn, implement policies broadly
sympathetic to the needs of the interest groups. 81
Eleanor Main, Lee Epstein and Debra Elovich‘s article focuses on the relationship
of government officials and interest groups in Georgia that showed the symbiotic relationship
between business interest groups and government officials wherein the latter depends on
business groups to foster and even implement their policies, to provide technical assistance,
to act as symbol of Georgia‘s prosperity and contribute to their campaign. In turn,
government officials formulate policies that would not hinder business affairs. Main, Epstein
and Elovich described the relationship of interest groups and government officials as a
facilitating one.82
79 Vogler, David J. “The Politics of Congress”. Allyn and Bacon Inc. USA, 1983. P.256 80 Gallagher, Michel. Laver, Michel and Mair, Peter. “Representative Government in Modern
Europe”. McGraw Hill Inc. USA, 1995. P.260 81 Ibid. 82 Main, Eleanor. Epstein, Lee and Elovich, Debra. “Georgia: Business as Usual” in Ronald J.
Hrebenar and Clive S. Thomas. Interest Group Politics in Southern States. The University of Alabama Press.
Local Literature
In the Philippine, elections have historically served to legitimatize the government
and perpetuate elite rule. According to de Quiros, ―elections were the ‗equilibrating‘
mechanism, although their ability to equilibrate society under the combined weight of mass
restiveness and competing claims to power by various power blocs would diminish in
time‘.83
What has been used in analyzing Filipino electoral and party politics has been to
view power relations within the context of the patron- client factional (PCF) framework
which was popularized by Carl Lande. The PCF posited that social relations in the
Philippines are not structured by organized interest groups or individuals who perceive
themselves to be part of a specific social class as in Western democracies. What exists is a
network of mutual aid and relationships between pairs of individuals that he called ‗dyadic
ties.‘ The dyadic ties present in Philippine politics are vertical and unequal, binding
prosperous patrons who dispense material goods and services to dependent clients who
recompense with their support and loyalty.84
Related to this idea on how Philippine politics works is the discussion of David
Wurfel that also deals with the role of the patron-client relation together with the ―utang na
loob" as a pattern of mutual trusts and obligation. According to Wurfel, ―utang na loob" or
debt of gratitude motivates individuals or groups to repay favors at personal costs. ―Utang na
loob” is where the patrons provide wide range of services for their tenants or clients under
83 De Quiros, C., “Guns, Goons and Government: Pre- Martial Law Politics and Election” in
Coronel, S.S and Kalaw- Tirol, L., eds. 1992 and Beyond: Forces and Issues in Philippine Elections. (Quezon city: Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism and Ateneo Center for Social Policy and Public Affairs) 1992
84 Lande, C.H. 1965. Leaders, Factions and Parties: The Structure of Philippine Politics. (New Haven: Yale University) Southeast Asia Monograph No. 6.
the pretext of protection and material welfare. Tenants in turn, express their loyalty to their
patrons in terms of political support and personal services like voting during elections or
working as campaigners. In Philippine tradition, anyone who fails to repay favors is “walang
hiya” or without shame. This kind of relationship usually lasts a lifetime and this pattern and
seems to be dominant in rural towns and villages.85
In Agpalo‘s work about politics in Occidental Mindoro shows how manipulative
politics can be and how it dominates the political processes. Most of the people or groups in
the political system have requests and demands, usually in the form of jobs or some material
things, the political elite answers such demands and requests with the aim of soliciting
sympathy and support of the people and groups. When the desire and the wishes of the
people are granted by politicians, they usually return the favor in terms of vote or political
support. Therefore, political elites grant requests and demands in order for them to maintain
their hold of political power.86
The study done by Anonas about the electability of Camilo Cabili from 1963 to
1991 gives insights about roles played by liders during elections as well as factors that
motivated these liders in supporting certain politicians. His study showed that a group called
Bando ni Cabili (Group of Cabili) performed several supporting campaign roles in the
elections of Camilo Cabili from 1963 to 1991. According to the study, the patronage of the
liders was due to benefits given to them by Cabili and because of the ―utang na loob", they
are expected to repay the favor during elections by voting, campaigning and other activities
85 Wurfel, David. “Filipino Politics Development and Decay”. Ateneo de Manila Univeristy.
Quezon City, 1988. P. 34-35 86 Agpalo, Remigio. “Pandanggo sa Ilaw: The Politics of Occidental Mindoro”. in Remigio
Agpalo, ed. Adventures in Political Science. University of the Philippines Press. Quezon City, 1992. P 85-112
that would ensure the victory of Cabili.87
In addition, the study of Metante, also reveals the
important role played by the liders who work in planning in campaign strategy, holding
meeting, allocating monetary assistance, distributing campaign paraphernalia and mobilizing
voters in affecting the outcome of the election and ensuring the victory of candidates from
Local Laban Demokratikong Pilipinas Party during the 2001 election in Prosperidad, Agusan
del Sur.88
This implies that member of a group or organization can play important roles
during elections by supporting and ensuring the victory of a certain political candidate.
Another work that is related to this study is the study done by Lozada regarding the
elections of Amerosing Onsing in the 1988 -1997 Elections in Lingig, Surigao del Sur. it
shoes that political clans help Onsing in ensuring his victory in every mayoralty election. His
[Onsing] family members and relatives supported him through campaigning and the actual
delivery of votes. He courted and was able to gain the support of other prominent families
and political clans which contributed to Onsing‘s victory.89
Another study that confirms that group participation can play important roles during
election is the study of Macadatar. Her study reveals that three different groups; Organization
sa Saguiaran o mga Barangay or OSBA, the local based MNLF group and the ALLIDE;
actively participated to ensure the re- election of former MNLF Commander Casan Capal
87 Anonas, Samuel. “A Study of Six Mayoralty Election in Iligan City: The Electability of Camilo
CAbili (1959- 1991)”.(M.A. Thesis. Diliman, Quezon City: University Of the Philippines, 1993) p. 100 88 Metante, Karen Grace. “Factors Affecting the Landslide Victory of Local Laban
Demokratitkong Pilipinas Party Candidates During the 2001 Election in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur”. (MSU- Main, Undergraduate Thesis, 2004), p.89
89 Lozada, Michael. “A Study of Three Mayoralty Election in the Municipality of Lingig, Surigao Del Sur: The Electability of Amerosing V. Onsing (1988- 1997)”.(MSU: Undergraduate Thesis, 1997) p. 113
during the 1995 Municipal Elections at Saguiran, Lanao del Sur. These groups contributed
material and non- material resources to help Capal in his political career.90
90 Macadatar, Suhayla. “A Study on the election of Former MNLF Commander Casan Capal
(Kumander Posao) in the 1995 Mayoralty Contest in the Municipality of Saguiran, Lanao del Sur”. (Undergraduate Thesis, Mindanao State University, 2001) p. 81
CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY
This chapter is composed of six parts namely; the research design, locale of the
study, respondents, research instrument, sampling procedures, and the statistical treatment.
Research Design
This study was a qualitative-descriptive type of research that employed survey and
interview methods in gathering data. This attempts to describe and explain the development
of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated as an interest group in Prosperidad,
Agusan del Sur.
Locale of the Study
This study was conducted in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The Municipality of
Prosperidad is the capital town of Agusan del Sur in Caraga Region. It has a total land area of
59, 836.14 hectares. It is composed of 32 barangays. Three of these barangays are classified
as Urban and the other 29 barangays are Rural.
Prior to the Spanish Colonial Period, a Manobo settlement thrived at the junction of
the Sianib and Gibong River. This settlement was known to the natives as Culilay. During
this period, the missionaries discovered the settlement and soon began the Christianization of
the Manobos. The native were given Christian names, the settlement was renamed from
Culilay to San Juan. At the start of the American Period, San Juan was again renamed Las
Navas but Las Navas was short lived as the place had another change of name—from Las
Navas to Prosperidad derived from the word ―Prospero‖ or ―progressive‖ as the place has
experience growth and prosperity during the time of American Governor who coined the
name which at to this day is the name of the municipality.91
The approval of Republic Act No. 2650 created the Municipality of Prosperidad in
Agusan del Sur. It is located in the northeastern part of the province of Agusan del Sur, part
of the newly created Region 13 known as the Caraga Region in Mindanao. There are thirty
two barangays in the municipality wherein these barangays are divided into four clusters: (1)
Along eastern part are Barangays New Maug, Azpetia, Los Arcos, San Lorenzo, Magsaysay,
Mabuhay, Libertad, Salimbogaon and San Martin. The four eastern barangays are traversed
by a secondary national highway bound to Lianga, Surigao del Sur, namely: New Maug,
Azpetia, Los Arcos and Magsaysay; (2) Along the western part are Barangays La Suerte, Las
Navas, Lucena, San Pedro, La Union, Napo, Aurora, San Vicente, San Roque and San
Rafael. The four western barangays are also traversed by a secondary national highway
bound to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; (3) Along Northern part of the municipality are
barangays Mapaga, Poblacion, Patin-ay, Salvacion and La Caridad. Barangays Poblacion,
Patin-ay and Salvacion are traversed by the Maharlika highway known as Butuan - Davao
Road; and (4) Along the southern part are Barangays Awa, San Salvador, Sta.Maria,
Sta.Irene, La Purisima, San Jose, San Joaquin and La Perian.The five barangays of the
southern part of the municipality is traversed by the Maharlika national highway.92
The Municipality now belong to the 1st Congressional District of the province and has
a projected population of 85, 680 comprising 14, 727 families under the present
administration visioning of an empowered people who are healthy, self-reliant, peace loving,
91 “Prosperidad.” http://www.prosperidad.gov.ph/index.php/for-visitors/local-heritage 92 Ibid.
and God fearing, living in a sustainable, progressive and ecologically balanced, agri-
industrial and trade center municipality.
Respondents
This study had two (2) sets of respondents. The first set was composed of the PGBI
members from Prosperidad. There were 100 respondents from the five (5) barangays of
which, 20 respondents were taken from each barangay. Of the 100 respondents, 86% were
males and 14% were females. Majority of them were 36-44 years of age (38%), 31% were
27-35 years old, 23% were 45-53 years old, 6% were 18-26 years, lastly, 2% were 54 years
old and above. (See Appendix for more data about the Socio-demographic profile of the
respondents.)
The second set was the eight (8) key informants who are all PGBI members from
Prosperidad. The people who agreed to be interviewed and who shared information relevant
to this study were the following: 5 Chapter Leaders / Founders each from the five (5)
barangays, 1 Sangguniang BayanMember and the Municipal Mayor.
Sampling Procedure
This study employed purposive sampling procedure in determining the barangays to
be surveyed. The five barangays were selected from the 32 barangays of Prosperidad using
the following criteria:
1. comprises the majority number of population of the PGBI
2. there is a known participation of PGBI during the 2010 Local election
3. accessible to the researcher.
