is the right and obligation of a
qualified citizen to vote in the election of
certain national and local officials of the
government and in the decision of public
questions submitted to the people.
Suffrage
The Philippines is a
democratic and republican State.
Sovereignty resides in the people
and all government authority
emanates from them.
Section 1.
Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the
Philippines, not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at
least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in
the Philippines for at least one year and in the place
wherein they propose to vote, for at least six months
immediately preceding the election. No literacy, property,
or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the
exercise of suffrage.
Section 1.
The Congress shall provide a system for securing the
secrecy and sanctity of the ballot as well as a system for absentee
voting by qualified Filipinos abroad.
The Congress shall also design a procedure for the disabled and
the illiterates to vote without the assistance of other persons. Until
then, they shall be allowed to vote under existing laws and such
rules as the Commission on Elections may promulgate to protect
the secrecy of the ballot.
Section 2.
a political exercise whereby the sovereign people choose a
candidate to fill up an elective government position.
Election
a political right of sovereign people to ratify or reject
constitutional amendments or proposed laws.
Plebiscite
the right reserved to the people to adopt or reject any act of
measure which has been passed by a legislative body and which in most
cases would , without action on the part of the electors , becomes a law.
Referendum
a system by which an elective official is removed by popular vote the
end of his term.
Recall
the power of the people to propose bills and laws and to enact or
reject them at the polls , independent of the legislative assembly
Initiative
Eligibility Requirements for Regular Voters
- Filipino citizen who has never registered with the COMELEC
- At least 18 years old on or before the upcoming elections
- Living in the Philippines for at least one year
- For barangay elections: Living in the barangay where they intend to vote for
not less than six months prior to election day
Eligibility Requirements for Sangguniang Kabataan Voters
- Filipino citizen who has never registered with the COMELEC
- At least 15 but not older than 30 years old on or before the SK Elections
- Living in the barangay for not less than six months prior to election day
Persons who are Disqualified to Vote
- Any person who has been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment for not less than one year. However, he/ she may reacquire the right to vote upon expiration of five years after service of sentence.
- Any person who has been adjudged by final judgment by competent court or tribunal of having committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the anti-subversion and firearms laws, or any crime against national security, unless restored to his/her full
civil and political rights in accordance with law: Provided, That he/she shall regain his right to vote automatically upon expiration of five years after service of sentence. - Insane or incompetent persons as declared by competent authority
The voice of the people is the voice of god
VOX POPULI, VOX DEI
We cannot be mere consumers of good governance, we must be participants; we must be co-creators.
Rohini Nilekani
