1987 Philippine Constitution
Article V: Suffrage
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.
(EXPLANATION: In simple terms, this ensures that voters are
legally qualified, of proper age, and familiar with their local
community where they vote.)
What is Suffrage?
• It is both a right and a responsibility of Filipino citizens to
vote in elections.
• It ensures participation in choosing public officials and
shaping government policies.
• No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement
shall be imposed in the exercise of suffrage.
(EXPLANATION: This means that every qualified citizen can
exercise this right equally, making our democracy stronger and
more inclusive.)
SECTION 2B.
• 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.
(EXPLANATION: To put it briefly, Section 2B ensures that every
eligible Filipino, regardless of literacy or disability, can exercise
their right to vote freely and independently while maintaining
the privacy and confidentiality of their ballots)
NATURE OF SUFFRAGE:
• Suffrage is not a natural right but a political right
granted by the Constitution.
• It is a means of expressing the sovereign will of the
people.
• It is a privilege regulated by law to ensure fair and
orderly elections.
(EXPLANATION: This indicates that it exists because it is
permitted by law and is regulated to maintain order and fairness
during elections. In short, while it is a privilege, it is an essential
tool of democracy that reflects the voice of the people)
SCOPE OF SUFFRAGE:
• Covers the right to vote during national and local
elections.
• Includes plebiscites, referendum, elections, initiative, and
recall.
ELECTION – means by which people choose their officials.
PLEBISCITE – a direct vote by the people to approve or reject a
proposed change to the Constitution or to create, divide, merge,
or alter local government units.
REFERENDUM – submission of a law passed by the legislative
body to the people for their ratification or rejection.
(Referendums are rarely used, because laws are usually passed
by Congress directly.)
INITIATIVE – people directly propose and enact laws.
RECALL – a method by which a local elective official may be
removed from office during his tenure.
(EXPLANATION: Scope of suffrage implies that Filipino
individuals have the power to approve legislation, suggest
policies, and even remove politicians from office when needed
in addition to casting ballots for elected authorities. To put it
briefly, suffrage allows people to effectively and significantly
influence public policy and governance.)
WHO ARE QUALIFIED TO VOTE:
• A Filipino citizen
• At least 18 years old
• A resident of the Philippines for at least 1 year (before the
election day)
• A resident of the place where they intend to vote for at
least 6 months
WHO ARE DISQUALIFIED TO VOTE:
• Non-Filipino citizens – only Filipinos can vote.
• Persons under 18 years old – must be at least 18 on election
day.
• Unregistered voters – not registered with COMELEC.
• Non-residents:
o Not living in the Philippines for at least 1 year before
the election.
o Not living in their local area for at least 6 months
before the election.
• Mentally incapacitated persons – as insane or incompetent
persons.
• Persons convicted of crimes involving disloyalty to the
government such as rebellion and sedition.
SECTION 2A.
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.
Secrecy and Sanctity of the ballot
Every voter has the right to vote freely and privately without
fear of intimidation, bribery, or coercion.
(EXPLANATION: This implies that every Filipino voter has the
freedom to cast their ballot in privacy and without fear of
intervention, pressure, or intimidation.)
Absentee Voting System
A system that allows certain voters to cast their votes even if
they cannot be physically present in their registered voting
precinct on election day.
(EXPLANATION: Essentially, these steps guarantee that all
eligible individuals may exercise their right to vote, both
domestically and internationally, and ensure the integrity of our
elections.)
SUMMARY:
Suffrage is the right of every Filipino citizen to vote and
participate in governance. Article V of the 1987 Constitution
defines who is qualified to vote, who is disqualified, and how
voting is conducted. It also guarantees the secrecy, fairness, and
accessibility of the ballot, including provisions for absentee
voting and ensures democratic participation for all eligible
Filipinos.
(EXPLANATION: Overall, suffrage serves as a fundamental
mechanism that allows all qualified Filipinos to actively engage
in shaping government policies, choosing leaders, and
influencing decisions that affect their communities and the
nation as a whole.)