Student Academic Reviews

“Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines", the book by Maria Gloria R. Adan is one of the first book I have read that involves concepts and theories in politics. With that, I found the book intriguing because of its unique perspective on governance reform and presents a comprehensive vision for the nation’s future political development. The proposal to merge Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy, and Federalism into a Hybrid Model leads me to curiosity and invites critical thinking, encouraging readers to question the effectiveness of the current political system. Similar to what the society desire, the book effectively lays out foundation for why change is necessary where it calls for an action and a guide for the community and its future leaders.

One of the book’s strengths is its relevance to young Filipinos, especially students like myself who are eager to understand our country's governance. This paints a picture of a nation where youth engagement is important for change, which made me reflect on my own actions on how can I shape the future. The book calling for an action can empower younger generation to take responsibility for political change rather than remaining gullible to the state of our government. The author successfully connects with the youth by addressing their potential to create meaningful change. This personal connection makes the book more than just a political discourse, rather, it becomes a rallying movement for youth involvement.

The proposal of political concepts in this book is culturally relevant to the current situation of the government that is why I truly appreciate the governance model as it also provides Filipino cultural values. The acknowledgment of personal relationships in leadership and the cultural inclination towards forgiveness resonated deeply. These reflections made the book feel relevant and personal rather than just theoretical. Author’s understanding of Filipino culture enriches the narrative, grounding the Hybrid Model in a context that feels familiar. This cultural connection makes the proposed reforms feel more achievable.

From my knowledge I have gained in my education, I am aware to the concepts provided in this book but as I dive more on Hybrid, it enhances my thinking and awareness to the concepts like Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy, and Federalism and how these political concepts shapes the society. However, the book’s deeper concepts can sometimes feel overwhelming for readers like me because of unfamiliar jargons, concepts, and political theories. Simplifying complex ideas would make the text more understandable without sacrificing its intellectual rigor. Still, the author has been able to introduce the general concepts by simplifying them and giving examples or applications to our country. As a college student, this kind of book with depth of research can be inspiring as it develops our mindset and critical thinking so we can be prepared to face challenges, be lawful and rightful as an adult in the society in the future.

Reading this book brings me to a realization that the author firmly analyzed her proposed model by understanding the state of the country’s government and applying concepts that is valuable for a better vision of this government. Her knowledge of Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy, and Federalism is well-researched, as they effectively explain the strengths and weaknesses of each system while applying them to the Philippine government and society. The author not only critiques the current Presidential system but also proposed a structured alternative, showcasing their ability to think critically about national issues. Even so, the concepts of Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy, and Federalism was recognized from what is experienced in other countries, the author could have possibly relate these concepts or how these concepts can address or lead to the distinctive sociopolitical challenges of the Philippines like political dynasties, regional inequalities, voter’s behavior, populism, and crisis management. These challenges can abruptly affect the circumstance of every people.

Nonetheless, the exploration of global governance models provided valuable insights, demonstrating how other nations have balanced power and accountability where the idea of the author was made. The comparative analysis made the proposal of the author more practical and sensible to readers in order for them to understand more how these models could be adapted for the Philippines. The logical flow of the chapters made it easy to follow the progression of ideas. Each section built on the last, creating a cohesive narrative. With this being said, I believe that the structure of the book is well-organized with each chapter dedicated to a specific aspects of the Hybrid model and the state of the Philippines.

In terms of writing style, the author employs a formal and persuasive tone with relatively understandable information for the readers. The use of historical narrations and cultural reflections puts a personal touch showing that the book is also based from the experience as a Filipino. The formal tone works well for presenting serious ideas but risks alienating younger readers. More conversational style of writing to the parts of the book can be done especially in giving situational basis or examples of circumstances in applying these concepts to make readers more intrigued and be relatable. On the other hand, the author has been able to cite concepts and resources which explains the solutions more supporting her proposal making the book credible enough.

