Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
Columban College Inc.
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Dalan, John Den Saul
Start Date
25-6-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-6-2025 2:30 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
https://zoom.us/j/98109622127?pwd=z91Eu6ZS2Lx1Fbr4wPsrLcGuHkMLAS.1 Meeting ID: 981 0962 2127 Password: shsrcspl2
Abstract/Executive Summary
In democratic societies, political participation is a fundamental right, allowing every citizen, regardless of background, to run for office. However, this political freedom raises pressing questions about governance quality when competence standards are not in place. The tension between democratic inclusivity and the need for competent leadership becomes particularly relevant in educational settings where future leaders are shaped. This study aims to explore how student leaders perceive and experience political freedom in the absence of defined competence criteria in leadership roles. Guided by a transcendental phenomenological design, the study involved 20 purposively selected student leaders from Columban College, Inc., Basic Education Department–Asinan Campus. Structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using six-phase thematic analysis. Findings reveal that while participants value democratic access to leadership, they also recognize the dangers of unqualified individuals holding power, citing inefficiency and corruption as common outcomes. Participants shared personal encounters with leadership gaps and emphasized the importance of balancing democratic ideals with competence-based standards. The study concludes by recommending the integration of political literacy and competence development in leadership, with broader implications for strengthening democratic governance in both academic and national contexts.
Keywords
politics; competence and freedom; transcendental phenomenology; Philippines
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Socio-Economic and Political Landscape (SPL)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
Free for All: The Cost of Political Freedom Without Competence Standards
In democratic societies, political participation is a fundamental right, allowing every citizen, regardless of background, to run for office. However, this political freedom raises pressing questions about governance quality when competence standards are not in place. The tension between democratic inclusivity and the need for competent leadership becomes particularly relevant in educational settings where future leaders are shaped. This study aims to explore how student leaders perceive and experience political freedom in the absence of defined competence criteria in leadership roles. Guided by a transcendental phenomenological design, the study involved 20 purposively selected student leaders from Columban College, Inc., Basic Education Department–Asinan Campus. Structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using six-phase thematic analysis. Findings reveal that while participants value democratic access to leadership, they also recognize the dangers of unqualified individuals holding power, citing inefficiency and corruption as common outcomes. Participants shared personal encounters with leadership gaps and emphasized the importance of balancing democratic ideals with competence-based standards. The study concludes by recommending the integration of political literacy and competence development in leadership, with broader implications for strengthening democratic governance in both academic and national contexts.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_tps/1
