1987 Philippine Constitution , Article V

Suffrage is the right and obligation to vote or qualified citizens in the election of certain national and local officers of the government and in the decision of public questions submitted to the people.

SUFFRAGE EXPLAINED
Suffrage is the right or privilege of the electorate to vote:
For officials to run the affairs of government; For issues for their consideration

Suffrage is a manifestation of republican democracy.

ARTICLE V
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.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EXERCISING SUFFRAGE: (SECTION 1)

Citizens of the Philippines One who is below 18 but is exactly 18 or more on Eighteen years old and the day of voting may be above. qualified to vote. At least one year residence in the Philippines and six months in the place where he intends to vote. The reckoning date to determine age is the date Not disqualified by law. of the exercise of Aliens cannot exercise suffrage.
suffrage.

PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENT FOR EXERCISING SUFFRAGE:

A Registered Voter: A person exercising suffrage : Must be a qualified voter. Must be a registered voter in accordance with the requirement of election laws

Registration is not a qualification but a way to determine who can vote. It is a condition before a qualified voter can exercise suffrage.

PERSONS DISQUALIFIED TO VOTE:

1. Those who have been sentenced by the court to imprisonment of not less than one (1) year and have not been pardoned by the President. 2. Those who have violated their allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines.

3. Insane /lunatic persons.

1935
1. Able to read and write.

1973
1. The illiterate voter is not necessarily an ignorant voter. 2. The word shall in relation to vote means that a person is compelled to vote.

2. The word may in relation to vote means that a person is not compelled to vote.

1935

1973

Under the present Constitution, Congress cannot also impose property requirement for the exercise of suffrage. Property ownership not a test of an individuals capacity Property requirement inconsistent with concept of republican government Property requirement inconsistent with social justice principle

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

The independent constitutional body mandated to supervise elections and implement election laws. It is composed of a chairman and six (6) commissioners.

For officials to run the affairs of government:

1. Election 2. Recall

For issues for the electorates consideration:

1. Plebiscite 2. Initiative 3. Referendum

Forms of Suffrage
The process of voting for elective government officials.

Forms of Suffrage
The process of voting for elective government officials. Kinds of Election:
GENERAL ELECTIONS - elections for all national and local officials held simultaneously on the same day. NATIONAL ELECTIONS elections for national officials namely the President, VicePresident, members of Congress LOCAL ELECTIONS elections for local officials in the regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities.

ELECTION
Kinds of Election:
Special Elections elections held on a date different from that of the regular elections. Causes:

1. When a vacancy occurs in an elective office due to the death or the incapacity of the incumbent official. 2. When the scheduled regular election is postponed due to typhoons or other emergency. 3. When the regular elections are cancelled due to failure of elections.

Forms of Suffrage
The procedure to remove an elected official before the expiration of his term of office. It is started when at least 20% of the registered voters in a province, city or municipality petition the COMELEC to remove a local official.

Forms of Suffrage
A means whereby a certain question of public interest pertaining to the Constitution is put to a popular vote for approval or disapproval.

Forms of Suffrage
Is when a question or law passed by the Congress is referred directly to the people for its approval or rejection. (Art. VI Sec. 32)
Article VI, Section 32. The Congress shall, as early as possible, provide for a system of initiative and referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body after the registration of a petition therefore signed by at least ten per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters thereof.