The Dilemma of Philippine Campaign Politics: Alternative Strategies in the 2004 National Elections

This book is a look into another form of politics gradually emerging in the Philippines, often called “alternative.” It chronicles how a new generation of politicians under the Liberal Party are eschewing the personality-dominated atmosphere of current Philippine politics in favor of a new compact with voters, one based on good governance and empowerment.

If you are interested in this book, please contact the Ateneo School of Government

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Objectives and Methods

3 The Basics: Politics and Political Culture

• Politics Defined
• Political Culture Explained
• An Overview of Philippine Political Culture

4 The Context: Unearthing the Philippine Dilemma

• Traditional Campaign Methods
• What is the "Alternative"?

5 Campaigning in 2005 Elections

• Alternative Political Campaigns:
• Nereus Acosta, Representative, Bukidnon
• Campaign Strategy
• Campaign Materials
• Campaign Issues
• The Need for Engagement
• Towards Alternative Politics
• Alternative Political Campaigns:
• Dina Abad, Representative, Batanes
• Campaign Strategies
• Campaign Materials
• Campaign Slogans
• Campaign Themes
• Campaign Machinery of the Liberal Party
• Towards Alternative Politics

6 Analyzing the Cases

• Representative Acosta's Attempt at the Alternative
• Representative Abad's Alternative Act
• Reasons for their Approach
• The Art of Being Alternative
• Establishing or Utilizing Institutions
• Educating the Constituents

7 Conclusion

• Acronyms

8 References