My overall impression in understanding the book by Maria Gloria Adan is a book that grabs the attention of the readers because of its bold and ambitious ideas about reforming the Philippines national governance and leadership. With the style of writing and tone of the author in this book, the complex ideas and concepts in the field of politics have been understandable on my perspective. The author has been able to highlight the importance of being truly aware to the situation of our government as it greatly affects our lives and our rights. As a student and a citizen, this book serves as a valuable resource for being open to political innovation and improvement giving a sense of possibility to imagine a better future.

Understanding these concepts more, I look forward and curious on how will the government improve if these concepts will be actually implemented in the Philippines. Other than initiating actions and recalibration by the community, how will this plan can be initiated by those people with position and power to shape the form of the government. When will the Philippine government realize and prepare to reform the governance that will actually bring equality, justice, and peace to the nation. Those are the questions that I have after reading this book hoping for an actual development of the Philippines. It is an honor to have the chance in reading this book which improves my critical thinking and perspective to the governance in this country.

Comprehensive Critical–Analytical Review

Ralph Ashley D. Tuazon, President's Lister, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila

Maria Gloria Adan’s work on Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines, is a compelling read for individuals who are interested in politics especially more on the ideals on how we can make our government better. While the book is informative and simple to understand, I have also noticed some lapses on it that I would like to literate.

In Chapter 1, the author presents an effective introduction to the Hybrid Model which stresses that governmental innovation remains essential. It demonstrates effectively that the present governmental structure of the Philippines has established systemic inefficiencies. While the tale of the unintelligent voter has good claims, we cannot call the voters unintelligent for voting on the wrong people or candidates we think are right for the job. As stated, some voters are politically illiterate, but that doesn’t mean they are unintelligent. Some people in the Philippines grew up in different environments, some finished their education, and some did not. As said in Chapter One, it is a survival strategy to believe in the promises these candidates make and not have to think critically about it. The chapter supports the analysis of a different system well, but it could use a more comparative example other than Park Geun-hye to support its claims.

Chapter 2 explores a detailed historical assessment of governance obstacles in the country showing how colonial influences and political dynasties established the current administration. The chapter relies primarily on historical determinism by stating that altering the structural framework should solve the existing problems. The inclusion of socio-economic factors in the analysis would strengthen the overall argument.

Chapter 3 provides detailed information about the Hybrid Model by explaining its alignment between parliamentary and presidential structures. The model exhibits satisfactory flexibility as well as adaptability according to the analysis. The hybrid system proposal does not present actual evidence demonstrating the operational logic of its hybrid structural elements. The credibility of this chapter would benefit from analyzing hybrid models already implemented in other countries.

In Chapter 4 titled “Federalism and Its Role in a Hybrid Government” The book's discussion about political participation creates an engaging analysis about inclusive governance systems. The proposed mechanisms by the author to boost citizen involvement represent a strong point of her work. This paper fails to properly evaluate how practical these mechanisms would be in the current Philippine political infrastructure.

Chapter 5 successfully explains why institutional checks with accountability are significant elements for proper governance. The proposed regulatory structure presents an effective system to fight corruption effectively. The chapter fails to fully examine how the proposed model would tackle expected resistance from powerful political entities and how it would counteract those obstacles.

In Chapter 6, The Hybrid Model economic evaluation in this chapter shows foreign investment growth along national economic expansion. The discussion lacks enough information about how this model might solve issues stemming from regional differences in income as well as socioeconomic gaps. From the perspective of research readers and scholars, it is beneficial to examine the economic landscape through case studies of regimes implementing similar reforms in their current governance systems.

Chapter 7 investigates cultural elements in governance reforms by highlighting that local political systems must consider native values and traditions. People should applaud the awareness of Filipino communal values. The analysis should expand its scope to explain which conflicting cultural values create resistance against implementing the Hybrid Model.

In Chapter 8, The author delivers an in-depth description of all legal requirements needed to establish the Hybrid Model. The detailed legal evaluation fails to capture the intricate nature of changing the Philippines constitution adequately. Extended real-world timelines while addressing legal obstacles would strengthen this section better.

Chapter 9 provides critical knowledge regarding safety concerns related to the adoption of the Hybrid Model. The author presents workable solutions for potential obstacles that might arise. Certain solutions fail to specify their approach when dealing with political barriers and slow-moving bureaucracy. A comprehensive plan for risk management would lead to stronger improvements in the chapter content.

