SUSURGALUR: Jurnal Kajian Sejarah & Pendidikan Sejarah, 3(2) September 2015

Published every March and September ISSN 2302-5808

Jurnal Kajian Sejarah & Pendidikan Sejarah ASPENSI SRUSURGALU

AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA

Voting Behavior of Teachers in North and its Implication to

ABSTRACT: The Philippines, in its form, is a democratic and a republican state with Presidential in form. Thus, with its being democratic, it is in the people where sovereignty resides. It is in their hands that people signifying intentions to occupy elected positions are to be instituted to do such. While good governance is the process by which institutions conduct the affairs of the government as they manage the resources of the public in order to guarantee the realization of . The study endeavored to describe and analyze the elements that determine and infl uence the teachers’ decision to vote for particular candidates in the Philippine 2013 midterm election, through the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Survey questionnaires were administered to a sample composing twenty percent of the total number of teachers per school. The study revealed that teachers’ choice did not match with the voters’ choice in the 2013 midterm election for Senators and party list. The result posts a great challenge to education as an agent of socio-political transformation. It implies that education must help people fully understand the political condition of the country; and teachers are tasked to engage themselves seriously in shaping political consciousness and attitudes among their clients. KEY WORD: Voting Behavior; Teachers; Midterm Election; Senators and Party List; Socio-Political Transformation.

IKHTISAR: “Tindakan Pemberian Suara Guru-guru di Filipina Utara dan Implikasinya terhadap Pendidikan”. Filipina, dalam kenyataannya, adalah negara demokratis dan republik dengan bentuk Presidensial. Dengan menjadi negara demokratis, maka kedaulatan berada di tangan rakyat. Di tangan rakyat pula mereka yang ingin menduduki posisi wakil rakyat dipilih dan harus terus dilembagakan. Sementara itu pemerintah yang baik adalah proses dimana lembaga melakukan urusan pemerintahan karena mereka mengelola sumber daya publik untuk menjamin realisasi hak asasi manusia. Studi ini berusaha untuk menggambarkan dan menganalisis unsur-unsur yang menentukan dan mempengaruhi keputusan para guru dalam memilih calon wakil mereka dalam pemilihan umum daerah di Filipina tahun 2013, melalui penggunaan metode penelitian kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Kuesioner survei diberikan kepada sampel yang terdiri atas 20% dari jumlah guru per sekolah. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa pilihan guru tidak sejalan dengan pilihan masyarakat pemberi suara dalam pemilihan umum daerah tahun 2013 untuk memilih Senator dan daftar calon partai politik. Hasil kajian ini merupakan tantangan besar bagi dunia pendidikan sebagai agen transformasi sosial-politik. Ini menyiratkan bahwa pendidikan harus membantu masyarakat memahami kondisi politik negara; dan para guru bertugas melibatkan diri secara serius dalam membentuk kesadaran dan sikap politik peserta didik mereka. KATA KUNCI: Tindakan Pemberian Suara; Guru-guru; Pemilihan Umum Daerah; Senator dan Daftar Partai; Transformasi Sosial-Politik.

About the Authors: Prof. Dr. Agnes S. Reyes and Prof. Dr. Judith R. Garcia are the Lecturers at the PNU (Philippine Normal University) in North Luzon, Aurora, Alicia, Isabela, the Philippines. For academic interests, the authors are able to be contacted via e-mail at: [email protected] How to cite this article? Reyes, Agnes S. & Judith R. Garcia. (2015). “Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines and its Implication to Education” in SUSURGALUR: Jurnal Kajian Sejarah & Pendidikan Sejarah, Vol.3(2), September, pp.205-216. Bandung, : Minda Masagi Press and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, ISSN 2302-5808. Chronicle of the article: Accepted (July 31, 2015); Revised (August 30, 2015); and Published (September 30, 2015).

