SOCIAL STUDIES 10 – CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Table of Contents
Cours Description 2
Course Objectives 2
Teacher’s Materials 3

Module 1: Political Dynasty 4

Historical Background 5
Types of Dynasty 6
Channels of Dynastic Persistence 6
Consequences of Political Dynasty 7
Characteristics of an Ethical Leader 8
Activities 9

Module 2: Graft and Corruption 10

Definition, Classification and Factors 11
Consequences, Types and Practices 12
Oversight Institutions and Laws 13
Activities 13

Module 3: Human Rights 14

History and Characteristics 15
Definition and Generations 16
Importance, Issues and Organizations 17
Activities 18

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Course Description

This course provides students with opportunities to express a deeper understanding on

issues about the environment, economics, politics, human rights, education, civics and
society that challenge the nation at present. Students are to use the expertise of
investigating, reviewing and researching data from various references and apply critical
and analytical thinking, effective communication, and just and intelligent decision.

This course is designed to elevate student awareness of global issues since it is becoming
highly important as the countries of the world become more interdependent. Today’s
students also need an understanding of the world’s economy, politics, social structures,
and environment in order to make the best decisions about how to live their own lives
after high school and beyond. At the same time, consuming domestic news with a critical
eye is vital to enhancing democracy, defeating apathy and intolerance. More than ever,
an appreciation for news and our civic institutions is a key step toward self-empowerment
and advancement.

General Objectives

At the end of the school year the students are expected to:

1. Critically analyze information, generate ethical solutions to problems and conflicts

and responsively address controversial issues;
2. Collaboratively evaluate current policies and make policy recommendations;
3. Construct rational, moral and persuasive written and oral arguments to address
controversial issues; and
4. Become socially and ethically responsible world citizens in the 21st century.

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Teacher’s Materials:
 Contemporary Issues, Teacher’s Manual
 DepEd K to 12 Curriculum Guide
 DepEd K to 12 Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC)

Supplementary Materials:
 Sarenas, Diana Lyn, R. Contemporary Issues, Sibs Publishing House, Inc.,
Quezon City 2018
 Lopez, Jodi Mylene M. et al. Moving Forward: Contemporary Issues 10, Don
Bosco Press Inc., 2015
 The 1987 Philippine Constitution
 Rimando, Rolly E., Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction, REX Publishing
Company, Manila, 2016
 Mendoza, Diana J., Phd., Politics Without Borders, Pheonix Publishing House,
Quezon City, 2016
 Mateo, Grace Estalla, PhD., World Civilizations History and Culture, VIBAL
Publishing House, Quezon City 2010

Websites
 http://www.pewresearccenter.com
 http://www.globalissues.org
 http://environment.nationalgeographic.com
 http://earthville.org/resources/responsible-global-citizenship
 http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/gender-inequality-index
 http://www.overseasfilipinos/ National Statistics office.gov.ph
 https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/
 http://www.deped.gov.ph/
 http://www.dilg.gov.ph/

Pool of Video Clips

 Causes and Effects of Climate Change
 UDHR @ 70: Perspective
 OFW Story

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Third Quarter

MODULE 1 Political Dynasty

Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, a learner is expected to:
1. Examine the cause and effect of political dynasties in the sustenance of a
clean and efficient governance;
2. Evaluate the political set up of the Philippine government in line with political
dynasty;
VI: Servant Leadership - Instill the value of servant leadership to counter the greed
of power within politics.
II: Applied Ethics – Learn how to practically apply moral considerations moral
considerations in the areas of private and public life, the professions, health,
technology, law, and leadership.

Key Concepts

✓ Political Dynasty - is defined as the succession of political leaders coming

from the same family or clan.

✓ Fat Dynasty - a type of dynasty where a particular clan holds several

positions.

✓ Thin Dynasty - a type of dynasty wherein only two members of a political

clan hold certain positions in succession.

✓ Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and

Employees (Section 4 (A), RA 6713) - an act establishing a code of
conduct and ethical standards for public officials and employees, to uphold

Big Question: What are the positive and negative impacts of political dynasty?
Essential Questions:
1. Why has political dynasty persisted in the Philippines then until now?
2. What are the qualities of an ethical leader?
Pre-Activity

PRE-ACTIVITY Processing Questions:

1. Describe the photo.
2. Do you think it is normal for an entire family
to consider their political position as
something to be passed on like a legacy?
Why or why not?