For the first set of respondents, quota sampling was used in order to determine the
total number of respondents. The respondents were composed of 100 Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) members who were selected coming from the five
barangays of Poblacion, Patin-ay, La Caridad, Salvacion and Sta. Maria in Prosperidad.
Twenty (20) respondents in each of the five barangays were chosen through selective
sampling procedure. The only criterion used in choosing the respondents is that they should
be a member of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated.
In choosing the second set of respondents—the key informants, this study also
employed selective sampling procedure as the respondents are not just ordinary members of
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) in Prosperidad. The criteria in
choosing the respondents are the following:
1. Personal knowledge about the activities (within the organization and in
relation to the local politics in the municipality) of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated in Prosperidad.
2. They should be Chapter Leader/ Chapter Founder or a Local Politician-
Member in Prosperidad.
Research Instrument
The study used a questionnaire for the first set of respondents. The questionnaire
provided a list of ‗recognition-type‖ of questions in which the respondent checked the best
answer among the given choices for each question. The questionnaire was divided into four
parts: the respondent‘s profile, respondent‘s personal knowledge about Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI), PGBI‘s organizational and leadership structure, and the
political activities and the level of participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI).
An interview schedule was also utilized in getting relevant information from the key
informants. The information obtained from their responses either confirmed or denied the
data gathered from the questionnaires.
Treatment of Data
The statistical tools used in the treatment of data are the frequency count and
percentage distribution. Responses were converted into percentage using the formula:
Where: n = is the number of respondents‘ answer on specific question
N = total number of respondents
CHAPTER IV
THE PHILIPPINE GUARDIANS BROTHERHOOD INCORPORATED (PGBI) IN
PROSPERIDAD, AGUSAN DEL SUR
This chapter discusses the data on the nature of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated as a group in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The discussion is divided into four
parts; the historical development of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in
Prosperidad as well as its nature as a group, the organizational structure as well as the
leadership style of PGBI, the relation of PGBI with the local politics in municipality, lastly,
the political activities of PGBI during the 2010 elections in Prosperidad and the level of their
participation. The discussion of findings is focused on the over-all responses of the
respondents on the tabular data and supplemented by the information by the key informants
of this study.
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI)
The original name of this Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) is
Diablo Squad (Crime Buster) which was conceived in Sitio Kidama, Parang, Maguindanao
(now Cotabato) in the year 1976. The Diablo word is an acronym whose literal meaning
states that D- stands for Dauntless, I- Indigenous, A- Advocator, B- Banner, L- Liberty and O
– Oneness. When translated in Tagalog version, it states ―Mga matatapang at matapat na
tagapagtanggol ng watawat, kalayaan at pagkakaisa.‖93
The original organizer of Diablo Squad is Constable 1st Class (CIC) Leborio
Malabon Jangao Jr. who is now a field grade officer of the Philippine National Police. In
November 1984, Diablo Squad was disbanded on orders of General Fabian Ver, the Chief of
93 “Guardian’s History” available at http://guardians-kawit.tripod.com/history/history.htm
Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In the later part of 1984, however, Diablo
Squad was reactivated but with a new name—Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated. The
change of name was agreed by the policy-making body of the organization.94
The National Central Committee was headed by Master Founder Godfather Leborio
―Abraham‖ Jangao Jr. and the members were the originals of Diablo Squad, the Crime Buster
in 1976 and 1980 as well as the founding incorporators of the Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated of 1984. After 1984, Guardians Brotherhood was factionalized. There were 22
factions all over the country. In view of this, the original members of the Diablo Squad
Crime Busters led by MFGF Abraham and all founders of Guardians nationwide in a general
assembly in Metro Manila on March 1999 agreed to form the Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as the umbrella organization in order to unify all
Guardians in the country and abroad.95
According to the PGBI Constitution and By- Laws, the word ―Guardians‖ represents
the following; G- Gentlemen, U- united, A- Associates, R- Race, D- Dauntless, I- Ingenuous,
A- Advocators, N- Nation and S- Society which means ―Gentlemen and United Associates of
the Filipino Race; Dauntless and Ingenuous Advocators for the Nation and Society.‖ Today,
the appointed National Chairman/ President of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) is Sen. Gregorio Honasan.96
The Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) is a non- stock and non-
sectarian organization. The core and main objective of the organization is to unite, develop
and maintain camaraderie among its members for the betterment and more effectively
address matters of their common interest and concerns, and with the view of achieving
94 Ibid. 95
Ibid 96 Ibid
sustainable development for the Filipino communities as a non- government organization
dedicated in pursuit of peace and prosperity for all Filipinos.97
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated was founded in Prosperidad on 2004
by three (3) military personnel and three (3) civilians who are already members of the
organization. These six founders are Master Sergeant Precilo Abragan, Technical Sergeant
Ramon Cebullen, Staff Sergeant Viginia, Tercito Ruedas, Iluminado Albinda and Julieto Al-
ag. They have founded the first chapter—Prosperity Chapter of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood in Patin-ay, Prosperidad beginning with 46 members. Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated PGBI spread out from Patin-ay to Poblacion, La Caridad,
Salvacion and other 20 barangays in Prosperidad.98
Entrance to Politics
The Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur
did not originally start as a political interest group. The organization is a non- partisan group
where every political view and stand of each member is respected. Interviews with the key
informants reveal that the organization had no bearing or control over the political decisions
of its members. ―Ang PGBI nga grupo, ang panlantaw jud ana nga brotherhood para sa
community involvement. Pero ang uban musolod sa PGBI kay naa ambisyon musolod as
politiko (PGBI is a brotherhood that aims for community involvement. However, some join
PGBI because they have ambition in entering into politics) according to one key informant.
Initially, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad has no extensive
involvement in political affairs such as in campaign activities during elections.
97
“Our Story”, available at http://guardiansonline.ney/story/ 98
From the Interview of one of the key informants
However, PGBI‘s involvement in politics in Prosperidad was changed in 2007 when
Mayor Alvin Magdamit, who was still a Sanguniang Bayan Member at that time, joined the
organization. Magdamit informally established good relations with PGBI members. During
informal talks and meetings of PGBI, Magdamit brought out the matter if it is possible to
have the support of PGBI if he were to run as the Mayor of Prosperidad. The leaders of the
PGBI expressed their personal support for the candidacy of the Magdamit, however, they did
not promised that the full support of the organization since they do not have control over the
political views and decision of the members. The news of Magdamit‘s desire to run as a
Mayor spread throughout the members of PGBI, most of the members expressed their
voluntary support to their brother saying that ‗a brother will always be a brother‘ and that
they respect the group‘s motto ―Walang iwanan‖. Most of the key informants asserted that
their support is voluntary and they did not force any member to support Magdamit‘s
candidacy. For the first time, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad
participated in a political activity when it decided to support the candidacy of Mayor
Magdamit thus, becoming a political interest group. Detailed discussion of the participation
of PGBI in Prosperidad during the 2010 Elections is tackled below.
Based on multiple responses, Table 1 shows that majority of the respondents from La
Caridad, Patin-ay, Poblacion, Salvacion and Sta. Maria with 96 percent viewed Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as an ―association of brotherhood/sisterhood
and charity‖, only 3 percent of the respondents viewed PGBI as ―non- governmental
organization‖. No one from the respondents viewed PGBI as a ―political organization‖ and a
―religious group‖ while only 1 percent abstained from answering.
Table 1
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated as an Organization
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were asked about their perception of the objectives of the Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad. Based on multiple responses, Table 2
shows that majority of the respondents or 78 percent viewed that PGBI‘s primary objective is
to ―promote unity in the country‖ with 19 or 95 percent responses from La Caridad, while
Poblacion, Salvacion and Sta. Maria has 18 or 90 percent and Patin-ay has 5 or 25 percent.
Fifteen percent of the respondents answered ―to serve God and country‖, next is ―to promote
Views Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Association
of
Brotherhood/
Sisterhood
and Charity
18 90 18 90 20 100 20 100 20 100 96 96
Non-
governmental
Organization
2 10 1 5 3 3
Did not
Answer
--- --- 1 5 --- --- --- --- --- --- 1 1
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
camaraderie among members‖ and ―to uplift the moral standards of the members‖ with 5
percent and 2 percent, respectively.
According to one key informant,
―It‘s an ideal organization for as I view it as an organization
na wala magtan-aw, it does not look into financial compensations,
but it‘s the organization that‘s more of services, extending voluntary
services to the community.‖
Table 2
Objectives of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
*based on multiple responses
When the respondents were asked about their views as to the organizational structure
of PGBI, Table 3 shows that majority of the respondents or 84 percent answered ―Organic
Structure‖ with 19 or 95 percent responses from La Caridad and Salvacion, 17 or 85 percent
responses from Poblacion and Sta. Maria and 12 or 60 percent responses from Patin-ay; 5
Objectives Barangays Total
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
To promote
unity in the
country
19 95 5 25 18 90 18 90 18 90 78 78
To serve
God and
countrymen
1 5 11 55 2 10 1 5 15 15
To promote
camaraderie
among the
members
2 10 1 5 2 10 5 5
To uplift
the moral
standards of
the member
2 10 2 2
Total 20 100 20 100 20 100 20 100 20 100 100 100
percent of the respondents answered ―Hierarchical Structure‖, 1 percent answered
―Patriarchal Structure‖ while 10 percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
Table 3
Organizational Structure of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were asked regarding what are the criteria or qualifications in
admitting new members in PGBI. Based on multiple responses, Table 4 indicates that
majority of the respondents which is 58 or43.94 percent answered that one of the
qualification to be admitted in PGBI is that ―new members should not have any criminal
records‖ with 14 or 45.16 percent responses from La Caridad, 10 or 47.61 percent responses
from Patin-ay, 10 or 37.04 percent responses from Poblacion, 13 or 41.93 percent responses
from Salvacion and 11 or 50 percent responses from Sta. Maria. Thirty-five or 26.52 percent
of the respondents answered ―educational attainment of at least high school graduate‖; while
―medical certificate‖, ―someone with no personal interest for the group‖ and ―lecture‖ all got
3.03 percent responses from the respondents.
Organizational
structure
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Organic
structure
19 95 12 60 17 85 19 95 17 85 84 84
Hierarchical
structure
1 5 1 5 3 15 5 5
Patriarchal
structure
1 5 1 1
No Answer 1 5 7 35 1 5 1 5 10 10
Total 20 20 20 20 20
100 100
Table 4
Qualifications/Criteria in Admitting New Members
*based on multiple responses
The respondent‘s view on the processes and rituals that new members must undergo
are shown in Table 5. Based on the multiple responses, majority of the respondents or 30
(26.10 percent) responded that new members must pay the ―membership fee‖ with 11 or
47.83 percent responses from La Caridad, 5 or 22.73 percent from Poblacion, 10 or 45.45
percent from Salvacion and 4 or 17.39 percent from Sta. Maria; 19 or 16.52 percent answered
that they must attend the ―lecture/orientation‖; 17 or 14.78 percent responded that new
members must undergo ―exercises and physical fitness test‖; 12 or 10.43 percent answered
―Guardian Wine and marking‖ while 2.61 percent responded that they must ―submit their
names to the high officials‖ of PGBI, on the other hand, 31 or 26.96 percent abstained from
answering.