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur 205 AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA, Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines

INTRODUCTION As a constitutional mandate, those The Philippines, in its form, is a who may wish to serve and take part democratic and a republican state in good governance must comply with Presidential in form. Thus, with with the requirements in relation to its being democratic, it is in the people the minimum qualifi cations to hold where sovereignty resides, as stated public offi ce; subject themselves to in the Article II, Section 1 of the 1987 the schedules of the Commission on Philippine Constitution (cf Zaide, 1994; Elections regarding fi ling of candidacy, and Zaide & Zaide, 2005). It is in their campaign period, assumption to offi ce, hands that people signifying intentions and term limits; and prepare themselves to occupy elected positions are to be to fulfi ll their duties as per required by instituted to do such. the public offi ce that they will occupy. Comparable with other countries In elections, majority is plurality. in the world, Philippines is similar All that, a candidate has to get is the with the United States of America that highest number of votes in order to be exercises democratic form of government. declared the winner without necessarily Participation is central to liberal getting more than 50% of the votes democracy and it could be via voting in cast. Consequently, the will of the elections. This allows the public to have majority may not be thwarted directly control over their public offi cials and or indirectly (CNPL, 2007). This majority policies through a process of competition, do not necessarily, however, comprise in which leaders can be placed or turned the pool of academically and politically out of the offi ce. Furthermore, voting and educated ones. elections are important structure in which That is, the real scenario in the people are given a say in the staffi ng and Philippine setting based from the direction of government (O’Neil, 2012). studies conducted by C.N. Ericta & Good governance is the process by F.C. Varona (2003) whose revealed that which institutions conduct the affairs of 49 million projected voters in 2004, of the government as they manage about two thirds ( 66%) or 33 million the resources of the public in order to have completed some elementary or high guarantee the realization of human rights. school education; 15 percent are college In UNESCAP ( Economic undergraduates; and only 7 percent are and Social Commission for Asia and the college degree holders (Ericta & Varona, Pacifi c)’s defi nition, governance describes 2003). In addition, there are about 1.6 the process of decision-making and million voters who have no education. the process by which the decisions are The above mentioned data were implemented or not implemented. On the based from the results of the surveys other hand, good citizenship is clearly conducted by the National Statistics manifested by responsibly performing Offi ce, such as 2000 Census of installed tasks to help and improve the Population and Housing; and 2000 country’s social and moral state. Family Income and Expenditure Survey According to Teresita Baltazar of and Labor Force Summary (cited in the Good Citizenship Movement, good Ericta & Fabian, 2009). However, in governance is not enough. Citizens must this present study, all respondents are take personal responsibility for their professional teachers from all levels, actions and live by the Filipino values, who are academically prepared and which are enshrined in the Philippine politically aware citizens. Constitution.1 Some factors that may affect the voter’s preference are related to their 1See, for example, http://www.ched.gov.ph/wp- socio-economic status, which includes content/uploads/2013/07/CMO-No.26-s2005.pdf [accessed in North Luzon, the Philippines: 17 July 2015]. a person’s age, education, income level,

