1. POLICY ANALYSIS 101 Trainers’ Trainingby
Atty. Benedict Gonzales
Trainers’ Training
on Local Health Policy Development for
TB Control Implementation
Anchored on Evidence-Based Legislation
and Participatory Decision-Making

2. What is Policy
A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by a government, political party, business corporation, etc.
(Oxford Dictionary, 2000)
The general principles by which a government is guided in its management of public affairs, or the legislature in the enactment of its measures
(Black’s Law Dictionary, 1989)

3. What is Policy At the National Level Statutes promulgated by Congress
Executive orders issued by the President
Administrative issuances by the executive departments and other national agencies
At the Local Level
Ordinances enacted by the Sanggunian
Executive orders issued by the LCEs
Implementing rules issued by local agencies

4. Legal Parameters of Policy
Constitution
Statutes
Jurisprudence
Administrative Issuances
Local Ordinances

5. Legal Parameters of Policy
“De majori et minori non variant jura”
Whether the matter is great or small
the law does not vary
“Tempora mutantur et leges mutantur
in illis”
Times change and the laws change with them

6. Different Dimensions of Policy
As a label for a field of activity
Broad statements of the national government’s foreign policy, economic policy, population policy, etc.
Declarations of an LGU’s investment policy, peace and order policy, infrastructure policy, etc.

7. Different Dimensions of Policy
As an expression of general purpose
To create or generate jobs and livelihood for the people
To promote local autonomy through decentralization/devolution

8. Different Dimensions of Policy
As a specific proposal
To limit agricultural landholdings to a maximum of 3 hectares
To enroll 50% of the population in a health insurance program

9. Different Dimensions of Policy
As decisions of government
Specific directives announced by the President in national forums
Explicit orders given by governors/mayors in local assemblies

10. Different Dimensions of Policy
As a formal authorization
Statutory instruments enacted by Congress
Or local measures promulgated by the various Sanggunian
As a program
A defined/specific sphere of government activity
*Land reform program at national level
*Women’s health program at local level

11. Different Dimensions of Policy
As an output
What is actually delivered/accomplished
*The amount of land actually redistributed in the land reform program
*The number of persons actually enrolled by the LGU in the national health insurance program

12. Different Dimensions of Policy
As a process
Usually a cyclical procedure
Beginning with issues-definition, moving through objective-setting, decision-making, implementation, then evaluation, and back

13. Nature of Policy Process
The policy process is turbulent and unpredictable, not only as a whole but at its every stage
This is most evident in local governance
Any local change effort is a fundamentally political process that cannot just be approached clinically through a “technician approach” employing the discipline and skills of pure professionals
(Turner and Hulme, 1997)

14. Characteristics of Public Policy
The policy is made in the name of the “public”
Generally initiated by the government
Interpreted and implemented by public and private actors
Policy is what government intends to do
Policy is what government chooses not to do
(Thomas Birkland)

15. Policy Analysis Defined
The systematic selection of a definite course of action, from among alternatives, to address a social problem and achieve a societal goal
The method of evaluating laws, regulations, decisions, plans, and programs set by government, interpreting them, and using them as a basis for action

16. Methodology of Policy Analysis
Define the problem/issue
Identify the alternative possible solutions/responses
Set the evaluation criteria
Evaluate each alternative option
Choose the best policy option
Implement the chosen course of action

17. Alternatives Identification Evidence Documentation
The Policy Cycle
Policy Design
Alternatives Identification
Decision Making
Improvement
Evidence Documentation
Implementation
Evaluation
Objectives Setting
Output
Policy Termination
Problem Recognition
Impact

18. What is the Local Policy Environment?
Executive Policy-Making
Executive Orders
Administrative Orders
Memorandum Circulars
Memoranda
Legislative Policy-Making
Ordinances
Resolutions

19. Let Us Compare… Policy Instrument Advantages Disadvantages
Executive Orders/ Executive Issuances
Easily and quickly issued by LCE
Lobbying and negotiation is done only with the LCE and a few staff members
Temporary nature of policy—usually co-terminus with LCE
May be easily modified or overturned by a new LCE

20. Let Us Compare… Policy Instrument Advantages Disadvantages Resolution
Can be easily passed in Sanggunian because it does not need LCE’s approval
Policy passed by a larger group of policy makers adds greater weight to its importance and stability
Will take another deliberation and voting to be overturned
Also temporary in nature, as all resolutions are
May take a long time to be adopted because decisions are done through voting

21. Let Us Compare… Policy Instrument Advantages Disadvantages Ordinance
Most binding of all LGU policies
Carries a penalty clause (provisions on punishments for violation of law), when necessary
Will take another deliberation and voting to be overturned
May take a long time to be adopted because decisions are done through voting
Difficult to introduce immediate and necessary changes to policy because of mandatory legislative process
May be vetoed by LCE