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. No
literacy, property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise
of suffrage.

MEANING OF SUFFRAGE
Suffrage is the right and obligation to vote of 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.

NATURE OF SUFFRAGE
(1) A mere privilege.
(2) A political right.

QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS:
(1) a citizen (male or female) of the Philippines.
(2) Not otherwise disqualified by law.
(3) At least eighteen (18) years of age.
(4) Have resided in the Philippines for at least one year in the place wherein he
proposes to vote for at least six months preceding the election.

PERSONS DISQUALIFIED TO VOTE:

(1) Any person who has been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment
for not less than 1 year, such disability not having been removed by plenary
pardon or granted amnesty.
(2) 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 full civil and political rights in accordance with law.
(3) Insane or incompetent persons as declared by competent authority.

SECTION 2. 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.

SYSTEM FOR SECURING THE SECRECY AND SANCTITY OF THE BALLOT

It is essential then to insure that the voters shall exercise their right freely, “
uninfluenced by threats, intimidation or corrupt motives “ and “ to secure a fair and
honest count of the ballots.”

SYSTEM FOR ABSENTEE VOTING BY QUALIFIED FILIPINOS.

Section 2 extends the right of suffrage even to Filipinos abroad provided they
possess all the qualifications mentioned therein and none of the disqualifications
provided by law.
Filipinos who by force of circumstances have to temporarily work and reside
abroad but maintain their love and loyalty to their native land are still part of our
Republic.