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan 206 ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur SUSURGALUR: Jurnal Kajian Sejarah & Pendidikan Sejarah, 3(2) September 2015 religion, occupation, and geographical institute did another study which location (Bianco & Canon, 2010). When then used quantitative and qualitative looking at the causes of vote choice as a techniques. The quantitative instrument complex decision, Vasile Puscas (2010) – the survey – is the focus not only stressed out, synonymously with R.A. on the demographic characteristics Bongcac (2000), that the relationship of the Filipino electorate, but also on between the candidates and voters the more abstract aspects of voter’s cannot be neglected (Bongcac, 2000; attitudes, opinions and interests. The and Puscas, 2010). She summed up that qualitative technique required the in- candidates, issues, and parties are three depth interviews of key informants – factors that dominates voting, specifi cally candidates, campaign managers, ward these pertains to party affi liation, position leaders, precinct watchers, COMELEC on political issues, and personality are (Commission on Elections) Offi cials, the primary factors that infl uence voting citizen’s watchdogs, etc to validate the behavior (Puscas, 2010). quantitative aspect of the research The IPER (Institute for Political and and more to gain insights and deeper Electoral Reform) conducted a study in understanding of voter’s behavior December 1995; and it was completed (http://www.iper.org.ph, 17/7/2015). in October 1996 to deeply analyze the Results of the 1995 study showed Filipino electorates in relation to their that popularity, because of the behaviors in voting. Results identifi ed candidates’ status of being an artist, four determinants in which a Filipino and/or endorsed by an artist (actor/ voter chooses a candidate. Primarily, it actress), having lots of campaign was based on candidate’s popularity. posters, delivering of good speeches Secondly, they rely on endorsement of during rallies, and house to house traditional networks and organization, campaigns, are the voters’ topmost which includes the family, church, priorities. Endorsements made and ward leaders. Third factor is the by families or relatives, church, characteristic that can be of benefi t to organizations, and traditional networks the voter. The last is the party program are second priorities. Characteristics (cited in http://www.iper.org.ph, that can be of benefi t to the voter 17/7/2015). marked third while the candidates’ These were proven true in the 1998 party program as among the least factor elections, when Jose de Venecia who considered by the voter (http://www. used showbiz personalities to endorsed iper.org.ph, 17/7/2015). him, in addition to the endorsement In 2003, an update research was done by the Jesus is Lord Movement conducted, still by the IPER, and to his candidacy, competed against a remarkable change in the voters’ his closest rival in the presidential choices became evident. Popularity, post, a showbiz personality himself, which formerly ranked fi rst fall in the Joseph Ejercito Estrada, who was also third rank, while the benefi t factors endorsed by the Iglesia ni Cristo. As a which ranked third in 1995 ranked fi rst result, overwhelmingly Joseph Ejercito in 2003. Endorsement of traditional Estrada won but events, which unfolded networks and organizations became the in 2001, caused the IPER to decide least factor, while the use of political to do an update of their 1995 study, machinery, a new identifi ed factor, because Joseph Ejercito Estrada then turned out to be the second in rank was ousted and was replaced by then (http://www.iper.org.ph, 17/7/2015). Vice President, Exactly the same determinants (http://www.iper.org.ph, 17/7/2015). were used by R.J. Barrete (2013) in It was in July 2003, when the assessing how Filipino voters choose in

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur 207 AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA, Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines preparation then for the 2013 elections, existing signifi cant relationships of the time parallel to the conduct of this respondents’ demographic profi les with study. His targets were the senatorial the political and extrapolitical factors. position, similar to this present study, It was revealed in his fi ndings that the although party list was not included. electorates formed a consensus as to He cited that based from the study the characteristics that they desire conducted by the Asia Institute of (Bongcac, 2000). Management Policy Center, 80% of the They believed that the presidential senators belong to political dynasties, position is not sexually egalitarian, that is they have relatives elected in because it is a male role, contrary to G. local or national positions, and others McElroy & M. Marsh (2009)’s fi ndings served in the military or the police forces that gender does not play a big role in and even in the fi eld of the candidate’s success or voter decision (Barrete, 2013). making in Ireland (cf Bongcac, 2000; This proves that popularity has been and McElroy & Marsh, 2009). It was the game in electing offi cials in the made clear that the electoral reforms government. Second factors are the and prudence in voting cause them not pressing issues concerning Philippine to be persuaded easily by any political politics, such as RH (Reproductive or extrapolitical factors. In addition, the Health), divorce, death penalty, same age, sex, and demographic origin of the sex marriage, anti-political measures, respondents relate signifi cantly with etc. were taken as bases for established their voting behaviors. organizations and networks in endorsing Kakuba Sultan Juma (2012) candidates whom they think they share considered the electorates of Uganda the same values and principles. This in his investigation. He found out that has been proven by the Purple Vote voters in Uganda reward the incumbent Campaign for those who advocated president for fulfi lling their demands. the Reproductive Health Law, while That is, factors such as discovery the White Vote Movement supported of oil and creation of new districts, those who opposed. Third factor is the infrastructural development among personal characteristics of the candidate others will be central in infl uencing the (De Leon & De Leon Jr., 1997). choice of the electorates across their Personally campaigning and regions (Juma, 2012). This is consistent communicating with the voters are with the IPER (Institute for Political and perceived as genuine public service, Electoral Reform)’s result that people which concerns the masses. As based their choices in the benefi t that supported by the 1987 Philippine voters get from the candidates (http:// Constitution, the existence of many www.iper.org.ph, 17/7/2015). parties may cause confusion, but The IPER study though party programs defi ne which vision, comprehensive did not look into philosophy, and ideology are the variation in the voting behavior of fi nal bases of the people to vote for a different sectors (http://www.iper.org. candidate (cited in Zaide, 1994; and ph, 17/7/2015). The teacher sector, Zaide & Zaide, 2005). particularly, is an interesting sector to Another study, which concentrated look at. Apart from directly managing in the selection of a candidate in the the polling precincts, teachers, next presidential position, was conducted by to parents, are agents of political R.A. Bongcac (2000). He tried to identify socialization. They infl uence the political the signifi cant characteristics that the knowledge and attitudes of students. electorates desire for a president. Also, The power of teachers and educators he considered it important to identify to shape students political attitude and