Qualifications Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
No criminal
records
14 45.16 10 47.61 10 37.04 13 41.93 11 50 58 43.94
Educational
Attainment
13 41.94 1 4.76 7 25.93 11 35.48 3 13.64 35 26.52
Medical
certificate
1 3.23 1 4.76 1 3.70 1 3.23 4 3.03
Someone with
no personal
interest only
for the group
1 4.76 3 11.11 4 3.03
Lecture 3 9.68 1 3.23 4 3.03
Exercises 1 4.76 1 0.76
Did Not
Answer
7 33.33 6 22.22 5 16.13 8 36.36 26 19.70
Total 31 23.48 21 15.90 27 20.45 31 23.48 22 16.67 132 100
According to one of the key informants;
―…dapat wala kay criminal record dayon kining naa kay time
magahin para ana nga grupoha. …Naay mga ritwal, kanang ginatawag
namo nga orientation, dayon kung makapasar ka sa mga
interviewsdayon naa mi ginatawag kibali nga final namo kining
ginatawag namo ug Guardian wine. Naa pud mga exercises ug mga
psychological test pero walay dapat o hazing. (You should not have
criminal records and you should have time for that group. There are
rituals like the one we call orientation, then if you pass the interviews
we have this final test with the one we call Guardian Wine. There are
also exercises and psychological test but there’s no hazing involved.)‖
According to the Constitution and By-Laws of PGBI, application for membership
must be made in writing in an official form and applicants will only be considered as PGBI
member after passing the 5 stages of membership that are the following: first, the application
wherein the applicant must be endorsed by a member or known as sponsor and the name of
the applicant shall be submitted to the Screening Committee of the local chapter for
examination and approval. Second, is the background investigation wherein the background
of the applicant has been thoroughly investigated to ensure that the he/she will not be a
liability to the organization. As part of this stage, the applicant is required to present a police
clearance from his/her place or residence. Third is the presentation of applicant. The
applicant who passed the first two stages must be presented to all the members during a
scheduled monthly meeting. During this stage the applicant must state his/her reasons for
joining the organization. If there is no objection from the members, the applicant will be
immediately scheduled for the fourth stage which is the seminar/lecture. In this stage, the
applicant will undergo an indoctrination seminar on the history, objectives and ideals of the
organization. After all these, the applicant will be recognized as a member.99
Table 5
Processes that New Members Undergo
*based on multiple responses
Obligations of a PGBI member are shown in Table 6. Based on the multiple
responses, majority of the respondents or 26.75 percent said that they should ―Pay the fees
imposed by the organization‖ with 19 or 30.16 percent responses from La Caridad, 19 or
28.79 percent responses from Poblacion, 19 or 27.94 percent responses from Sta. Maria, 19
99
PGBI Constitution and By- Laws
Processes Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Submit name
to the high
officials
2 8 1 4.55 3 2.61
Guardian
Wine and
Marking
1 4.35 5 20 3 13.64 2 9.10 1 4.35 12 10.43
Lecture/
Orientation
2 8.70 4 16 5 22.73 2 9.10 6 26.10 19 16.52
Exercises/
physical
fitness test
without
hazing
3 13.04 3 12 2 9.0 3 13.64 6 26.10 17 14.78
Membership
fee
11 47.83 5 22.73 10 45.45 4 17.39 30 26.10
Complete
paper
requirements
3 13.04 3 2.61
Did not
Answer
3 13.04 11 44 7 31.82 4 18.18 6 26.10 31 26.96
Total 23 20 25 21.74 22 19.13 22 19.13 23 20 115 100
or 27.54 responses from Salvacion and 12 or 19.05 percent responses from Patin-ay; it was
followed by ―Protect the organization‖ with 84 or 25.53 percent with 17 or 26.98 percent
from La Caridad, 11 or 17.046 percent from Patin-ay, 19 or 28.79 percent from Poblacion, 19
or 27.54 percent from Salvacion and 18 or 26.47 percent from Sta. Maria ; ―vote the
candidates supported by the organization‖ with 60 or 18.24 percent—15 or 23.81 percent
coming from La Caridad, 11 or 17.46 percent from Patin-ay, 9 or 13.64 percent from
Poblacion, 15 or 21.74 percent from Salvacion and 10 or 14.71 percent from Sta. maria.;
―attend gathering or assemblies‖ with 53 or 16.11 percent and lastly ―obey every decision
made by the higher authority in the organization‖ with 42 or 12.77 percent. Only 2 or 0.61
percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
According to the Constitution and By-Laws of PGBI, Article III Membership and
Affiliate Chapters, Section 26 Duties and Responsibilities of Member, that a member of
PGBI will have the following duties and responsibilities:
a. To obey and comply with the By- Laws, Rules and Regulations that may be
promulgated by the organization from time to time;
b. To pay membership dues and other assessments of the organization;
c. To file a complaint before the chapter officers or offices concerned depending on
the nature of the offenses committed.
Table 6
Obligations of a Member
*based on multiple responses
Table 7 shows the monthly contribution of a PGBI member. Based on multiple
responses, majority of the respondents or 37 (38.14 percent) said they pay P100 and P500, 15
or 15.46 percent said P30; P200 and ―depends on what was agreed‖ 1 or 1.03 percent. Six or
6.19 percent of the respondents abstained from answering. According to Article X Section 2
of the PGBI Constitution and By Laws, every member of the organization will have to pay at
Obligations Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta. Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Pay fees
imposed by
the
organization
19 30.16 12 19.05 19 28.79 19 27.54 19 27.94 88 26.75
Protect the
association
17 26.98 11 17.46 19 28.79 19 27.54 18 26.47 84 25.53
Vote the
candidates
supported by
the
organization
15 23.81 11 17.46 9 13.64 15 21.74 10 14.71 60 18.24
Attend
gatherings or
assemblies
6 9.52 16 25.40 10 15.15 9 13.04 12 17.65 53 16.11
Obey every
decision
made by the
higher
authority in
the
organization
6 9.52 11 17.46 9 13.64 7 10.14 9 13.24 42 12.77
Did not
Answer
2 3.17 2 0.61
Total 63 19.15 63 19.15 66 20.07 69 20.97 68 20.67 329 100
least P360.00 annual dues or P30.00 a month and a P150.00 membership fee while all local
chapters will have to pay annual affiliation fee of P500.00
Table 7
Monthly Contribution
Contributions Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
P500 11 55 8 44.44 10 50 8 42.11 37 38.14
P200 1 5 1 1.03
P100 7 35 13 65 5 27.78 7 35 5 26.32 37 38.14
Others
1. P30
2. Depends
on what
was agreed
1 5 3 15 4 22.22 1 5 6 31.58 15 15.46
1 5 1 1.03
Did not Answer 1 5 2 10 1 5.55 2 10 6 6.19
Total 20 20.62 20 20.62 18 18.56 20 20.62 19 15.59 97 100
*based on multiple responses
Table 8 shows the result when the respondents were asked if there are sanctions to
those who fail to comply with the obligations in the organization in Table 13, majority of the
respondents with 74 percent answered in the affirmative while 24 percent answered in the
negative. Five percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
Table 8
Whether or not Sanctions are Imposed to those who Fail to Comply with the
Obligations
RESPONSES Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 15 75 7 35 15 75 19 95 15 75 71 71
No 3 15 12 60 5 25 4 20 24 24
Did notAnswer 2 10 1 5 1 5 1 5 5 5
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
*based on multiple responses
Table 8.1 shows the sanctions imposed to those who fail to comply with obligations
in PGBI. Based on multiple responses, majority of the respondents which is 34 or 47.22
percent said ―penalty imposed by the authorities‖ with 13 or 86.67 percent responses from La
Caridad, 10 or 50 percent responses from Salvacion, 9 or 60 percent responses from
Poblacion and 2 or 13.33 percent responses from Poblacion; it was followed by ―suspension
of the member‖ with 8 or 11.11 percent responses from the respondents and lastly ―3
consecutive offense will have disciplinary actions‖ with 7 or 9.72 percent, on one hand, 23 or
31.94 percent of the respondents abstained from answering. According to the Constitution
and By-laws of PGBI, there is a Grievance Committee that deals with controversies between
any chapter, individual members and the national organization members with regards to
interpretation, application or compliance with any of the provisions of the PGBI Constitution
and policies.
Table 8.1
Sanctions for Failure to Comply
SANCTIONS Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Penalty imposed
by the authorities
13 86.67 9 60 10 50 2 13.33 34 47.22
Suspension to
the member
1 14.29 1 6.67 1 5 5 33.33 8 11.11
3 consecutive
offense—
disciplinary
actions
3 42.86 2 13.33 2 10 7 9.72
Did not Answer 2 13.33 3 42.86 3 20 7 35 8 53.33 23 31.94
Total 15 20.83 7 9.72 15 20.83 20 27.78 15 20.83 72 100
*based on multiple responses
In Table 9, majority of the respondents or85 percent answered ―Yes‖ when inquired
whether or not Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad has a close
relationship or link with the military, while 4 percent answered ―No and only 1 percent
abstained. Specifically, 18 or 90 percent of the respondents in La Caridad answered in the
affirmative while only 2 or 10 percent answered in the negative; 20 or 100 percent of the
respondents in Patin-ay answered in the affirmative; 19 or 95 percent of the respondents in
Poblacion answered in the affirmative while on 1 or 5 percent in the negative; 18 or 90
percent of the respondents in Salvacion answered 18 or 90 percent while only 5 percent
answered in the negative and only 5 percent abstained and lastly, 100 percent of the
respondents in Sta. Maria answered in affirmative.
Table 9
Whether or Not PGBI Established Close Relationship with the Military
*based on multiple responses
Table 10 reveals the responses from the respondents regarding their view of the
relationship between the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) and the
municipal government and other groups in Prosperidad. Based on multiple responses,
majority of the respondents or 77 percent answered that ―PGBI is tolerant and on good terms
[sometimes influential] to the municipal government and other groups‖ with 13 or 65 percent
RESPONSES Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 18 90 20 100 19 95 18 90 20 100 95 95
No 2 10 1 5 1 5 4 4
Did not Answer 1 5 1 1
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
responses from La Caridad, 11 or 65 percent responses from Patin-ay, 16 or 80 percent from
Poblacion, 19 or 95 percent responses from Salvacion and 18 or 90 percent responses from
Sta. Maria; 11 percent of them answered that ―PGBI claims universality and eliminates
competition‖ with other groups, 6 percent responded that ―PGBI avoids interaction with the
municipal government and other groups‖ and 1 percent answered that ―PGBI prefers
isolation‖, on one hand, 5 percent of the respondents abstained.