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INTRODUCTION Historical and Political Background

What is Political Dynasty?

Political dynasty is a situation wherein

the sequence of powerful leaders is
from the same family or line. It is a
practice described by Filipinos in which
it is normal for politician’s son, wife,
brother, husband or other kinsman, to
run for the same government or other
government office. It also refers to
powerful clans that have established
and maintained predominance in the
political affairs of a given territory.

Based on the Asian Institute of

Management, Philippine politics is
dominated by 178 political dynasties.
According to Movement Against Dynasties
(MAD), “Dynasties deny equal
opportunities, control resources and worsen
corruption and poverty in the country.”

DISCUSSION

Profile of Political Dynasties in the Philippines

During the pre-Hispanic During almost 400 years of Parties have historically
period, a datu or chieftain Spanish control, economic played a relatively minor
served as head of the and political power in the role in Philippine politics.
balangay or the barangay. Philippines was restricted to They are often
The position could be a small mestizo elite known personality based, and
passed on to the son of the as the principalia. The arrival only play a relevant role
existing datu. of the United States in 1899 during elections in order
further consolidated the to establish electoral
power of these families. alliances with provincial
and local politicians.

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Types of Political Dynasty

FAT DYNASTY
A type of dynasty where the clan holds
several positions. It is the type of
dynasty where there is simultaneous
control of political positions. The family
has monopoly of power, so there is the
concern of working for the family’s self-
interest instead of public’s welfare.

THIN DYNASTY
A type of dynasty that can be
intergenerational in nature. Two
members of a political clan hold certain
positions in succession. The thin
dynasty mostly thrives on vertical
succession.

Channels of Dynastic Persistence

1. Occupational As with many other occupations, a politician’s son or daughter may
Choice be more likely to follow the same career as his/her parents.
Relatedly, it is plausible that relatives of former incumbents can
inherit the experience, political knowledge and skills required to run
a province. This would make dynastic candidates better suited for
public office in the eyes of the voters and would explain their
electoral success.

2. Use of Office Incumbency and access to public resources are fundamental for
for the Electoral funding the clientelistic networks and machinery that deliver votes.
Advantage of A politician can then bequeath these networks to his relatives in
Relatives order to expand the political dominance of the family. In fact,
clientelistic networks enjoy substantial economies of scale, and can
support two or more members of the same family who run for
different offices (i.e., Congress and provincial governor).

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3. Traditional Politics is seen as an enterprise. Many of the local positions are held by those
kinship in the same family or clan. Elected officials try to gain the loyalty of the voters
network so when their term is up, the family members of relatives can take over the
vacated position.

4. Political Dynasties prevail because they have the sustained capacity and resources to
Machineries hold the loyalty of the people. Loyalty can be secured once the politician has
the financial resources to maintain and sponsor expenses in political activities
from campaign period until one is elected in office.

5. Weak Affiliation to a political party in the Philippines does not necessarily mean having
Political unfailing loyalty to the party. Membership in a political party does guarantee a
Party System support network system. But, many change parties for self-preservation of
political clans. People usually switch to parties that have bigger machinery that
can aid them toward political preservation.

The Political Party System in the Philippines

1. It is a multi-party system, but 2 parties dominate the scene: the Nacionalistas & the
Liberals.
2. Party-switching is common - a shift in popular support from one party to the other,
or the expectation of such a shift, generally leads to changes of party allegiances
by many professional politicians eager to remain on the side of those in power.

Consequences of Political Dynasties

1. First, it limits citizens from voicing their demands, needs, and

expectations to politicians because a hierarchical culture is
manifested that promotes a culture of deference.

2. Second, dynastic families accumulate inordinate amounts of

power over time, which may allow them to violate the rule of law
without fear of losing elections or facing administrative sanctions
from other state authorities.

3. Third, the political selection of leaders emphasizes preferential

treatment of individuals rather than emphasizing meritocracy’s
level playing field, thus creating a breed of inexperienced
politicians who do not have the capacity to govern.