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan 208 ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur SUSURGALUR: Jurnal Kajian Sejarah & Pendidikan Sejarah, 3(2) September 2015 consciousness makes an investigation were included as respondents of the of the teachers’ voting behavior an study, with a total of 370. interesting research topic. Their voting Instrument Used. Firstly, behavior reveals a lot about their civic Questionnaire. This was utilized to and political consciousness, which generate a general understanding of the will inevitably have an impact on their teachers’ voting behavior. The responses students. were quantifi ed through the statistical How do our teachers vote? Is their packages of the social sciences. voting similar to how the majority vote? Secondly, Focus Group Discussion The Philippine election in May 2013 and Interview. These were conducted was used as an avenue to seek answers to validate the written and verbal to such questions. Hopefully insights responses and to gain deeper drawn from the study can be used to understanding of teachers’ voting improve the civic and political education behavior. This was also to ensure of teachers (Yeban et al., 2013). high quality and richer data, which This study sought to answer the were not captured and included in the following questions: (1) Who are questionnaire. the senatorial candidates voted by Data Gathering Procedure. the teacher-respondents during the The distribution and retrieval of the 2013 midterm election?; (2) Is there a questionnaire were conducted during signifi cant difference between teachers the semestral break of October 2013, choice and voters choice in the 2013 and during Saturdays of the school year midterm election?; (3) Why did the 2013-2014. teacher-respondents choose those The focus group discussion and senatorial candidates?; (4) Who are interview for the teachers of PNU the party lists chosen by the teacher- (Philippine Normal University) was done respondents during the 2013 midterm during school days and Saturdays for election?; (5) Why did the teacher- the graduate students and teachers. respondents choose that party list?; (6) Statistical Tool. To determine the What are the sources of information for teachers’ voting choice, the frequency choosing a party list?; and (7) What are distribution and percentage were the implications of the voting behavior of utilized. The data gathered through teachers to education? the focus group discussion and interview were presented in qualitative METHOD description. Research Design. The descriptive survey method was employed to gather RESULTS AND DISCUSSION and examine the voting behavior of Survey Result of Senatorial teachers in the 2013 midterm election. Election. The table 1 shows the list of This method was used when a researcher senators who belonged to the Top 12 in intend to gather relatively limited the 2013 senatorial race. Results show data from a relatively large number of that based from the frequency of votes population (Sevilla et al., 2004). obtained, a big demarcation is recorded Respondents and Sampling with the scores obtained by Technique. The respondents of the (f = 246; % = 76.64), being rank 1; and study were teachers of North Philippine, Chiz Escudero (f = 213; % = 66.36) as who have cast their votes during rank 2. It wasn’t a close fi ght for these the May 2013 midterm election and candidates. engaged in teaching profession. They Same situation can be observed with were randomly selected. Twenty percent the rest of the candidates. It is also (20%) of the total population per school remarkable that Dick Gordon’s vote (f =

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur 209 AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA, Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines

Table 1: Survey Result of the Winning Senatorial Candidates

Candidates Frequency of Votes Percent Rank Grace Poe 246 76.64 1 Chiz Escudero 213 66.36 2 199 61.99 3 Allan Peter Cayetano 187 58.26 4 181 56.39 5 177 55.14 6 Jack Enrile 166 51.71 7 160 49.84 8 144 44.86 9 127 39.59 10 111 34.58 11 Dick Gordon 107 33.33 12

Table 2: List of Offi cially Elected Senators and the Teachers’ Choice

Elected Senators Teacher’s Choice 1. Grace Poe 1. Grace Poe 2. Loren Legarda 2. Chiz Escudero 3. Francis Chiz Escudero 3. Nancy Binay 4. Allan Peter Cayetano 4. Allan Peter Cayetano 5. Nancy Binay 5. Cynthia Villar 6. Edgardo Sonny Angara 6. Loren Legarda 7. Benigno Bam Aquino 7. Jack Enrile # 8. Koko Pimentel 8. Bam Aquino 9. Antonio Trillanes 9. Edgardo Sonny Angara 10. Cynthia Villar 10. Antonio Trillanes 11. JV Ejercito * 11. Koko Pimentel 12. * 12. Richard Gordon #

107; % = 33.33), who garnered the 12th the national canvassing, Grace Poe slot is seemingly far from Grace Poe’s emerged as the number 1 teacher’s pet which shows that whoever is popular and Nancy Binay who ranked 5 in the in the heart of the voters garners the fi nal tally of the Commission on Election highest frequency of votes. In this ranked 3 in the North Luzon area. context, Western, as cited also in H. Also, Jack Enrile is ranked 7 in the Yeban et al. (2013), argues that elections region though unfortunately he didn’t are won and lost not primarily on make it to the top 12 in the fi nal offi cial issues in the values and emotions of the tally. In addition, Richard Gordon electors (Yeban et al., 2013). See table 1. who failed to win in the election was Table 2 presents the list of senators, favorably chosen by the teachers, while which were elected and proclaimed as J.V. Ejercito and Gregorio Honasan were offi cial winners by the Commission winners in the fi nal list, but were not on Elections; and the teachers’ choice chosen by the majority of teachers in the in North Luzon during the May 2013 region. See table 2. National Elections. It can be noted Reasons for Choice of Senatorial that of the 12 winning senators, 10 Candidates. Based on the research were supported by the teachers in the results, reasons for choice of senatorial region. Consistent with the result of candidates are based on as follows:

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First, Family Affi liation. Politicians, votes obtained. They are believed to by virtue of the infl uence and credibility be promising and idealistic similar to that they had established in the minds Chiz Escudero who, though not a fi rst of the people, would always project an timer in the senate, still adheres to his image that younger generations can being a principled man (interview with possibly continue the advocacies that Respondent A, 9/10/2013). they once started. The case of Grace Poe Third, Performance and is an illustration of an unfi nished and Accomplishments in the Government. unfulfi lled promise of his late father, Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Antonio Fernando Poe Jr. Trillanes, and Richard Gordon aren’t His death paved the way for more newbies in the senate; hence, they people to realize that Fernando Poe have proven their worth already as should have been a good leader and legislators. This is consistent with J.R. hence his name, perceived to be Garcia (2014) which supports that this untarnished, when it was used by may serve as a good reason for the Grace Poe became very benefi cial like respondents to vote for a candidate in the case of Cynthia Villar, whose (Garcia, 2014). husband was a statesman and once a However, it must be noted that presidential aspirant; Nancy Binay, the Grace Poe, who once worked in the vice president’s daughter; Jack Enrile, MTRCB (Movie and Television Review a former senate president’s son; Sonny and Classifi cation Board) and Bam Angara, son of a former senator; and Aquino who became an active advocate Bam Aquino, a cousin of the incumbent of the youth were adjudged with good President. The familiarity of their performances as shown in the results of in Philippine politics paved votes that they obtained in the survey. the way for most people to elect them in With these as premises, it can be the senate.2 concluded that the voters appreciated It can be easier understood that their performances positively. teachers too rely on the popularity of Fourth, Endorsements. According to a candidates’ family in choosing whom J.R. Garcia (2014), endorsement made to support during the polls. In this in favor of a candidate plays a vital role context, F.M. Zulueta (2002) believes in his candidacy (Garcia, 2014). This, that election in the Philippines is a according to the LWV (League of Women battle only of the country’s elite families Voters) in 2010, is a way to show their (Zulueta, 2002). However, the review “stamp approval” to the candidate. conducted by the United States Library Endorsement may be made by the of Congress stresses that the wealthiest administration politicians, church, and class’ rivalry is mostly for the national other infl uential networks (LWV, 2010). positions, while families of lesser wealth Strongly, the incumbent president’s compete for local positions. endorsement of the nine winning Second, Young, New, and Promising. senatorial candidates was well noticed Having new faces in the senate is like and valued by the voters. Also, it is trying to taste novel dishes as products apparent that all, in exception to Chiz of experimentation. Respondents fi rmly Escudero, the winning candidates believed in the capacity of Grace Poe, among the teachers were supported by Nancy Binay, and Bam Aquino in the the Iglesia ni Cristo group. senate; hence, the high percentage of Fifth, Political Advertisements. Slogans, posters, radio, and TV 2See “Politics of the Philippines”. Available online (Television) advertisements are means to at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_the_ access the candidates’ platforms in the Philippines [accessed in , Philippines: August 17, 2015]. government. It allows the voters to be