According to the key informants:
―The Guardians interact with the government and in fact
there is a close relationship, a close tie up with Guardians and
government units of Prosperidad. There is cooperation between the
government and the Guardians especially at times of disaster, the
Guardians are there and other municipal activities that speaking with
the spirit of voluntarism, we always call up the attention of the
Guardians here in Prosperidad.
―…maayo diri sa Prosperidad kay daghan ba sab mga
civic actions nga natabangan sa mga miyembro, unsay mga programa
sa lungsod sa Prosperidad, naa sab ang PGBI nga mutabang sab. (It is
good here in Prosperidad because there are many civic actions that the
members PGBI] have helped, whatever the program of the municipality
of Prosperidad, PGBI is there to help.)
Table 10
Relationship of PGBI with the Municipal Government and other Groups
*based on multiple responses
In Table 11, when respondents were asked whether they view Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated as having been established to help the military prevent insurgent
groups in Prosperidad, majority of them said ―No‖ with 57 percent, while 38 percent of the
respondents said ―Yes‖ with only 5 percent abstaining. Specifically, from La Caridad, only 4
or 20 percent answered ―Yes‖ while 14 or 70 percent answered ―No‖ and only 2 or 10
percent of the respondents abstained; from the respondents in Patin- ay, the percentage of the
respondents who answered ―yes‖ and ―no‖ are the same with 9 or 45 percent while the
remaining two or 10 percent abstained; majority of the respondents in Poblacion with 12 or
60 percent answered ―no‖ while 8 or 40 percent answered ―yes‖; in Salvacion 12 or 60
percent answered ―no‖ while 7 or 35 percent answered ―yes‖ and only 1 or 5 percent of the
Relations with
Municipal
Government and
other groups
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
PGBI is tolerant and
on good terms,
sometimes influential,
to other
groups/organization
13 65 11 55 16 80 19 95 18 90 77 77
PGBI claims
universality and
eliminates competition
5 25 2 10 2 10 2 10 11 11
PGBI avoids
interacting with other
groups
1 5 4 20 1 5 6 6
PGBI prefers isolation 1 5 1 1
Did not Answer 1 3 3 15 1 5 5 5
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
respondents abstained; and in Sta. Maria the percentage of the respondents who answered
―yes‖ is the same with those who answered ―no‖ with 10 or 50 percent.
One of the key informants stated:
―Naay dug-ol na relasyon ang Guardians sa militar, kay ang
gimbuhaton na haom sa mga Guardians, naa may ibahin-bahin sama
anang mga problema bitaw nga trabahoon sa mga sundalo military,
kay ang papel na mo diri kay ang paglantaw gyud sa palibut taman na
tag-iya sa barangay. …koordinado mi kay ang amo diri makatabang
kay for peace and order. (Guardians have a close relationship with
the military because the functions of Guardians are distributed like
the function of the military. Our function here is to oversee the
environment; we are coordinated because our work here is to help in
keeping peace and order.)‖
―basta pang militar nga trabaho, papel na mo ni labi na kung
nay mga bisita sa barangay, kami ang mubantay labi na kung
katingad-an. (If it’s military work, it is our job especially if there is a
newcomer in the barangay, we are the ones who will observe
especially if they are suspicious.)‖
However, the previous statement is contradicting at some point to what one of the
key informants had said:
―…duol mi sa military pero duol mi para naa mi mga weapons kay
mga volunteer man mi para peace and order pero dili tanan
miyembro, pinili ra. Ang purpose na mo dili para ibatok mi sa mga
walhon, wala mi ana. (We are close with military to have access with
the weapons because we are volunteers for peace and order, but not
all PGBI members, chosen members only. It is not our purpose to
fight the leftist.)‖
Table 11
Whether or Not PGBI Prevent Insurgent Groups in Prosperidad
*based on multiple responses
When asked if there are any Sub-heads assigned in each of the municipality or
barangays, majority of the respondents answered in the affirmative with 93 percent while 6
percent answered in the negative while only 1 percent of the respondents abstained from
answering. Respondents from La Caridad, Poblacion and Salvacion all answered in the
affirmative with 100 percent; in Patn-ay 15 or 75 percent answered ―Yes‖ while 5 or 25
percent answered ―No‖; and in Sta. Maria, 18 or 90 percent answered in the affirmative while
1 or 5 percent answered in the negative and 5 percent of the respondents abstained.
Table 12
Assignment of Sub- Heads
*based on multiple responses
RESPONSES Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 4 20 9 45 8 40 7 35 10 50 38 38
No 14 70 9 45 12 60 12 60 10 50 57 57
Did not Answer 2 10 2 10 1 5 5 5
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
RESPONSES Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 20 100 15 75 20 100 20 100 18 90 93 93
No 5 25 1 5 6 6
Did not Answer 1 5 1 1
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
Table 12.1 indicates the responses of the respondents on whether or not the sub-
heads are elected or appointed in PGBI. Based on multiple responses, majority of the
respondents with 62 or 66.67 percent answered that sub- heads are ―Elected‖ within PGBI,
19 or 20.43 percent answered that sub-heads are ―Appointed‖ while 12 or 12.90 percent of
the respondents abstained from answering. In La Caridad, of the 20 respondents, 16 or 80
percent answered ―Elected‖, 1 or 5 percent answered ―Appointed‖ and 3 or 15 percent
abstained. Of the 15 respondents who answered affirmative, 5 or 33.33 percent of them
answered that sub-heads are ―Elected‖ while 10 or 66.67 percent answered ―Appointed‖. In
Poblacion, 14 or 70 percent answered ―Elected‖, 3 or 15 percent answered ―Appointed‖ and
15 percent also abstained. In Salvacion, majority of the respondents with 18 or 90 percent
answered ―Elected‖ while only 2 of them abstained. Of the 18 respondents in Sta. Maria, 9 or
50 percent of the respondents answered ―Elected‖ while 5 or 27.78 percent answered
―Appointed‖ and 4 or 22.22 abstained.
Table 12.1
Whether or not Sub-heads are Elected or Appointed
*based on multiple responses
RESPONSES
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Elected 16 80 5 33.33 14 70 18 90 9 50 62 66.67
Appointed 1 5 10 66.67 3 15 5 27.78 19 20.43
No Answer 3 15 3 15 2 10 4 22.22 12 12.90
Total 20 21.51 15 16.13 20 21.51 20 21.51 18 19.35 93 100
Table 12.2 shows the titles of the PGBI sub- heads or officers assigned in each
barangays. Based on multiple respondents, majority of the respondents (54 or 31.95 percent)
answered ―Founder‖ with 16 or 38.10 percent responses from Patin-ay, 12 or 36.36 percent
responses from Poblacion, 16 or 34.78 percent responses from Salvacion and 10 or 37.04
percent responses from Sta. Maria. Thirty-eight or 22.49 percent of the respondents answered
―Ranking Magic Group‖, 31 or 18.34 percent answered ―Magic Group‖, 6 or 3.55 percent
answered ―Chapter President‖ while only 1 or 0.59 percent answered ―Godfather‖. Thirty-
nine or 23.10 percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
Article 3 Section 19 of the Constitution and By- Laws of PGBI classifies classes of
members in the organization. The highest official of PGBI is called the Grand Supremo
which may come from the Supreme Godfather, Supreme Godmother or the Ranking Magic
Group. The Supreme Godfather/Godmother is composed of commissioned officers of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) that are active and
with at least one [1] year of membership. The Ranking Magic Group (RMG) are those
selected civilian members who are professionals and/or respected leaders of the community
or organization who has rendered exemplary performance and with at least three [3] years
active membership coming from the ranks of the Magic Group. The Magic Group on the
other hand are those civilian members with an educational attainment of at least a high
school education or those who possess special skills and technical know- how who are
willing to render services to the organization. The Godfather/Godmother are those ranking
non-commissioned officers of the AFP/PNP/BFP/BJMP with an equivalent rank of Duty
Sergeant to Master Sergeant that are currently active and with at least one [1] year of active
membership. The title Founder, on one hand, is a recognition awarded to an active member
of PGBI of good standing and who have established or organized at least one [1] local
chapter duly recognized and/or affiliated with the Regional, Area and National Chapter. A
founder is qualified to vote, to be elected or appointed an officer of PGBI except at the level
of leadership wherein he stands as the adviser of the local chapter.
Table 12.2
Titles of the PGBI Officers
*based on multiple responses
When the respondents were inquired about how often PGBI conducts meetings, based
on multiple responses, 80 percent or the majority answered ―Once a Month‖ with 19 or 95
percent responses from La Caridad and Salvacio, 18 or 90 percent responses from Sta. Maria,
16 or 80 percent responses from Poblacion and 8 or 40 percent from Patin- ay; 13 percent
answered ―Twice a Month‖, both ―once a week‖ and ―twice a week‖ followed with only 1
percent and 5 percent respectively.
According to the Constitution and By- Laws of PGBI, Article VIII Section 1, that the
organization may conduct regular and special meetings; National, Area, Regional, City,
Titles of
Officers
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Founder 16 38.10 12 36.36 16 34.78 10 37.04 54 31.95
Ranking Magic
Group
11 26.20 1 4.76 7 21.21 14 30.43 5 18.52 38 22.49
Magic Group 10 23.81 6 18.18 11 23.91 4 14.81 31 18.34
Chapter
President
1 2.38 3 9.10 2 4.35 6 3.55
Godfather 1 4.76 1 0.59
Did not Answer 4 9.52 19 90.48 5 15.15 3 6.52 8 29.62 39 23.10
Total 42 24.85 21 12.43 33 19.53 46 27.22 27 15.98 169 100
Municipal, District and the Barangay councils will determine their regular meetings while
special meetings may be conducted upon the call of the President of the Chapter or upon the
written request of at least five members.