Lastly, Chapter 10 presents an intense appeal for transformation in the book's concluding segment. The author ends by strongly advocating the Hybrid Model should be taken seriously as a viable solution by all stakeholders. Better credibility in this argument would emerge if the author adopted a calmer tone that accepts the unknown aspects of proper implementation.

Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines offers a great perspective on shaping our country’s governance through the Hybrid Model. This highlights the systematic flaws of the country's current political system and introduces a compelling new approach by introducing a new type of government in the Philippines, however, some lapses need to be revised. These are my general lapses; they’re based on my general understanding of the book and do not wish to hinder the author’s passion for striving for a better government in the Philippines. Despite all the lapses, Maria Gloria Adan’s passion for better governance is an eye-opener for young readers to have an open conversation about the future of the Philippine government.

Chapter-by-Chapter Diagnostic
Review

Luis Gabriel R. Barretto, President's Lister, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila

In HYBRID: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines written by Maria
Gloria R. Adan, the author presents an ambitious proposal for overhauling the country's
political system by introducing a hybrid model that combines Parliamentary Democracy,
Constitutional Monarchy, and Federalism. This proposal is framed within the context of the
shortcomings of the current Presidential System, which the book argues fails to hold
leaders accountable effectively and allows mismanagement and corruption to linger
without substantial checks. The Author believes that this hybrid model could be the key to
addressing the deep-rooted issues within the Philippine governance system and bring
about more stability, accountability, and inclusivity.

One of the book's main strengths is its thoughtful and culturally sensitive approach. The
Author considers the Philippines' unique sociological, historical, and geographical factors
when considering how these governance systems would be implemented. The author
carefully explores each of these systems in detail, discussing how they have functioned in
other parts of the world and evaluating their potential benefits in the Philippine context.
The goal is not to replicate these systems wholesale but to adapt them in a way that makes
sense for the Philippines.

The concept is based on the belief that the Philippines' current Presidential System has
become more ineffective, particularly in terms of holding public officials accountable. The
book discusses how presidential power, while centralizing leadership, has frequently
resulted in a lack of transparency and an environment of injustice, this allows their
mistakes to impact the people and have lasting consequences for future generations. The
proposed hybrid model, by contrast, aims to distribute power more equitably, allowing for a
more balanced system where leadership is held accountable through multiple layers of
checks and balances.

However, the transition to this hybrid governance model presents several significant
challenges. First and foremost, the change would require extensive constitutional
amendments, a process that is both time-consuming and politically contentious. The
Philippine Constitution would need to be rewritten or significantly revised to accommodate
the new governance structures, which would involve navigating a complex legal and
legislative landscape. Given the entrenched interests of political elites who have a vested
interest in maintaining the current Presidential System, there would undoubtedly be strong
resistance from these figures. Many political leaders, particularly those in power,
would likely oppose any move to dilute executive authority and shift to a more
parliamentary or federal structure.

Moreover, the cultural shift required for such a fundamental transformation could also
pose a barrier. The Presidential System is deeply ingrained in Filipino politics, and the
public is accustomed to a central figure as the face of leadership. The idea of a
Constitutional Monarchy, for example, could seem foreign and controversial to many,
especially in a country that has long been a republic. The concept of a monarch serving as
a ceremonial figurehead may be difficult for the Filipino public to accept, given the
country’s history with colonialism. Similarly, Federalism could be seen as a threat to
national unity, particularly in a country that has long been challenged by regional
disparities and tensions.

On the other hand, the book provides some optimism in that these hurdles are not
insurmountable. The process of shifting to a more hybrid governance system, while
challenging, could also lead to long-term gains in governance quality and national
development. The Author emphasizes that this is not an overnight solution, but rather a
long-term vision that would involve careful planning, broad public consultation, and
gradual implementation. The strength of the proposal lies in its capacity to provide an
inclusive system that allows for greater participation at both the national and regional
levels, which could better address the needs of diverse communities across the country.