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur 211 AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA, Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines more acquainted with their candidates. refl ected in the table. With 30.37% share Though, well regulated by the of the total votes casted for the party list, COMELEC (Commission on Election), it is clearly evident that the party list (i.e. Grace Poe, Chiz Ecsudero, Nancy Binay, Act Teacher and a Teacher, 3rd and 4th Cynthia Villar, and Loren Legarda were in the ranking, respectively) intended for among those whose political ads were teachers were not their dominant choice. played with longer durations in the Also, the party lists Teachers’ Dignity radios and television; and these became Coalition, Ating Guro, and Ang Guro very much benefi cial on their candidacy. obtained only very minimal support from Sixth, Family’s Origin. Majority the respondents. of the voter-respondents are from It can be further observed that ANAC- Cagayan Valley; hence, it can be easily IP (National Coalition of Indigenous understood that of the senatoriables, People), LPGMA, and 1BAP (Barangay Nancy Binay, whose ancestor hailed Ating Paunlarin or Serving the from Isabela Povince and Jack Enrile Barangays Movement) party list, which who comes from Cagayan Province were candidates are from Isabela Province mostly benefi ted. This proves that voters obtained remarkably higher percentages want to be represented in the senate by of vote compared to others in the list. prominent individuals of their blood or This supports W. Bianco & D. Canon whom they are closely acquainted. (2010)’s study where it was cited that Seventh, Prioritized Sectoral some factors that may affect the voters’ Representation. Kakuba Sultan Juma preference include geographical location (2012) and results of the IPER (Institute (Bianco & Canon, 2010). See table 3. for Political and Electoral Reform) study Table 4 presents the reasons ticked consistently supports the claim that by the respondents in choosing the voters reward candidates with their party list, which they will support. votes because their demands were Noticeably, the track record and the fulfi lled (Juma, 2012; and http://www. credibility of the group became their iper.org.ph, 17/7/2015). prime consideration. It matters when This widely supports the claim of they understand the intention of the the youth sector represented by Bam group as they aspire for a seat in Aquino as per result of the conducted the Congress. Also, the respondents survey. In addition, many voters are revealed their desire that their group, likewise looking for candidates, who teachers, be represented accordingly in can freely express their objections and the legislation of laws in the Congress. discontentment in the government; It is worth noting that the respondents hence, Antonio Trillanes was chosen. properly screened and identifi ed the Finally, Richard Gordon who was party, which they are going to vote identifi ed with the improvement of Subic since they did not decide to choose the in Zambales and modernization of the popular ones and the one which came to Philippine National Red Cross obtained mind fi rst. a remarkable vote from the teacher- Varied sources of information respondents. regarding the platforms and The Party List Election Survey backgrounds of the party list aspirants Result. The fi rst thirty (30) party list are refl ected in table 5. Voters did along with the percentage of votes they give much attention to paid political obtained from the teacher-respondents advertisements in the television. This is is shown in the table 3. The teacher- a worthwhile avenue, though costly for respondents were very much supportive the voters to scrutinize the platforms of the LPGMA (Liquifi ed Petroleum Gas of the aspirants. A candidate being Marketers Association) party list as mentioned in the news for whatever