Table 13
Schedule of PGBI Meetings
*based on multiple responses
Respondents were inquired about the reasons for holding special meetings of PGBI
and the result is shown inTable 13.1. Based on multiple responses, 39 or 38.61 percent of the
respondents responded that the one of the most frequent reasons in holding special meetings
is ―problem within the group‖ with 10 or 47.62 percent responses from Salvacion, 10 or
45.45 percent responses from La Caridad, 8 or 42.11 responses from Sta. Maria, 7 or 36.84
responses from Poblacion, and 4 or 20 percent responses from Patin-ay. It is followed by
―urgent issues‖ and ―anniversary and other occasions‖ both with 9 or 8.91 percent responses;
―financial issue‖" with 5 or 4.95 percent responses; ―promote camaraderie within the group‖
had 2 or 1.98 percent responses and lastly ―national memorandum‖ with 1 or 0.99 percent
responses. Thirty-six or 35.64 percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
Meetings of the
group
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Once a month 19 95 8 40 16 80 19 95 18 90 80 80
Twice a month 1 5 9 45 3 15 13 13
Once a week 1 5 1 1
Twice a week 1 5 1 1
Did not Answer 2 10 1 5 1 5 1 5 5 5
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
Table 13.1
Reasons from Holding Special Meetings
*based on multiple responses
In Table 14, the respondents were asked regarding their view on the leadership style
in Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated. Based on multiple responses, 94 percent
or the majority answered that the leadership style in PGBI is ―democratic leadership‖ with 20
or 100 percent responses from Salvacion, 19 or 95 percent responses from Patin-ay and
Poblacion and 18 or 90 percent responses from La Caridad and Sta. Maria while 2 percent
answered ―charismatic leadership‖ with 1 or 5 percent responses from both La Caridad and
Poblacion. However, 4 percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
REASONS Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Problem within
the group
10 45.45 4 20 7 36.84 10 47.62 8 42.11 39 38.61
Urgent issues 6 30 1 5.26 2 9.52 9 8.91
Anniversary
and other
occasions
2 9.10 2 10.53 2 9.52 3 15.79 9 8.91
Financial
issues
1 4.55 1 5 3 14.29 5 4.95
Promote
camaraderie
1 5 1 5.26 2 1.98
National
memorandum
1 4.55 1 0.99
Did not
Answer
8 36.36 8 40 8 42.11 4 19.05 8 36 35.64
Total 22 21.78 20 19.80 19 18.81 21 20.79 19 18.81 101 100
Table 14
Leadership Style of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated
Leadership style Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Democratic
leadership
18 90 19 95 19 95 20 100 18 90 94 94
Charismatic
leadership
1 5 1 5 2 2
Did not Answer 1 5 1 5 2 10 4 4
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were asked about how PGBI makes decisions in Table 15. Based on
multiple responses, 65 percent or the majority answered ―consensual‖ with 19 or 95 percent
responses from Salvacion, 15 or 95 percent responses from La Caridad, 14 or 70 percent
responses from both Poblacion and Sta. Maria and 3 or 15 percent responses from Patin- ay
showing that decisions made within the organization are agreed on by the members; it was
followed by ―majority wins‖ which is 32 percent with 16 or 80 percent responses from Patin-
ay, 6 or 30 percent responses from Sta. Maria, 5 or 25 responses from both La Caridad and
Poblacion; and lastly, ―only the will of the few prevails‖ with only 1 percent. 2 percent of the
respondents abstained.
Table 15
Decision of PGBI
*based on multiple responses
Political Participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in
Prosperidad during the 2010 Local Elections
Table 16 shows the result of the question wherein respondents were inquired on
whether or not they have casted their vote during the 2010 Local Elections in Prosperidad.
Based on multiple responses, majority of the respondents or 92 percent answered in the
affirmative with 19 or 95 percent responses from La Caridad and Patin-ay and 18 or 90
percent responses from Poblacion, Salvacion, and Sta. Maria; 5 percent of the respondents
answered in the negative with 3 percent who abstained from answering the query. It shows
that majority of the respondents politically participated during the 2010 Local Elections in
Prosperidad through casting their votes.
Decision
making
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Consensual 15 75 3 15 14 70 19 95 14 70 65 65
Majority wins 5 25 16 80 5 25 6 30 32 32
Only the will of
the few prevails
1 5 1 1
Did not Answer 1 5 1 5 2 2
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
Table 16
Whether or not Respondents Voted During the 2010 Local Elections
*based on multiple responses
Table 17 shows the political activities that PGBI has been involved in Prosperidad.
Based on multiple responses, majority of the respondents or 62 or 37.58 percent answered
―help municipal government in their activities and programs‖ with 17 or 62.96 percent
responses from Salvacion, 15 or 75 percent responses from La Caridad, 14 or 38.89 percent
responses from Poblacion, 9 or 18.37 percent responses from Sta. Maria and 7 or 21.21
percent responses from Patin-ay; it was followed by ―discuss plans for the betterment of the
community‖ with 36 or 21.82 percent responses from the respondents; ―holding meetings
discussing political affairs‖ with 27 or 16.36 percent; ―mobilize members for political
support‖ with 20 or 12.12 percent and lastly, ―organize campaign in the community‖ with 16
or 9.70 percent. Of all the respondents, only 4 percent abstained.
RESPONSES
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % F %
Yes 19 85 19 95 18 90 18 90 18 90 90 90
No 2 10 1 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 7 7
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 5 1 5 1 5 3 3
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100
Table 17
Political Activities in the Community
*based on multiple responses
Political
activities
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Discuss
plans for
the
betterment
of the
community
3 15 9 27.27 9 25 6 22.22 9 18.37 36 21.82
Help
municipal
government
in their
activities
and
programs
15 75 7 21.21 14 38.89 17 62.96 9 18.37 62 37.58
Holding
meetings
discussing
political
affairs
1 5 6 18.18 4 11.11 1 3.70 15 30.61 27 16.36
Mobilize
members
for political
support
4 12.12 4 11.11 12 24.49 20 12.12
Organize
campaign
in the
community
1 5 4 12.12 4 11.11 3 11.11 4 8.16 16 9.70
Did not
Answer
3 9.10 1 2.78 4 2.42
Total 20 12.12 33 20 36 21.82 27 16.36 49 29.70 165 100
Table 18 shows whether or not PGBI encouraged its members to get involved into
electoral activities during the 2010 Local Elections in Prosperidad. Based on multiple
responses, majority of the respondents or 62 percent answered in the negative with 15 or 75
percent responses from Patin-ay, 14 or 70 percent responses from Salvacion, 13 or 65 percent
responses from Poblacion, 12 or 60 percent responses from La Caridad and 8 or 40 percent
responses from Sta. Maria; while 34 percent of the respondents affirmed and 4 percent of
them abstained. According to one of the key informants, PGBI is more into services for the
community and it cooperates with municipal governments in implementing its programs.
During elections, it supports candidates that they see as deserving. However this support is
implicit since they did not want the organization as to be known as just a tool during
elections.
Table 18
Whether or not PGBI Encouraged its Members to Get Involved in Electoral Activities
During the 2010 Local Elections
RESPONSES Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 6 30 4 20 7 35 6 30 11 55 34 34
No 12 60 15 75 13 65 14 70 8 40 62 62
Did not
Answer
2 10 1 5 1 5 4 4
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were asked whether or not PGBI and its members have conducted
campaigns in behalf of a local candidate in Prosperidad. Majority of the respondents or 68
percent affirmed that PGBI and its members did campaign while 30 percent answered in the
negative. Only 2 percent of the respondents abstained. Referring to Table 19, majority of the
respondents from La Caridad, Salvacion, and Sta. Maria said that they did conduct campaign
in behalf of a local candidate during the 2010 Local Elections. Specifically, 16 or 80 percent
of the respondents from La Caridad said ―Yes‖ while 15 percent said ―No‖ while 5 percent
abstained; 15 or 75 percent of the respondents from Salvacion answered ―Yes‖ while 4 or 20
percent said ―No‖ and 5 percent abstained; lastly 18 or 90 percent of the respondents from
Sta. Maria answered ―Yes‖ while 2 or 10 percent answered ―No‖.
Table 19
Whether or not PGBI and its Members Conducted Campaign in Behalf of a Local
Candidate
Response
Barangays Total
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 16 80 8 40 11 55 15 75 18 90 68 68
No 3 15 12 60 9 45 4 20 2 10 30 30
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 5 2 2
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
*based on multiple responses
Table 19.1 shows how PGBI and its members have conducted its campaigns. Based
on multiple responses, majority of the respondents or 53 or 24.88 percent responded that
campaign was done in ―meetings among organization members‖ with 17 or 51.52 percent
responses from Salvacion, 13 or 19.70 percent responses from Sta. Maria, 11 or 26.83
percent responses from La Caridad, 11 or 2.44 percent responses from Poblacion and 1 or
3.57 percent responses from Patin-ay; it was followed by ―community meetings‖ which is 50
or 23.47 percent with 13 or 31.71 percent responses from La Caridad, 12 or 18.18 percent
responses from Sta. Maria, 11 or 33.33 percent responses from Salvacion, 10 or 22.22
percent responses from Poblacion, and 4 or 14.29 percent responses from Patin-ay; it was
followed by ―personally put posters and streamers around the community‖ which is 21 or
9.86 percent with 10 or 15.15 percent responses from Sta. Maria, 5 or 17.86 percent
responses from Patin-ay, 4 or 14.29 percent responses from Poblacion, 3.03 percent
responses from Salvacion and 2.44 percent responses from La Caridad; ―participate in
political rallies‖ which is 17 or 7.98 percent responses from the respondents with 10.61
percent responses from Sta. Maria, 9.76 percent responses from La Caridad, 7.14 percent
from Patin-ay, 6.67 percent from Poblacion and 3.03 percent from Salvacion; ‗distribute
sample ballots‖ with 16 or 7.51 percent; ―distribute leaflets/stickers to the voters‖ and ―wear
campaign t-shirts‖ with 15 or 7.04 percent both and lastly, ―personally talk and campaign to
voters in streets/ small group gatherings‖ with 11 or 5.16 percent, with a small percentage 1
or 0.47 percent abstained from answering.
One of the key informants stated;
―involve siya sa mga kampanya pero dili ingon sa intablado (it is
involved in the campaign but not on the stage.)”