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Characteristics of an Ethical Leader

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for
Public Officials and Employees (Section 4 (A), RA 6713)

1. Commitment to Public officials and employees shall always uphold the public interest over and
public interest above personal interest.

2. Professionalism Public officials and employees shall perform and discharge their duties with the
highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence and skill.

3. Justness and Public officials and employees shall remain true to the people at all times. They
sincerity must act with justness and sincerity and shall not discriminate against anyone,
especially the poor and the underprivileged.
4. Political Public officials and employees shall provide service to everyone without unfair
neutrality discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference.
5. Responsiveness Extend prompt, courteous, and adequate service to the public.
to the public
6. Nationalism and Public officials and employees shall at all times be loyal to the Republic. They
patriotism shall endeavor to maintain and defend Philippine sovereignty against foreign
intrusion.
7.Commitment to Public officials and employees shall commit themselves to the democratic way of
democracy life and values, maintain the principle of public accountability, and manifest by
deeds the supremacy of civilian authority over the military.

8. Simple living Public officials and employees and their families shall lead modest lives
appropriate to their positions and income. They shall not indulge in extravagant
or ostentatious display of wealth in any form.

ASSESSMENT
ASYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY

A. Simple Recall. Identify what is being asked.

_______________1. A type of dynasty where a particular clan holds several positions
_______________2. A type of dynasty wherein only two members of a political clan hold
certain positions in succession
_______________3. Politics is seen as an enterprise
_______________4. A shift in popular support from one party to the other
_______________5. The political party system of the Philippines

B. Fact or Opinion. Write F if the statement is a Fact and O for opinion.

_______1. The Philippines has the highest number of families involved in political
dynasties.
_______2. Under a fat dynasty, the family has monopoly of power.
_______3. The existence of political dynasties prohibits citizens from voicing their
demands, needs, and expectations.
______ 4. An ethical leader must be politically neutral.
______ 5. Ethical leaders can be extravagant in terms of displaying wealth.

SYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY: IL WK 1 | PERSUASIVE SPEECH

Third
OralQuarter
Recitation (RA 6713) IL WK 2 | QUIZ #1: DEC. 10

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MODULE 2 Graft and Corruption

Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, a learner is expected to:
1. Discuss and apprehend the concept of graft and corruption;
2. Examine the basic cause of graft and corruption that has been in the political
structure of the country;
VI: INTEGRITY: Express their quest for integrity against graft and corruption for
their generation.
II: CE - Use of Biblical account to understand how dishonesty in the guise of
graft and corruption.

Key Concepts

✓ Corruption - the abuse of entrusted power for private gain (Transparency

International).
✓ Graft - a specific type of corruption whereby an official uses his public
stature to gain illegal benefit (McCall, J.D.).
✓ Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019) - the main anti-
corruption law in the Philippines. It enumerates certain acts of public
officers that constitute graft or corrupt practices.
✓ Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees (RA 6713) - An act establishing a code of conduct and ethical
standards for public officials and employees, granting incentives and
rewards for exemplary service, enumerating prohibited acts and
transactions and providing penalties for violations thereof and for other
purposes.
Big Question: What are the main motives for corruption in the Philippines?
Essential Questions:
1. What are the common corrupt acts in the Philippines?
2. What are Bible verses or Biblical accounts that support integrity against graft
and corruption?
Processing Questions:
1. What are the hidden costs of
PRE-ACTIVITY corruption in the Philippines?
2. What do you think should be done to
Watch YouTube video: The Hidden political executives who do not report
corrupt practices?
Cost of Corruption by Rappler |
http://tiny.cc/CorruptionRappler

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INTRODUCTION What is Corruption?

Corruption shall mean any behavior of any person
employed in civil service or in the private sector,
exceeding one’s authority, behavioral standards
established in legal acts or company's internal rules,
in the pursuit of private or other persons ’gain thus
causing harm to the interests of the State or
individual natural or legal persons.

