Abstract 

Tiwala (trust) and pagsunod (submission) are essential yet underexplored elements of Philippine politics and governance, deeply rooted in cultural, historical, and social contexts. The TaP Project investigates four key questions: How do residents in Pasig, Naga, and Davao construct and experience tiwala with respect to authority figures and city governance? What emotional, cultural, and historical factors shape tiwala and pagsunod in urban local governance? How do trust and submission manifest in direct community engagement and governance activities? How do the dynamics of trust and submission interact across diverse urban contexts to shape governance experiences? Conducted from 2025 to 2029, this comparative case study employs participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups to explore these dynamics in cities exemplifying reformist transparency, participatory legacy, and centralized leadership. By analyzing the interplay between institutional and relational trust and values such as hiya (shame), utang na loob (debt of gratitude), and pakikisama (shared humanity), the project advances theoretical frameworks for trust-based governance. It highlights the tension between ‘trust-driven submission’ and ‘submission-driven trust,’ offering insights into fostering durable trust in diverse political contexts. Ultimately, the study contributes to understanding the fluid and contested nature of trust and submission in transitional democracies, aiming to inform more responsive democratic frameworks in the Global South.