Table 19.1
Campaign Strategies of PGBI
*based on multiple responses
Table 20 shows the results of the question wherein the respondents were asked on
whether or not PGBI had donated campaign materials for a local politician in Prosperidad
Strategies in
campaigning
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Meetings
among
organization
members
11 26.83 1 3.57 11 2.44 17 51.52 13 19.70 53 24.88
Community
meetings
13 31.71 4 14.29 10 22.22 11 33.33 12 18.18 50 23.47
Personally put
posters and
streamers
around the
community
1 2.44 5 17.86 4 14.29 1 3.03 10 15.15 21 9.86
Participate in
political rallies
4 9.76 2 7.14 3 6.67 1 3.03 7 10.61 17 7.98
Distribute
sample ballots
3 7.32 2 7.14 4 8.89 7 10.61 16 7.51
Distribute
leaflets/stickers
to the voters
2 4.88 3 10.71 4 8.89 1 3.83 5 7.58 15 7.04
Wear
campaign t-
shirts
3 7.32 5 17.86 3 6.67 4 6.06 15 7.04
House-to-
house
campaign
3 7.32 3 10.71 3 6.67 2 6.06 3 4.55 14 6.57
Personally talk
and campaign
to voters in
streets/small
groups
gatherings
1 2.43 2 7.14 3 6.67 5 7.58 11 5.16
Did not
Answer
1 3.57 1 0.47
Total 41 19.25 28 13.15 45 21.13 33 15.49 66 30.99 213 100
during the 2010 local election. Based on multiple responses, majority of the respondents or
76 said ―No‖ showing that majority of them did not donate campaign materials for a local
politician; 22 percent of the respondents said ―Yes‖ in donating campaign materials while
only 2 percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
Table 20
Whether or not PGBI Donated Campaign Materials for a Local Politician During the
2010 Local Elections
*based on multiple responses
Table 20.1 shows the campaign materials donated by the respondents who answered
in the affirmative in Table 20. Based on multiple responses, 15 or 28.85 percent of the
respondents said they donated ―campaign posters and streamers‖ with 10 or 34.48 percent
responses from Sta. Maria, 4 or 28.57 percent responses from Poblacion and 1 or 50 percent
responses from Patin-ay; it was followed by ―sample ballots‖ which is 14 or 26.92 percent
with 28.57 percent responses from Poblacion, 27.89 percent responses from Sta. Maria, 33.33
percent responses from Salvacion and 25 percent responses from La Caridad; ―campaign
leaflets and stickers‖ with 13 or 25 percent; and lastly ―campaign t-shirts‖ with 7 or 13.46
percent. Only 3 or 5.77 percent of the respondents have abstained in answering the question.
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 3 15 2 10 5 25 1 5 11 55 22 22
No 17 85 18 90 14 70 18 90 9 45 76 76
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 5 2 2
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
Table 20.1
Campaign Materials Donated
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were also asked if PGBI and its members have contributed money
for a local candidate in Prosperidad during the 2010 Local Elections and the result is shown
in Table 21. Based on multiple responses, 96 percent or the majority have answered in the
negative with 20 or 100 percent responses from La Caridad and Sta. Mari, 19 or 95 percent
responses from Patinn-ay and Salvacion and 18 or 90 percent responses from Poblacion
while a very small percentage of 2 percent of the respondents answered in the affirmative.
There is also a very small percentage of 2 percent of those respondents who abstained in
answering.
Materials
donated for
campaigns
Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Campaign
posters/
streamers
1 50 4 28.57 10 34.48 15 28.85
Sample ballots 1 25 4 28.57 1 33.33 8 27.59 14 26.92
Campaign
leaflets/stickers
4 28.57 1 33.33 8 27.59 13 25
Campaign t-
shirts
1 25 2 14.29 1 33.33 3 10.34 7 13.46
Did notAnswer 2 50 1 50 3 5.77
Total 4 7.69 2 3.85 14 26.92 3 5.77 29 55.77 52 100
Table 21
Whether or not PGBI Contributed Money for a Local Candidate During the 2010 Local
Elections
*based on multiple responses
When the respondents were asked if PGBI and its members have acted as campaign
managers for a local candidate in Prosperidad during the 2010 Local Elections, majority of
half of the respondents or 50 percent answered ―No‖ with 16 or 80 percent responses from
Patin-ay, 15 or 75 percent responses from Salvacion, 10 or 50 percent responses from La
Caridad, 7 or 35 percent responses from Poblacion and 2 or 10 percent responses from Sta.
Maria; while 46 percent of the respondents answered ―Yes‖ with 18 or 90 percent responses
from Sta. Maria, 12 or 60 percent responses from Poblacion, 9 or 45 percent responses from
La Caridad, 5 or 25 percent responses from Salvacion, and 2 or 10 percent responses from
Patin-ay. Four percent of the respondents abstained from answering.
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 1 5 1 5 2 2
No 20 100 19 95 18 90 19 95 20 100 96 96
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 10 2 2
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
Table 22
Whether or not PGBI Have Acted as Campaign Managers for a Local Candidate
*based on multiple responses
Table 22.1 shows the activities of those respondents who said that they acted as
campaign managers for a local politician in Prosperidad during the 2010 Local Elections.
Based on multiple responses, 36 or 40 percent of the respondents answered that they
―provided the candidate the information about the needs and wants of the community‖ with 9
or 42.86 percent responses from Poblacion, 12 or 34.29 percent responses from Sta. Maria, 8
or 42.11 percent responses from La Caridad, 5 or 41.67 percent responses from Salvacion,
and 2 or 6.67 percent responses from Patin-ay; 25 or 27.78 percent of the respondents
answered that they ―organize and plan different campaign activities in the community‖; 14
or 15.56 percent said that they ―mobilize supporters for political support‖; 10 or 11.11
percent said that they ―speak in behalf of the candidate‘ and lastly, 4 or 4.44 percent only
have ―gathered campaign funds for the candidate‖. There is a very small percentage of 1 or
1.11 percent who abstained.
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 9 45 2 10 12 60 5 25 18 90 46 46
No 10 50 16 80 7 35 15 75 2 10 50 50
Did not
Answer
1 5 2 10 1 5 4 4
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
Table 22.1
Contributions as Campaign Managers
Contributions Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Provided the
candidate the
information
about the
needs and
wants of the
community
8 42.11 2 6.67 9 42.86 5 41.67 12 34.29 36 40
Organize and
plan different
campaign
activities in
the
community
7 36.84 1 3.33 7 33.33 3 25 7 20 25 27.78
Mobilize
supporters for
political
support
1 5.26 2 9.53 11 31.43 14 15.56
Speak in
behalf of the
candidate
1 5.26 2 9.52 3 25 4 11.43 10 11.11
Gather
campaign
funds for the
candidate
2 10.53 1 8.33 1 2.86 4 4.44
Did not
Answer
1 4.76 1 1.11
Total 19 21.11 3 3.33 21 23.33 12 13.33 35 38.89 90 100
*based on multiple responses
The reasons of the respondents in conducting campaign activities for a local candidate
in Prosperidad during the 2010 Local Elections is shown in Table 23. Majority of the
respondents answered that the reason for them in conducting campaign activities is
―obligation as a member of the organization‖ with 48 or 32.88 percent; it was followed by
―to show support and sympathy for the candidate‖ with 22 or 15.07 percent; ―to mobilize
faithful supporters‘ with 21 or 14.38 percent; ―to attract new voters for the candidate‖ with
12 or 8.22 percent and ―for personal reasons‖ with 10 or 6.85 percent. Thrity-three or 22.60
percent abstained from answering.
Table 23
Reasons Why the PGBI Conducted Campaign Activities
*based on multiple responses
REASONS Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Obligation
as a
member of
the
organization
14 60.87 2 7.41 11 40.74 12 38.71 9 23.68 48 32.88
To show
support and
sympathy
for the
candidate
2 8.70 4 14.81 3 11.11 3 9.68 10 26.32 22 15.07
To mobilize
faithful
supporter
1 4.35 4 14.81 3 11.11 3 9.68 10 26.32 21 14.38
To attract
new voters
for the
candidate
2 8.70 2 7.41 1 3.70 3 9.68 4 10.53 12 8.22
For
personal
reasons
2 8.70 1 3.70 1 3.70 3 9.68 3 7.89 10 6.85
Did not
Answer
2 8.70 14 51.85 8 29.63 7 22.58 2 5.26 33 22.60
Total 23 15.75 27 18.49 27 18.49 31 21.23 38 26.03 146 100
Table 24 shows the result of the question where the respondents were asked if PGBI
had endorsed a local candidate to be voted by its members. Based on multiple responses,
majority of them or 85 percent have answered in the affirmative while 11 percent answered
in the negative. Only 4 percent of the respondents have abstained from answering the
question.
Table 24
Whether or not PGBI Have Endorsed Local Candidate to be Voted by its Members
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were also asked if they are obliged to vote for the endorsed
candidate of PGBI. Table 24.1 shows the responses from the respondents, still based on
multiple responses, majority of the respondents (35 or 41.18 percent) answered that they are
not obliged to vote for the endorsed candidate of PGBI while 30 or 35.29 percent answered
that they are obliged. Twenty or 23.52 percent of the respondents abstained from answering
the question.
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 17 85 17 85 18 90 16 80 17 85 85 85
No 3 15 2 10 1 5 2 10 3 15 11 11
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 5 2 10 4 4
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
According to one of the key informants;
―…musuporta mi pag-election labi kung makita namo nga deserve
siya, pero ginahatagan na mo ug kanang free will ang mga miyembro
kay labi na kung dili siya pabor sa kandidato, dili na ginapugos (we
support during elections especially if we can see that he deserves it
but we give the members their freewill, especially if the member did
not favor the candidate. We do not force them.)”
Table 24.1
Whether or not Members are Obliged to Vote for the Endorsed Candidate
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 6 35.29 4 23.53 7 38.89 2 12.50 11 64.71 30 35.29
No 6 35.29 11 64.71 10 55.56 5 31.25 3 17.65 35 41.18
Did not
Answer
5 29.41 2 11.76 1 5.56 9 56.25 3 17.65 20 23.52
Total 17 20 17 20 18 21.18 16 18.82 17 20 85 100
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were inquired whether or not PGBI practiced block voting during
elections and Table 25 shows that majority of the respondents with 82 percent answered that
PGBI members do not practice block voting while only 14 percent answered ―yes‖. Four
percent of the respondents abstained.
Table 25
Respondent’s Answers on Whether or not PGBI Practiced Block Voting During
Elections
*based on multiple responses
The respondents were asked if they have voted for the candidates that were endorsed
by PGBI in Prosperidad during the 2010 local elections and majority of them or 78 percent
answered that they have voted for the endorsed candidate during election while 20 percent of
the respondents did not vote for the endorsed candidate. Only 2 percent of the respondents
abstained.
Table 26
Respondent’s Answers on Whether or not Respondents Have Voted for the Candidates
that were Endorsed by the PGBI Leader
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-
ay
Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 18 90 13 65 14 70 14 70 19 95 78 78
No 2 10 6 30 5 25 6 30 1 5 20 20
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 5 2 2
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
*based on multiple responses
RESPONSE Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblaci
on
Salvacio
n
Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Yes 1 5 4 20 9 45 14 14
No 19 95 19 95 15 75 20 100 9 45 82 82
Did not
Answer
1 5 1 5 2 10 4 4
Total 20 20 20 20 20 100 100
The respondents were also asked regarding their reasons for voting the endorsed
candidate of PGBI during the 2010 local elections in Table 26.1 based on multiple responses,
majority of them with 50 or 51.02 percent reasoned out that it was to show their loyalty to the
group; 38 or 38.78 percent answered that they trusted the endorsed candidate and 5 or 5.10
percent said that they are afraid to disobey the leader of PGBI. Only 3 or 3.06 percent
abstained from answering.