DISCUSSION Classification of Corruption

acts committed at a high level of government that distort policies or
Grand/Political the central functioning of the state, enabling leaders to benefit at the
expense of the public good

refers to everyday abuse of entrusted power by low- and mid-level

public officials in their interactions with ordinary citizens, who often are
Petty/Administrative trying to access basic goods or services in places like hospitals,
schools, police departments and other agencies.

Factors for Corruption

Individual Factors
- Human greed - Low income - Rationalization of wrong doing
- Disregard for values - Over-ambition - External pressure

Organizational Factors
- Lack of good leadership - Weak management/control systems
- Bad organizational culture - Lack of Accountability
- Lack of proper system. - Lack of Transparency

Societal Factors
- Erosion of values - Lack of good role models - Bad governance
- Disregard for rule of law - Weak implementation of laws
- Lack of public awareness - Apathy

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Consequences of Corruption
On the political front, corruption is a major obstacle to democracy and the
Political rule of law. It is extremely challenging to develop accountable political
leadership in a corrupt climate.

Economically, corruption depletes national wealth. Corrupt politicians invest

Economic scarce public resources in projects that will line their pockets rather than
benefit communities.

Corruption corrodes the social fabric of society. It undermines people's trust

Social in the political system, in its institutions and its leadership.

The lack of, or non-enforcement of, environmental regulations and

Environmental legislation means that precious natural resources are carelessly exploited,
and entire ecological systems are ravaged.

Types of Corrupt Practices

Type Definition

A bribe is either a monetary or another kind of advantage (gifts, training trips,

discounts, etc.) that an official gets for breach of duty. The purposes of bribery vary,
Bribery bribes are given to speed up certain processes (speed money) as well as to get
information, a service, etc., that would not be available otherwise, or to avoid the
consequences of an action (e.g., having your licence taken away).
A corruptive use of official position presupposes that the official is competent to
Graft perform a certain kind of act, but they either omit to perform their duty, go beyond
their competence, or use it in breach of the rules of discretion.
Vote buying becomes an issue mainly during elections when the candidates promise
to return the favour, give a gift, etc., to those who vote for them. Vote buying should
Vote buying not be confused with giving away free items (balloons, matchboxes, etc.) during an
election campaign whereby the voter is not directly obliged to vote for the candidate.
A form of bribery where the beneficiary is not necessarily an official. What matters is
Influence
the social or professional position: although the beneficiary cannot make the decision,
peddling he or she can use his or her position to influence the decision-maker.
when someone is granted a position because of connections rather than because he
Nepotism or she has the best credentials and experience, the service that person renders to
the public may be inferior.
In the Philippines, it is when any public officer that has acquired ill-gotten wealth
Plunder through a combination or series of overt or criminal acts as in the aggregate amount
or total value of at least 50,000,000 pesos.

Electoral Fraud illegal interference with the process of an election

Malversation may be committed by misappropriating public funds or embezzling public property

of Public
Funds
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Oversight Institutions

The 1987 Philippine Constitution envisioned the Office of the Ombudsman

as the constitutional accountability authority in government with full
powers to exercise extraordinary oversight and investigative authority over
actions of all public officials and employees.

The Philippine Constitution of 1973 (Sec. 5, Article VIII) created a

special court, known as Sandiganbayan, with jurisdiction over
criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices and
such other offenses committed by public officers and employees,
including those government-owned or controlled corporations
(GOCCs), in relation to their office as may be determined by law.

It is the central personnel agency of the Philippine government.

The CSC is responsible for the policies, plans, and programs
concerning all civil service employees.

Some Anti-Graft & Corruption Laws in the PH

in

Policy RA # Definition

The Code of Conduct and Corruption corrodes the social fabric of society. It
Ethical Standards for undermines people's trust in the political system, in its
Public Officials and RA 6713
Employees institutions and its leadership.

The lack of, or non-enforcement of, environmental

Giving of Gifts on regulations and legislation means that precious natural
PD No. 46
any Occasion resources are carelessly exploited, and entire ecological
systems are ravaged.
An Act Defining and This penalizes a public officer who acquires ill-gotten
Penalizing the Crime RA 7080 wealth in the total of at least PHP 50 million through
of Plunder overt or criminal acts.
This regulates political contributions and prohibits the
Omnibus Election
RA 881 following contributions for purposes of partisan political
Code of the PH
activity, directly or indirectly.
Specifically prohibits facilitation payments; the ARTA
Anti-Red Tape Act prohibits a public officer from fixing and/or colluding with
RA 9485
(ARTA) fixers in consideration of economic and/or other gain or
advantage.

