The Lobbying Power of Urban Poor in the Legislative Process of Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Lobbying is a way of attempt to influence government policies. It attempts many forms to influence legislation and political system. Lobbying is a powerful trade of influence. It seeks for political support and advocates the civil society. A civil society is a third sector of the community that is highly distinct from government and business. Through lobbying, Philippines as a representative democracy exercises civil society’s power through the masses. Civil society emerges its two main principles. It integrates the interest of its citizens and advocate interest which are independent from the government. Among the two, a non- governmental group seeks to influence the policy of governments. ‘’Interest groups have assumed many of the functions that are carried out by political parties in other systems. They are the heart of political process and are the central to the process of representation.’’ (Baumgartner & Leech, 1998). Generally, interest groups establish and share goals that can complement and benefit their living. Like any other developing country, lobbying as a means confronts government’s function as a legitimate body. It advocates the economically challenged sector and supports the will and heart of the masses.