Table 26.1
Reasons Why Respondents Voted for the Endorsed Candidate
REASONS Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
To show
that I am a
loyal
member
12 66.67 5 31.25 10 50 11 55 12 50 50 51.02
I trust the
endorsed
candidates
3 16.67 7 43.75 9 45 8 40 11 45.83 38 38.78
I am afraid
to disobey
the leader
1 5.56 1 6.25 1 5 1 5 1 4.17 5 5.10
Did not
Answer
1 5.56 2 12.50 3 3.06
Total 18 18.37 16 16.33 20 20.41 20 20.41 24 24.49 98 100
*based on multiple responses
The respondents who answered that they did not vote for the endorsed candidate of
PGBI in Prosperidad during the 2010 local elections were also asked about their reasons for
not voting. Table 26.2 shows that most of the respondents (12 or 54.55 percent) did not vote
for the endorsed candidate because they have their own choice of candidate while 5 or 22.73
percent reasoned out that they did not trust the endorsed candidate of the group. Only 5 or
22.73 percent of the respondents abstained.
Table 26.2
Reasons why Respondents did not Vote for the Endorsed Candidate
REASONS Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
I have my
own bet
2 100 3 42.86 3 50 4 66.67 12 54.55
I don‘t trust
the
endorsed
candidates
1 14.29 1 16.67 2 33.33 1 100 5 22.73
Did not
Answer
3 42.86 2 33.33 5 22.73
Total 2 9.09 7 31.82 6 27.27 6 27.27 1 4.55 22 100
*based on multiple responses
In Table 27, the respondents were asked about what they think are the criteria of
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad that helped the group in
choosing whom to support during the 2010 local election. Majority of the respondents (67 or
29.39 percent) answered ―responsibility as a brother or sister‖ implying that if a candidate is
a member of PGBI, the group must support him or her; it was followed by ―spiritual
righteousness‖ with 61 or 26.75 percent; ―good moral character‘ with 45 or 19.74 percent;
―educational attainment‖ with 25 or 12.28 percent; ―popularity‖ with 11 or 4.82 percent and
lastly ―wealth‖ with 7 or 3.07 percent. Twelve or 5.26 percent of the respondents abstained
from answering the question.
Table 27
Criteria that Helped PGBI in Choosing whom to Support During the 2010 Local
Election
*based on multiple responses
Criteria Barangays TOTAL
La
Caridad
Patin-ay Poblacion Salvacion Sta.
Maria
f % f % f % f % f % f %
Responsibility
as a
brother/sister
15 34.09 9 25 13 26.53 17 32.08 13 28.26 67 29.39
Spiritual
righteousness
16 36.36 6 16.67 13 26.53 13 24.53 13 28.26 61 26.75
Good moral
character
7 15.91 6 16.67 10 20.41 8 15.09 14 30.43 45 19.74
Educational
attainment
5 11.36 3 8.33 7 14.29 6 11.32 4 8.70 25 12.28
Popularity 1 2.27 3 8.33 2 4.08 4 7.55 1 2.17 11 4.82
Wealth 2 5.56 1 2.04 3 5.66 1 2.17 7 3.07
Did not
Answer
7 19.44 3 6.12 2 3.77 12 5.26
Total 44 19.30 36 15.79 49 21.49 53 23.25 46 20.18 228 100
Information taken from the Key Informants
All of the key informants were asked about how they view Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated as an organization. They all answered that PGBI is a brotherhood
that promotes camaraderie and unity among its members and it is an organization that renders
voluntary services to the community. According to one key informant, PGBI is an
organization that does not look into financial compensations—it is an organization that
extends voluntary services to the community without compensation.
When asked whether or not PGBI in Prosperidad has a close relationship with the
military, all of the key informants answered that PGBI in Prosperidad do have a close
relationship with the military since most of the founding members of PGBI in Prosperidad
are military personnel. It is only natural for the organization to have a close relationship with
the military since from the very beginning of PGBI since military men dominated the history
of the organization—national level and local.
However, when asked whether or not PGBI was established in the municipality to
help military prevent insurgency, the responses of the key informants are divided. Some key
informants answered that they do not think that PGBI in Prosperidad was established to help
prevent insurgent groups. Though one of the concerns of the PGBI is keeping peace and
order in the community, preventing insurgent groups is way much heavier and it is the duty
of the military. One of the key informants added that some of PGBI members who are tanod
asked for armaments from the military to keep peace and order in the community but this do
not mean that they are involved in preventing insurgent groups.
On the other hand, some of the key informants answered that they do think that PGBI
in Prosperidad was established to help military prevent insurgency. According to one of the
key informants that it is their duty to keep peace and order in the community and that also
means that they have to help military regarding insurgencies. They act as a look-out in the
community for any suspicious activities and people and report it back to the military.
When inquired about the relationship of PGBI with the municipal government, all of
the key informants answered that the group has a close relationship with the local
government unit. According to one key informant, they can easily express their demands
such as land and farm issues because of the close link between the group and the local
government. One key informant added that there is cooperation between PGBI and the local
government especially during a calamity and when there are new programs being
implemented by the government.
Lastly, the key informants were inquired about PGBI‘s involvement in politics. All of
them asserted that PGBI was not established for political reasons and purposes; however,
there are instances that the group participated in political activities especially during
elections. But they pointed out that, the PGBI respects political views and stands of every
member. All actions from the members during election time is voluntary and added that it is
the spirit of brotherhood that urges the call to help if one is running for a seat in the
government. According to one key informant, PGBI is a big organization in Prosperidad and
if one is able to get the support of the Guardians, then one can be assured of a huge number
of votes in the election. According to the key informants, PGBI in Prosperidad did actually
participate in different campaign activities during the 2010 Elections; however, the level of
participation varies from one PGBI Chapter to another.
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This chapter presents the summary of the findings of the study, conclusions,
implications and recommendations.
Summary:
The general objective of this study was to look at the activities of Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) as an interest and pressure group in
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. The study has five objectives. Firstly, it was done to determine
the historical development of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) in
Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Second, the study sought to look into the organizational and
leadership structure of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI). Third, the
study aimed to determine the political activities of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) during the 2010 Elections in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Fourth, this
was done to determine the level of political participation of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated during the 2010 elections in Prosperidad. Lastly, the study sought
to look into the views of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in relation to the
local politics of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.
The study have one- hundred eight respondents which were divided into two groups:
(1) the first set was composed of 100 respondents who are members of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad and (2) 8 key informants which was composed of 6
Chapter Leaders/ Founders of PGBI and 2 PGBI Member- Politician from Prosperidad. The
respondents came from the five sample barangays from Prosperidad namely, Brgy. La
Caridad, Brgy. Patin-ay, Brgy. Poblacion, Brgy. Salvacion and Brgy. Sta. Maria. The five
sample barangays were selected through purposive random sampling method. The 100 PGBI
respondents were selected through quota sampling while the 8 key informants were selected
through selective sampling procedure. Data were gathered through questionnaires for the 100
PGBI respondents while scheduled interviews were done for the key informants. In the data
analysis, qualitative analysis was employed. Frequency counts and percentage distribution
were used for the quantitative analysis.
The study revealed that the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI)
is an association of brotherhood/ sisterhood and charity that aims to promote unity,
development and camaraderie among its members. Majority of the respondents views PGBI
as an organization that promotes unity in the country and serves for the good of the
community. It is the kind of organization that is service- oriented and extends voluntary
services to the community. As revealed, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in
Prosperidad was founded by three military personnel namely Master Sergeant Precilo
Abragan, Technical Sergeant Ramon Cebullen and Staff Sergeant Viginia, and three civilians
namely Tercito Ruedas, Iluminado Albinda and Julieto Al-ag. These six founders were
already members of another faction of Guardians which is Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (GBI) in Trento, Agusan del Sur. However, due to the chaotic leadership and
misunderstanding among the members within the Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (GBI)
in Trento, these six individuals decided to join the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) faction and founded the first chapter of PGBI in Prosperidad which is
the Prosperity Chapter.
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) was founded in Prosperidad
in 2004. The first chapter, Prosperity Chapter, was established in Patin-ay with forty- six new
members. It soon attracted attention of many individuals and started to grow. Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated- Prosperity Chapter in Patin-ay started to spread out to
other barangays in the municipality; from Patin-ay to Poblacion, La Caridad, Salvacion and
to the other 20 barangays in Prosperidad.
The study revealed that Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) has
a close relationship with the military in Prosperidad. The study also revealed that PGBI
members are not unified on their perceptions about the establishment of PGBI as a group
helping the military work against insurgency. Most of the members perceived that PGBI was
not established to help military fight insurgency although one of the concerns or functions of
group was to keep peace and order in the community but fighting insurgent groups is a heavy
task for the group to carry. However, some of the members perceived that one of the
purposes why PGBI was established was to help the military fight the insurgency in the
municipality. As one of the key informants added that one of the reasons why PGBI have a
close relationship with the military and the reason why the group is well-coordinated is to
oversee the environment and help keeping the peace.
The study also revealed that Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI)
has a close relationship with the municipal government. The findings showed that most of the
respondents perceived that PGBI is ―tolerant and on good terms [sometimes influential] to
the municipal government and other group‖. According to one key informant, Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated interacts and has established a close link and
coordination with the government units in the municipality. The coordination of PGBI with
the municipal government can easily be seen in during calamities, municipal events and
implementation of new programs and policies—when the local government asks for
assistance and help of the group. PGBI members, in exchange, can easily direct their
demands and needs to the municipal government.
The findings revealed that most of the member-respondents perceived that
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) has an organic structure—meaning,
they believed that the power and authority resides at the members. It is also revealed that the
leadership style in PGBI is democratic and the decision-making process is consensual. It is
shown that the members believed that during the decision-making, the members of PGBI
have the power to decide on what action to take on a certain issue and it is not only the
decisions of the leaders that are to be followed. It was also found out that according to the
Constitution and By-Laws of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated that there are
classes of members in the group. The Grand Supremo is the title given to the highest
incumbent official in the organization; Supreme Godfather/Supreme Godmother is composed
of commissioned officers of the AFP, PNP, BFP, BJMP; Ranking Magic Group, a title which
is equivalent in rank as the Supreme Godfather/Godmother however they composed of
selected civilian members who are professional and/or respected leaders of the community or
organization who has rendered exemplary performance and with at least three years of active
membership; Magic Group is composed of civilian members with an educational attainment
of at least high school education or those of special skills and technical know-how and lastly,
Godfather/ Godmother is composed of ranking non-commissioned officers of the AFP, PNP,
BFP, and BJMP with an equivalent rank of Duty Sergeant to Master Sergeant coming from
the lower ranks. It is shown that PGBI is a structure of power because of the ubiquity of
human relations within the organization, and according to Earl Latham, organized groups
may be regarded as systems of private government.