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ASSESSMENT ASYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY

Instructions: Look for 3 verses in the Bible that speak about the importance of honesty and integrity and write it
down on the 1st column. In the 2nd column, write your understanding of the verses and how it personally impacts you.
In the 3rd column, write 1-2 actions points on how you are planning to apply what you have learned in each verse.

GOD’S WORDS MY WORDS I WILL..

1

SYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY: IL WK 3 #4 | Written Output

CASE ANALYSIS BY GROUP

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Third Quarter

MODULE 3 Main Concept of Human Rights

Learning Objectives

At the end of the session, a learner is expected to:

1. Discuss the provisions of Human Rights based on Universal Declaration of

Human Rights by the United Nations and the 1987 Philippine Constitution;
2. Evaluate the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by
the United Nations in our nation;
VI: Respect: Based on the principle that all men are made in the image of
God, be aware and manifest a desire to help safeguard human rights in the
school and social media through showing equal treatment and respect of
individuality.
II: CE – Valuing one’s freedom and basic human rights given by God but also
keeping in mind that such freedom is not absolute, thus, submission to laws
and authorities are vital to keep relationships healthy and harmonious.

Key Concepts

✓ Human Rights - Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless
of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.

✓ International Human Rights Law - International human rights law lays down the
obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts,
in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of
individuals or groups.

✓ Universal Declaration of Human Rights - The Universal Declaration of Human

Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights; drafted
by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions
of the world, it set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be
universally protected.

Big Question: What are the characteristics of human rights?

Essential Questions:
1. What are the different generations of human rights?
2. What are the various human rights violations prevalent in the Philippines?

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PRE-ACTIVITY
Processing Question:
If every human has rights, why are there a lot
of people/groups of people who still need to
fight for it?

INTRODUCTION Brief History

The traumatic events of the Second

World War brought home that human
rights are not always universally
respected. The extermination of
almost 17 million people during the
Holocaust, including 6 million Jews,
horrified the entire world. After the
war, governments worldwide made a
concerted effort to foster international
peace and prevent conflict. This
resulted in the establishment of the
United Nations in June 1945.

In 1948, representatives from the 50 member states of the United Nations came
together under the guidance of Eleanor Roosevelt (First Lady of the United States
1933-1945) to devise a list of all the human rights that everybody across the world
should enjoy.

DISCUSSION Characteristics of Human

Rights

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WHAT ARE HUMAN RIGHTS?

Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality,
ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty,
freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and
education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. | United
Nations

Three Generations of Human Rights

Also known as Civil- Also known as Socio-

political Human Rights economic Human Rights

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Importance of Human Rights

HR ensure people HR protect protect HR allow people to
have basic needs vulnerable groups HR promotes
stand and speak up equality
met rom abuse

Some International Human Rights Organizations

Global Human Rights Issues

Civil and political rights are violated through genocide, torture, and
arbitrary arrest. These violations often happen during times of war,
and when a human rights violation intersects with the breaking of laws
about armed conflict, it’s known as a war crime.

As described in the UDHR, economic, social, and cultural rights include the
right to work, the right to education, and the right to physical and mental
health. As is the case with all human rights, economic, social, and cultural
rights can be violated by states and other actors.

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ASSESSMENT ASYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY

Instructions: Each one will be assigned a topic to briefly discuss in class. You should
be able to: 1) Identify the provisions in the UDHR and Bill of Rights (Article 3, 1987 PH
Constitution) are violated; and 2) Express what you can practically do, as
students/Christians, to help protect such rights.

Human Rights Issues in the Philippines

Extrajudicial killings

Terror bill, red-tagging

Attacks on press
freedom, critics

Terrorism and
Counterterrorism

HIV Epidemic

Poverty & Hunger

Human Trafficking

Child Labor

SYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITY
Class Presentation of the IL WK 6 | QUIZ #2
assigned topic

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