Nonetheless, the book does not shy away from the difficulties that lie ahead. The success
of a hybrid model depends largely on the political will of the leaders and the commitment
of the Filipino people to embracing such a transformative shift. For this to work, public
education on the new governance systems would be crucial, as would transparent
discussions about the potential risks and rewards. The hybrid system's success would also
hinge on effective communication strategies that ensure all segments of society
understand and support the changes.

Ultimately, The Author’s proposal is a daring and well-researched vision for the future of the
Philippines. It acknowledges the flaws of the current system and suggests a solution that is
adaptable to the nation’s unique needs. The hybrid model, though ambitious, could offer a
more balanced and accountable system of governance. While the transition would be
difficult, involving significant constitutional, political, and cultural shifts, the long-term
benefits, if successfully implemented, could lead to a more stable, inclusive, and forward
thinking Philippine government. The book lays a solid foundation for such a transformation,
making a compelling case for the need for change, even if the journey ahead is fraught with
challenges.

Structural Transition & Feasibility
Review

Abegail M. Sonsona, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila

The Philippine government faces continuing governance issues according to Maria Gloria R. Adan who proposes Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines as a solution. The book inspires me and makes me think deeply because I dedicate myself to political and economic reform as a college student. Among its components the author develops a distinct system which unites three major governmental structures: Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy and Federalism. According to this model it seeks better accountability from leaders while fostering autonomous regions and national harmony thus providing a potential solution to the present Presidential systems in the Philippines.

The book demonstrates its most compelling assertion by evaluating the Presidential system. The author demonstrates how Presidential systems lead to political deadlock which creates corruption opportunities and results in leadership positions controlled by powerful financial donors and political elites. By distributing executive power across a collaborative parliamentary system the hybrid model addresses such problems by taking power away from the executive leader. As a student I agree with this concept since the standard political framework fails to produce substantial alterations.

The adoption of Constitutional Monarchy might generate controversy but the text shows such an organization maintains stability. The author proposes using a constitutional monarch as a non-partisan national symbol which can provide ongoing stability to prevent social disunity and establish national identity. The proposal fails to convince me as an acceptable solution because the dynamics of democratic societies make this approach difficult to execute. Though quite provocative the idea represents an unconventional approach toward traditional beliefs.

Federalism acts as an important organizing principle under the hybrid model system. The book shows that distributing power nationally can operate at a regional level to increase local governance which would decrease inequalities between towns and villages. My advocacy for regional development makes the proposed idea particularly interesting. Provincial authorities handling their resources aided by defined policies would enable more balanced growth across the nation.

Hybrid recognizes youth involvement together with innovative ideas as key factors for political reform. The author motivates students to both evaluate matters critically and lead discussions on governance systems while taking control of national development. Such urgent call to action serves as a motivation because it enables Filipino youth to step beyond passive roles to embrace active roles.

The book offers insufficient details about the transition process for adopting the hybrid system. The visionary plan faces challenges because it lacks concrete guidance to turn this vision into reality. The proposed major constitutional modifications need widespread political backing combined with public backing yet these elements remain inadequately discussed in the book.

Hybrid offers a well-informed and goal-oriented proposal that shakes up traditional methods. As part of its intended objective it introduces new governance ideas that inspire Filipino individuals to evaluate present leadership systems. Although some suggestions bundled within the text prove complex to carry out the book manages to generate essential analysis about Philippines' future development. I support the daring nature of this vision because it suggests important dialogues between future leadership candidates.

Systems-Based Governance
Analysis

Krishan Jose G. Soliman, President's Lister (1st & 2nd year), Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila

The book introduces an innovative system that unites Parliamentary Democracy with
Constitutional Monarchy along with Federalism. The book presents a solution to the
Philippines' existing Presidential system by recommending a combination of governmental
structures to produce an accountable and balanced government.

One key advantage of the book exists in its systematic breakdown of governance
problems. The analysis shows political corruption combined with centralized power and
instability prevents Philippine national development. The author demonstrates how select
nations successfully deployed Hybrid model components by presenting historical evidence
to validate her points.