The study also showed the relationship and the participation of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated in the local politics in Prosperidad. The findings revealed that
prior to 2010 Elections, PGBI in the municipality of Prosperidad has already been
participating in local politics through interaction with the local government unit. Earlier, it
was mentioned that PGBI in Prosperidad has a lose link with the municipal government and
has established coordination with government units. According to one of the key informants,
PGBI members can easily access the local executive leaders and direct their demands to the
policy-makers. Because of this relationship between PGBI and the municipal government,
they can directly influence and affect the policy-making process in the municipality. These
actions thus make the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad not just
as an interest group but a pressure group as well since they perform actions that are affecting
the decisions and actions of the local government.
During the 2010 Elections, the study revealed that most ways of Philippine
Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated members in participating politically is through casting
their votes. Voting is the most frequent way to participate and influence the outcome of the
election; however, it is a restricted form of participation since citizen‘s can only engage and
participate during a particular time. The findings revealed that any participation of PGBI
members during the 2010 Election was voluntary and they were not forced to do something
that is against their will since the organization respects the political views and standing of
every member.
During electoral period, citizens can participate actively by engaging in campaign
activity. The findings revealed that PGBI had supported and conducted campaign activities in
behalf of a local candidate in Prosperidad during the 2010 elections. The campaign was done
through meetings among the members of PGBI, community meetings in the barangays while
some members personally put posters and streamers around the community and participate in
political rallies. On one hand, it was found out that most of PGBI members did not donate or
contribute campaign funds and materials since most of the members are not financially well-
off. It is also shown that PGBI members acted as campaign managers for a political candidate
during the 2010 Election in Prosperidad by providing the candidate the information about the
needs and wants of the community, organizing and planning different campaign activities in
the community and mobilizing supporters for political support. As to the reasons why PGBI
had supported a certain political candidate, it is revealed that it is mainly because of their
responsibility as a brother/sister, spiritual righteousness, good moral character and
educational attainment. In addition, according to one key informant, “if a political candidate
is rooting for a political position, it is a big help if he is also a member of the group, but of
course it does not suffice, he must be a good leader with a good educational background and
with no criminal record”. When it comes to the influence of PGBI in Prosperidad, one key
informant asserted that “PGBI is influential because it is a big organization with great
number of members and their number can help in winning a candidate. If ever the candidate
gains the support of the Guardians, then he is assured, most likely, of a remarkable vote”.
Conclusions:
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are made:
First, prior to the 2010 municipal elections in Prosperidad, Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated was not extensively involved in any political activities especially
during elections. Since it was founded in the municipality, PGBI was a non-partisan group
where every political view and standing of its members was respected. The main objective of
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad is to promote unity, welfare
and camaraderie among its members and extends voluntary services to the community. It has
a close relationship and cooperates with the local government units of the municipality which
can easily be seen during implementation of new programs and calamities. Because of this
close relationship, members of PGBI such as the farmers can easily direct their demands and
needs to the municipal government. These actions and demands of Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated to the local government supported Almond and Powell‘s concept
of interest articulation by interest groups. According to Almond and Powell, in order for the
government to come out with policies and decisions, individuals and groups must express
their politically relevant demands and wishes to the government.100
Organized groups express
their political demands and interests to the government and most likely, these organized
groups are more effective in directing and affecting the decisions and actions of the
government. As the study shows, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) in
Prosperidad is actively participating in the local politics of the municipality through
formulating, expressing and directing the demands and needs of the members. Fulfillment of
these needs and demands strengthens the morale and dedication of the group. This also
100 Almond and Powell Jr. “Interest Groups and Interest Articulation” .Comparative Politics
Today: A World View. Harper Collins College Publishers. New York, 1996. P.70
supports Earl Latham‘s notion that lesser groups in the society exist for the fulfillment of the
desires and interests of the members and satisfaction in the fulfillment of the purposes of the
group is an important element in keeping the group intact. Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated (PGBI) participates only in the local politics through formulating and directing
their demands and cooperating with the local government; it was only during the 2010
Municipal Elections that the organization became actively involved in electoral activities.
Second, Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad has a close
relationship with the military since three of the founders of PGBI in the municipality are
military men. On the perception on being established to prevent insurgent group, some of the
chapter leaders of PGBI believed that PGBI was established to help the military prevent
insurgent activities by acting as a look-out in the community and report suspicious activities
and people. On the other hand, some chapter leaders of PGBI believed that the organization
was founded for the good of the members and the community and one of the concerns of
PGBI is keeping peace and order but that does not include the prevention of insurgent
activities. They believed that it is too heavy for PGBI members to carry the responsibility of
preventing leftist activities; however they maintain peace and order in the community with
the armaments that are provided by the military. Some interest group writers believed that
association interest groups articulates special demands and advantages that are may be
contrary to public interest or the interests of the less well-organized citizens; the study shows
that these special demands and advantages of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood
Incorporated may come from military in the municipality whom the group has a close
relationship.
Third, the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated acted as a voluntary group
during the 2010 municipal elections in Prosperidad. According to Janda, Berry, and Goldman
interest groups became vehicles of political participation for when its members pool their
resources together. Political participation can be also be defined as those voluntary activities
like voting and working in campaign during elections. Other than voting, which is the most
frequent way of political participation, the study shows that Philippine Guardians
Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) in Prosperidad also engaged in different campaign
activities during the 2010 Elections. However, there was no act of mobilizing the members of
the organization to participate in any political activities such as campaigning; rather, it was
done out of the free will of the members.
Fourth, the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated had a high level of
participation during the 2010 municipal elections in Prosperidad. The Guardians participated
well during the elections through showing political support to the political candidate and
conducting various campaign activities by providing the candidate the information about the
needs and wants of the community, organizing and planning different campaign activities
and mobilizing supporters for political support. As campaign workers, they held meetings
among organization members, personally put posters and streamers, distributed leaflets,
stickers and sample ballots, participated in political rallies and conducted house-to-house
campaign. It shows that Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in Prosperidad
constitutes a substantial part as human resources and clearly performed different campaign
activities. PGBI had also conducted community meetings for their supported candidate
wherein platforms, achievements and plans of the supported candidate were presented to the
people. This is an effective strategy since most of the Chapter Leaders of PGBI are also
public servants such as Barangay Captains.
According to Nie and Verba, campaign activity can range from supporting and
participating in gatherings for a political candidate, attending political meetings, distributing
leaflets of a candidate or simply persuading others to vote for a certain political candidate.
The results of this study showed that the mentioned campaign activities were executed by
Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) during the 2010 Elections in
Prosperidad.
Lastly, the reasons for the Guardians to support a political candidate are (1) spirit of
brotherhood or sisterhood, (2) spiritual righteousness, (3) good moral character and lastly,
educational attainment. Some people who are rooting for a political position join PGBI in the
hope that he/she will gain their political support because of the spirit of brotherhood and that
it is imperative to support a brother/sister during elections. However, political views and
standing of every member is respected and will not be forced in the organization. In addition,
a political candidate that is considered by the Guardians who has a good moral character,
educational background and good plans for the community will most likely earn their
political support during elections.
Implications:
Some implications that can be drawn from the study are:
First, the participation of Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated in the 2010
Municipal Elections implies that a non- political group can participate and affect the outcome
of government processes. It also proves Latham‘s statement about the universality of human
relations which is manifested in other group forms other than the state and these groups are
the basic political form because members concentrate their resources for the achievement of
received purposes.101
Second, the study implies that a group must deal with other groups and even with the
government for the achievement of its goals and interest thus becoming a political interest
group. In the study, the Guardians were able to interact with the municipal government by
addressing the demands and needs of their members. This action of the group can influence
and affect the decisions and actions of the municipal government. This also implies the
correctness of Almond and Powell‘s explanation that interest groups express political
demands and interests to the government in order for it to come out with policies and
decisions.102
This study also supports Latham‘s notion that organized groups are basic
political form in the community that use available resources for the achievement of the
group‘s goals and purposes and fulfillment of these purposes is important to keep the group
intact.
The results of this study has a similar outcome to the study of Berry, Portney, Liss,
Simoncellu and Berger on the interaction between policymakers and interest groups. Like
this study, their study showed a collaborative policymaking in the city between interest
groups and policymakers to provide opportunities for the citizens and for different interest
groups as well.
101
Latham, Earl. “Group Basis of Politics: Notes for a Theory’. The American Political Science Review. June,1952. P.233
102 Almond and Powell Jr. “Interest Groups and Interest Articulation” .Comparative Politics Today: A World View. Harper Collins College Publishers. New York, 1996. P.70
Third, this study also implies that when members of a group pool their resources
together, they tend to participate more in politics thus making the group an agent of political
participation. This proves the correctness of Janda, Berry and Goldman‘s assertion that
political participation can be define as those voluntary activities like voting and working in
campaign. In this study, most of the members of PGBI participated in the election not just
through voting but by voluntarily working for the campaign of a political candidate. It is
shown that PGBI members have engaged in campaign activities by using human (intellectual
and physical) and non-material resources during the 2010 Election to support a political
candidate. They have used their available resources in order to affect the outcome of the
election and to ensure the victory of their supported candidate.
Fourth, it implies that Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated (PGBI) is a
political force to reckon with during elections in Prosperidad. It shows the power of well-
organized groups during elections. PGBI have numerous members which mean it holds
strong human resources during elections. They can be considered influential in terms of
number and their votes alone can assure remarkable votes for a political candidate. Their
participation during the 2010 elections gave them the power to decide who among the
political candidates should be given the power to govern.
Lastly, they were able to affect the outcome of the elections by conducting different
campaign activities and using all available resources to gather more votes of the electorate in
behalf of a candidate and they were used as tool for acquiring political power. Some
politicians join PGBI not just because they share the same interests and aims, which are
community-oriented, but also because they are rooting for political power. It is part of an
effectively political strategy. This may entail give-and-take relationship between the
politician and the group; the political support of the organization is expected to be repaid
after elections.
Recommendations:
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proposed:
First, the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated should not forget the main
reason why they were created by the founding members—to undertake activities that develop
the core values of love of God, patriotism and selfless service to people especially those who
have less in life. Despite their involvement in political activities especially during election,
they should still continue to organize activities that are civic-oriented in the municipality.
The organization should not be used just to acquire political acquire.
Second, the military should monitor their personnel who provide armaments to the
civilian members of PGBI and intervene in this kind of business. It should be put in mind that
keeping peace and order in the community is still the responsibility of the police and the
armed forces, civilians should not be burdened with this obligation.
Fourth, the COMELEC and other election watchdogs should conduct intensive
seminars and educational campaigns to make the electorate in Prosperidad more politically
mature and aware. They should also have the will to ensure cleaner and more honest
elections. In addition, PGBI members and the citizens in general must be politically
independent and matured in voting the candidates of their choice and must always be
reminded that voting is an essential instrument of control over the government.
Lastly, further studies are highly recommended to also see how other non- political
groups are transformed into political interest groups in the different localities in the
Philippines utilizing different methods of data gathering and bigger number of sample
respondents.
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