Civil society organizations in the Philippines and China and their interactions: a comparative study

Abstract

In any political system, the existence of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a vital role in empowering the people especially when chronic socio-economic inequalities and social injustices persist in the prevailing social order. This study provides a comparative analysis between the CSOs of the Philippines and China. In order to do this, the researcher divided the discussion in four parts, namely: Historical Context; Legislative and Policy Environment; Engagement and Linkages; and the Issues faced by CSOs. A discussion about the distinct histories of the Philippines and China is essential in understanding the current structure of CSOs in both countries. As this study shows, the history of a country contains important events that would later influence the legislations and policies employed by the government for CSOs. Additionally, this study explores the various roles, engagements and linkages, and issues faced by CSOs during their operations. These discussions are essential in determining the similarities and differences of CSOs in the Philippines and China.