An interesting part of the text examines how both external influences and individual
pressures influence leadership performance. Leaders who commence their term with
honorable motives can develop corruption by allowing family or outside pressure to steer
their conduct. Through its structure the Hybrid model protects leaders from tráchter while
maintaining their ability to fulfill their mission.

Despite being unfamiliar in Philippine political structures, the author explains how
Constitutional Monarchy functions as a stabilizing mechanism. A non-partisan respected
leader could establish national unity according to the author while enabling elected officials
to function effectively without accumulate unnecessary political fragmentation.

The Hybrid model represents governance optimization from my perspective given my
background in structured systems. Governance methods require the same constant
improvement as software advances because modern challenges need updated
methodologies. Parliamentary accountability combined with symbolic leadership enhances
decentralized control to build an adaptable political system.

The book promotes young Filipino citizens to be active agents in rebuilding their
nation's future direction. Readers must transcend conventional governance concepts to
evaluate groundbreaking solutions according to this text. The book generates important
dialogues about political advancement even though readers might disagree with its
proposed methods.

The book also encourages young Filipinos to participate in shaping their country’s
future. It challenges readers to think beyond traditional governance and consider innovative
solutions. Whether or not one agrees with the proposal, the book sparks valuable
discussions about leadership and political reform.

Concise Systems Optimization
Review

James Manuel M. Dukha, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila

The book “Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines” written by Maria Gloria R. Adan is a bold and forward-thinking analysis of the country’s current political circumstances. In this informative work, Ms. Adan proposes a new hybrid style of governance that combines features of parliamentary democracy, constitutional monarchy, and federalism. Ms. Adan contends that such a system would effectively address long-standing challenges such as corruption, inefficiency, political instability, and regional disparities, eventually fostering effective accountability, creativity, and national harmony. It is also insightful that her concept is based on the political frameworks of successful nations such as Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom, and has been painstakingly adjusted to the sociopolitical setting of the Philippines.

One thing I really appreciated about the book is how direct it is when addressing the problems in our current system. Ms. Adan talks about corruption, political dynasties, and inefficiencies that most Filipinos are already aware of, but she discusses them in a way that really hits home. For me, it made a lot of sense when she argued that small reforms would not be enough to fix a system that is deeply flawed. Especially since it has been continuously proven that a problem will only continue to sprout unless we put an end to its root. According to her, we need to think bigger and aim for total structural change.

What also stood out was how accessible the book is, especially for young readers like me. Even though it tackles heavy political concepts, Ms. Adan writes in a way that is easy to follow without oversimplifying the nature of things. She explains how each part of the hybrid system works – how parliamentary democracy can improve transparency, how a symbolic monarch could provide unity, and how federalism could empower local regions. She even uses relatable examples, like how Singapore’s government is known for being efficient, to make her points more understandable. Still, I did wonder if the idea of adding a monarchy might be too ambitious or unrealistic for our country.

Throughout the book, it is clear that Ms. Adan really wants to speak to the youth. She encourages young Filipinos to get involved, to question the system, and to be part of the solution. That message really resonated with me. It reminded me that we do not have to wait until we are older to make a difference. As students, we already have a voice, and we should use it to push for the kind of changes we want to see in our future.

Another thing I found interesting was how she connected politics with education and science. Ms. Adan talks about building research labs for political science and physics, which at first seemed like an odd combination, but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. She is trying to show that real progress involves different sectors working together. I liked this idea, though I think the book could have explained more about how all of this would actually happen. For example, how would the government make such a big transition? What laws would need to change? Would people accept a new system that is so different from what we have always had?

There are also parts of the book that focus a lot on faith and morality, which some readers might appreciate, but others might find a bit restrictive, especially if they do not share the same religious beliefs. After all, we cannot deny that a considerable percentage of the Philippine population have varying beliefs. I understand that Ms. Adan wants leaders who are guided by strong values, but I think a more inclusive approach would have made the argument stronger for a wider audience.

As for the writing style, I found it inspiring overall, though at times it felt more emotional than academic. There were parts where I was not sure if a claim was backed by evidence or just the author’s personal belief. Also, I noticed that the book does not really include a lot of statistics to support the claims. As a student, I would have appreciated more facts or comparisons with how other countries have handled similar transitions. It would have helped strengthen the arguments and make them feel more grounded.