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Table 3: Chosen Party List and the Percentage of Obtained Votes

Party List Percentage LPGMA (Liquifi ed Petroleum Gas Marketers Association) 30.37 ANAC-IP (National Coalition of Indigenous People) 20 ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) Teacher 17.04 A TEACHER (Advocacy for Teacher Empowerment through Action, 16.30 Cooperation and Harmony towards Educational Reforms) 1BAP (Barangay Ating Paunlarin or Serving the Barangays Movement) 1.85 AMA (Aagapay sa Matatanda or Serves the Elderly) 1.11 ADING (Advance community Development in New Generation) 1.11 Kabataan (A Youth Group) .74 AKBAYAN (Left Pluralist National Political Party) .74 COOP NATCO (Cooperative National Confederation of Cooperatives) .74 ABC (Alliance for Barangay Concerns) .74 ABAKADA (Organization of Teachers and Non-Academic Personnel) .74 TDC (Teachers’ Dignity Coalition) .74 Bayan Muna (Nation First) .74 Ating Guro (Teachers Organization) .74 SAGIP (Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty) .74 ABS (Arts, Business, and Science Professionals) .37 ABA (Alliance of groups that represent the rural poor, the urban poor, and .37 the traditional natural family) AAMOVER (A Action Moral and Values Recovery Reform Philippines) .37 DIWA (Democratic Independent Worker’s Association) .37 ABONO (Promotes agribusiness and entrepreneurial association) .37 NATIONALISTA (Fosters Filipino Nationalism) .37 AGHAM (Association of Science Professionals, Science Journalists, .37 Advocates, and Enthusiasts) FIRM 24K (Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos, Members are from the .37 Marginalized Sectors of the Society) Kalinga (Represents the Urban Poor) .37 Butil (Farmers Party) .37 UNA (United Nationalist Alliance) .37 SC (Senior Citizen) .37 KATRIBU (Indigenous Peoples Sectoral Party) .37 Total 100 circumstance likewise favored the voters’ though maybe to a small extent to familiarity of the group. the familiarity of candidates. It can be In this present generation, the social deduced that the voters did not rely media has an obvious role in election solely on his own personal knowledge as campaigns. Many voters can have basis in deciding whom to vote. access to the internet where they can To be voted upon as Party List means possibly gather varied information that the representatives will occupy as bases in choosing a candidate. seats in Congress, depending upon the Social institutions, such as the school, percentage of votes they obtained. To the church, and the like contribute, be in Congress, the vast majority of the

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur 213 AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA, Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines

Table 4: Reasons for Choosing the Party List Ranked According to Importance

Reasons Rank I considered the track record of the party list. 1 I choose the party list that I knew was credible. 2 I want the teacher sector represented in Congress. 3 I liked the list of laws that my chosen party list plans to pass. 4 I share and support the political beliefs of the party list. 5 The party list was suggested to me by a family member or a friend. 6 I choose the party list that was most visible. 7 I personally benefi tted from the party list’s program represented in Congress. 8 I want other sectors to be represented in Congress. 9 The nominees of the party list were people I personally know. 10 I am returning the favor extended to me by the party list of my choice. 11 I voted for the one that came to my mind fi rst. 12 I chose what I perceived to be popular. 13

Table 5: Voters’ Sources of Information on the Party List They Voted

Sources Percentage Rank Political Advertisements in Television. 16.97 1 News. 13.66 2 Social Media. 11.86 3 Family Members. 11.45 4 Personal Encounter with the Party List. 10.62 5 Newspapers. 9.24 6 School. 8.55 7 Friend. 8.41 8 Colleagues. 7.86 9 Church. .97 10 Flyers. .28 11 Personal Knowledge. .14 12 Total 100

