Abstract

Refined Proposal for Sortition-Based Governance in the Philippines A Hybrid Model with a High-Standard Filtering Mechanism for Selecting Leaders, Including the President & Prime Minister To eliminate political dynasties, corruption, and incompetence, this refined proposal replaces national elections for the President and Prime Minister with an advanced sortition system that ensures only the most highly qualified individuals are selected. 1. Key Features of the Sortition-Based Philippine Government ✔ Strict Qualification Filtering – Only the most competent and ethical candidates are considered. ✔ Advanced Sortition – Instead of elections, top leaders are randomly selected from a pre-vetted pool of highly qualified individuals. ✔ Hybrid Governance Model – A Prime Minister (Head of Government) and a President (Head of State) for better governance balance. ✔ Transparent Selection Process – Sortition is automated, verifiable, and publicly monitored using AI & blockchain technology. ✔ Non-Renewable Terms – Prevents long-term political control and career politicians. ✔ Citizen Participation – Involves the public in decision-making through citizen assemblies and local councils. 2. Government Structure with Sortition for the Philippines A. The Head of State: President (Selected via Sortition, Not Elections) The President will serve as the ceremonial Head of State, responsible for: ✅ Representing the country internationally. ✅ Appointing officials based on meritocratic recommendations. ✅ Ensuring the balance of power between government branches. ✅ Vetoing laws that violate the Constitution and Universal Law of Balance. Selection Process for the President 1. Strict Filtering Process – Only candidates who meet the highest standards of education, experience, and integrity qualify. 2. Meritocratic Shortlisting – A national committee of scholars, scientists, and governance experts ranks candidates based on leadership skills, ethical track record, and knowledge. 3. Randomized Selection from the Top 10 Candidates – Using a publicly transparent, blockchain-based lottery system. 4. Final Public Confirmation – The selected candidate must pass a public review process before assuming office. Term Length: 6 years, non-renewable (to prevent career politicians). B. The Head of Government: Prime Minister (Selected via Sortition, Not Elections) The Prime Minister will be the Head of Government, responsible for: ✅ Managing the executive branch and national policies. ✅ Implementing laws and overseeing economic programs. ✅ Ensuring efficiency and ethical governance. Selection Process for the Prime Minister 1. Qualification Screening – Candidates must have at least 10 years of government or leadership experience and pass a national competency exam. 2. Parliamentary Nomination – The Citizen Assembly (Congress) will nominate 10 highly qualified candidates based on merit and leadership performance. 3. Final Selection via Sortition – The Prime Minister is randomly selected from the top 3 nominees. 4. Public Oath of Accountability – The selected Prime Minister must take a binding public oath to serve with integrity. Term Length: 4 years, renewable once (to allow stability but prevent long-term control). C. The Legislature (Citizen Assembly & Senate Reform) 50% of House Representatives & Senate will be selected via sortition among highly qualified candidates. 50% will be elected through regional voting to maintain some democratic representation. Term Length: 4 years, non-renewable for randomly selected officials. D. The Judiciary (Courts & Justice System) Judges, Justices, and Ombudsman officials will be randomly selected from a pool of the most qualified lawyers and legal scholars. A randomly selected Citizen Oversight Panel will monitor the judiciary to prevent corruption. E. Local Government (Governors, Mayors, Councils) Governors & Mayors: Selected through sortition from qualified candidates (instead of elections). City & Barangay Councils: 50% selected via sortition among qualified candidates. 50% elected through local voting. 3. Filtering Mechanism: Who Can Be Included in the Sortition Process? To ensure only highly qualified candidates are included in the random selection pool, strict requirements must be met. A. General Qualifications (Applies to All Government Positions) ✅ Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in law, economics, governance, or a related field. ✅ Advanced Competency Exam: Must pass a rigorous national leadership exam designed by experts. ✅ Proven Leadership Experience: At least 5–10 years of experience in public service, business, governance, or military leadership. ✅ Ethical and Clean Record: No history of corruption, abuse of power, or criminal activity. ✅ Public Service Commitment: Must sign a legally binding contract to serve with integrity and undergo regular performance reviews. After meeting these qualifications, candidates enter the sortition lottery system for selection. 4. Implementation Plan for the Philippines Step 1: Public Awareness & Education Mass education campaign through universities, media, and schools. Conduct town halls and citizen debates on the benefits of sortition. Step 2: Pilot Program at the Local Level Implement sortition in barangay and city councils first. Monitor effectiveness and citizen satisfaction. Step 3: Constitutional Reform Amend the 1987 Constitution to legalize sortition-based governance. Establish the National Sortition Oversight Commission (NSOC) to manage the system. Step 4: Full Nationwide Implementation Expand sortition to the national government. Introduce performance evaluation mechanisms to ensure accountability. 5. Addressing Common Concerns Concern 1: Will Random Selection Be Manipulated? ✅ Solution: Use blockchain & AI-based selection systems to ensure full transparency. Concern 2: Will Unqualified People Be Chosen? ✅ Solution: Only highly vetted candidates enter the sortition pool, preventing unqualified individuals from being selected. Concern 3: How Will This Be Accepted by Filipinos? ✅ Solution: Implement small-scale trials, showing the positive effects of sortition before full implementation. Concern 4: Will the Philippines Lose Stability Without Elections? ✅ Solution: The hybrid model ensures some elected officials remain while transitioning to a sortition-based system. 6. Expected Benefits for the Philippines ✔ Eliminates corruption and political dynasties. ✔ Ensures only competent and ethical leaders govern. ✔ Prevents career politicians from controlling the country. ✔ Restores public trust in government. ✔ Reduces the influence of money in politics. Final Conclusion: A New Democratic Model for the Philippines This sortition-based system with strict filtering ensures that only the most capable Filipinos lead the country. By removing political dynasties, election fraud, and corruption, we create a fair, transparent, and efficient government.