Still, even with those limitations, I think Hybrid is a valuable and thought-provoking read. It challenges us to imagine a different future for our country, and more importantly, it gives young people like me the motivation to believe that we can be part of that change. Not everyone will agree with Ms. Adan’s ideas, but it definitely starts the conversation. I would recommend this book to any fellow student who is curious about politics, governance, or just wants to think differently about how our country can move forward.

Reflective Youth Perspective on Structural Reform

Eunice Andrei G. Delda, President's Lister, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila

As someone who was too young to vote in past elections, I was left to observe the political climate of our country without the power to change it. It jarred me as a child, seeing how much people cared about politics and exactly how politics affects people. I didn’t quite grasp yet how urgently change was needed in the country and how. But when I saw how much was at stake and who was being affected, I wanted to make a change like the people I saw on TV—I wanted to create policies to help the poor, to implement technologies to fix the problems, but it felt like everyone saw me as an idealist whose ideas would never come into fruition. Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines provides exactly that reassurance for kids who were once like me, that their innovative ideas do matter and that change is still within our reach.

In this book, Maria Gloria R. Adan proposes on addressing the issues of our country in the form of a visionary blueprint, combining Parliamentary Democracy, Constitutional Monarchy and Federalism to fit the Filipino context. With a foundation in Mathematics and experience in the Judiciary, Adan makes her arguments for her concept very feasible, especially with the way she carefully handles the topics with tact, in consideration of her target audience. This edition is intended primarily for Filipino students, young leaders and future policymakers, acting as both an educational tool and a call to action. For those like me who ever felt powerless in the face of political dysfunction or are dismissed for their idealism, this book is a powerful reminder that our bold ideas have the potential to pave the way for actual, meaningful change.

In the first six chapters, the proposed Hybrid Model is broken down into consumable chunks for the reader to understand, showing the current issues in the Philippines, how it connects to the Hybrid Model, the history of each government type mentioned, and what we can learn from other countries using similar models. It frames these systems within the Filipino context by constantly using our culture, our heritage, our faith and our values as a guide on what to modify about the existing but combined systems. For example, it highlights frequent natural disasters and regional disparities as key reasons Federalism would benefit the country, allowing LGUs to allocate budgets efficiently without the delays of a presidential system. By grounding its arguments in the reality of Filipino society rather than the fantasy of a better utopia, the book effectively emphasizes the urgent need for governance reform to tackle issues like corruption, inefficiency, political instability, voter intelligence, and climate change.

I found that the book’s strengths lay in its organization and ability to break down its complex concepts into digestible ideas, perfect for students who are still trying to make sense of their own political standing, as well as those well-versed in the subject. It effectively connects the global models to the Filipino situation and challenges many preconceived notions about presidential systems and political reform to convincingly sway those less open minded individuals. I especially love the part on how Adan highlights how important accountability is for leaders and citizens alike and how difficult it is to ask for accountability in our current system where justice is slow and the citizens are all too forgiving. It convinced me that the parliamentary system does indeed offer more direct intervention when leaders fail their mission, and that they can adjust policies as needed without having to wait for leadership change or make too many adjustments to please a new leader’s platform when a change does occur. Combined with federalism, I think this would work greatly in our favor with its fast-paced action-based governance because it is very applicable to most sectors with trends constantly changing.

Another one of the strongest points I found while reading is the humanization of the leaders, avoiding the usual portrayal of them as inherently corrupt or incompetent. Instead, it reminded me that our system sometimes dehumanizes its leaders exactly because of its centralized power, especially in the absence of proper checks and balances. This perspective challenged my previous assumptions and made me realize that governance reform isn’t just about electing the right people but about building a system that takes the impact of human error into consideration and minimizes it accordingly. Furthermore, I really appreciate the argument that progress, and not perfection should be the goal as it is a very realistic and refreshing take. It recognizes that no system is without flaw, and what truly matters is our ability to adapt, correct mistakes and hold leaders accountable.