Table 6: Voters’ Expectation on the Party List

Expectations Percentage P = Pass/legislate laws for the sector they are representing. 42.44 H = Help the needy. 13.17 P = Protect the right of the people. 9.76 I = Increase teacher’s salary. 6.83 H = Honestly serve the people. 6.83 F = Fulfi ll their promises. 6.83 B = Be the voice of the people (i.e. Indigenous People). 5.85 U = Upgrade the country’s economy. 3.90 I = Introduce change. 2.93 S = Support the old-aged. 1.46 Total 100

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan 214 ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur SUSURGALUR: Jurnal Kajian Sejarah & Pendidikan Sejarah, 3(2) September 2015 respondents expected them to pass and/ voters’ choice during the Philippine or legislate laws for the benefi t of the May 2013 midterm election. The group they are representing. They have to teachers preference were based from be the voice of the people especially those the candidates family affi liation, worthy treated as marginalized, such as the accomplishments, chronological age Indigenous People. It cannot be denied and stature, endorsement from different that the teacher-respondents expected institutions and from political leaders, the Party Lists to at least work for the sectoral representation, and mode of increase in the salary, compensations advertisement. The fi ndings pose a great and fringe benefi ts. See table 6. challenge to education as an agent of The above mentioned result presented socio-political transformation. the following scenario for the choice Based from the fi ndings the following of party list in Northern Luzon by the recommendations are given. The teacher-respondents: First, primary TEIs (Teacher Education Institutions) consideration in choosing a party list extension programs must include Civic is the credible track record that it can Education for parents particularly in present to the electorates, specifi cally connection with their proper discharge the one which highlights the formulated of duties and responsibilities as voting laws in support to the advocacy that it members of the population. laid for the people. Second, party list The TEIs should include Civic must act as the teacher sector’s voice Education in the General Education in the congress. Furthermore, they courses as part of the in-service represent and be able to speak on behalf training. Civic Education should of the people more so the marginalized be part of the general curriculum and indigenous people in the passage of or an elective subject in the K-12 laws. Third, the party list are elected as curriculum, so that the students will be a way to recompense debt of gratitude. basically capacitated for socio-political Implications to Education. Based transformation.3 on the data gathered, the fi ndings of this study revealed that teachers’ choice does not match with the majority of the References voters’ choice in the Philippine 2013 midterm election for senators and party Barrete, R.J. (2013). “How the Filipino Electorate list. The result posed a great challenge Chooses its Leaders” in The Philippine Online to education as an avenue of social Chronicles. Available online also at: www. transformation. thepoc.net) [accessed in Manila, Philippines: July 17, 2015]. It behooves that education should Bianco, W. & D. Canon. (2010) American Politics equip individuals the skill to understand Today. New York and London: W.W. Norton the political condition of the country and Company. so that graduate of Teacher Education Bongcac, R.A. (2000). Voting Behavior and Factors Institutions, the teachers, shall be in the Election of a Philippine President: Their Relation to Voter-Related Variables. Manila: able to engage themselves seriously PNU [Philippine Normal University] Press. in shaping political consciousness CNPL [Chief’s Notes on Political Law]. (2007). and attitudes to the young learners. Bar Operations Commission. Manila: Center Education is expected to cause positive for Legal Education and Research, Arellano changes along this line. University School of Law.

CONCLUSION 3Statement: We, hereby, declare that this paper is our original work and not product of plagriarism in The following conclusions were any books or journal that have being published. The drawn from the fi ndings. The teachers’ citation is stated and shown in the References. This paper is never also being submitted and published by voting choice is not consistent with the other scholarly journal.

© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur 215 AGNES S. REYES & JUDITH R. GARCIA, Voting Behavior of Teachers in North Philippines

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© 2015 by Minda Masagi Press Bandung and UBD Bandar Seri Begawan 216 ISSN 2302-5808 and www.mindamas-journals.com/index.php/susurgalur