My final point of discussion on the book’s strengths is its strong arguments for Federalism, Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy. Federalism already has the potential to be successful as seen in thriving cities like Makati, Taguig and Pasig, which all operate successfully without the need to be overly reliant on the orders of a singular power. Alongside Parliamentary Democracy, it can strengthen the checks and balances for authority, allowing judges to block executive decisions that may not suit specific regions—much like how the U.S. judiciary countered the Trump administration on key issues. By decentralizing governance, both Federalism and Parliamentary Democracy have the capacity to address the overconcentration of power and resources in Metro Manila, which has worsened regional inequality and forced provincial migration to the capital, increasing population density and urban poverty. As for Constitutional Monarchy, while a more contentious concept, can convincingly meet the need for a national symbol of hope—a unifying figure that provides stability and continuity beyond partisan politics.

But while Hybrid makes a strong case for its proposed governance model, I feel as if other aspects need further exploration and clarification if it truly wants to achieve the goal of being inspiring and convincing future generations to take action based on its blueprint. Of course no system is without problems and the book shouldn’t be taken as is without further improvement, but sometimes it tends to skirt around the potential risks and arguments against it. I particularly appreciated how Hybrid examines voter education and its impact on election outcomes, rather than solely blaming Filipinos for poorer voting decisions. However, while the book does recognize the need to improve voter awareness through the concept of the ICD, it would’ve been more balanced if the candidates are vetted as much as the voters as they have a much bigger responsibility to uphold. Because if voters are going to be forced to choose among unqualified candidates due to survival instinct, then the pool of options available should be at least as qualified as them to make it fair.

One notable gap in the book is its lack of engagement with the potential downsides of its proposed systems, particularly regarding Federalism, Parliament, and Monarchy. While a constitutional monarchy could act as a symbol of unity, Filipinos may find it difficult to accept, as it lacks the historical roots of established monarchies and could be seen as outdated and unnecessary. Maintaining a monarch would also require taxpayer funding, which many may oppose for a largely ceremonial role. Additionally, a monarch’s political stance—or lack thereof—could be polarizing, either alienating one side or being dismissed as passive, knowing how Filipinos tend to politicize personal choices and miniscule details. Given these issues, the book would have benefited from tackling alternative ways to establish national unity without the drawbacks of monarchy, or perhaps a modified version of a traditional symbolic monarchy. The book would have also benefited with a deeper analysis of key societal issues like prison reform, crime, economic trends, gender equality, climate change, and healthcare, as these could be significantly impacted by systemic change and would provide a more comprehensive vision for those who care about these issues and want to see their advocacies addressed.

Beyond governance structures, Hybrid introduces several thought-provoking ideas that could be expanded in future editions. The inclusion of Political Science and Physics Research Labs is commendable, but adding Innovation Hubs—such as the one recently built in Marikina City—could further support business and technological development. The book’s emphasis on rewarding success rather than punishing failure is also particularly compelling, as fear-driven governance often discourages long-term progress. However, one limitation of its innovation section is the lack of focus on Humanities and ethics outside of church, which is just as essential as STEM in shaping ethical leaders. As a STEM student, I have personally witnessed how a lack of Humanities education can lead to a results-driven mindset devoid of empathy and ethical considerations, making it crucial to strike a balance between both disciplines.

Overall, I think Hybrid: A Proposal for a New Form of Government in the Philippines could one day serve as a valuable and actually feasible framework backed by logic and evidence that can also inspire the future generation to develop their own solutions while building on the proposal. While not without its gaps and areas for refinement, it truly makes a compelling case for systemic reform, and it is something I would like to see in practice one day all refined and improved. This book is a must-read for students, policymakers, reform advocates, and politically engaged citizens who want to see a fresh perspective that challenges conventional governance. In the end, Hybrid is not just a proposal, but also a call to action reminding us that governance should be humane, adaptive, accountable, and driven by progress, not perfection. While the road to reform may be long, this book reinforces the hope that change is possible, especially when guided by knowledge, innovation, and the will to act.

Narrative–Ethical–Youth Perspective
Review

Jamie Kim M. Javier, President's Lister, DOST Scholar, PUP "Gawad Pagkilala" Awardee, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila