University of San Carlos

Department of Political Science

POSC 12
Philippine Government & Constitution

Suffrage

What is Suffrage?
Literally means ONES RIGHT TO VOTE!
It's not a legal duty but a MORAL DUTY!
It is a...
- right and obligation

- however not mandatory;

- to vote of qualified citizens;
- in the election of national and local officials in the government
and;

- in the decisions of public questions submitted to the people

Nature of the Right

Political Right
Citizen can participate in the process of government to assure that it
derives its powers from the consent of the governed.

Mere Privilege
Not a natural right of the citizen which is given or withheld by
lawmaking power.

When to vote?
This right is exercised not only during elections!
When to exercise the right?
1.

Election

2.

Plebiscite

3.

Referendum

4.

Initiative

5.

Recall

Who are the qualified

voters?
Sec. 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 6 months immediately preceding election. No literacy,
property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of
suffrage.
*****************************************************
All those who has ALL qualifications and NONE of the disqualifications!

Qualifications
1.

All citizens (natural-born or naturalized)

2.

At least 18 years old and above

3.

Resided in the Philippines at least 1 year and 6 months in

place where they propose to vote.

Nota bene:

No literacy, property or substantive requirement shall be

imposed in the exercise of this right!

Disqualifications
1.

Any person who has been sentenced by final judgement 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 or having committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly
constituted government such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the antisubversion and firearms law or any crime against national security, unless
restored to his full civil and political rights in accordance with the law; and

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.

Secrecy and Sanctity of

the Ballot
Basis: "Sovereignty resides in the people."
To exercise the right freely, "uninfluenced by threats,
intimidation, or corrupt motives" and "to secure a fair and honest
count of the ballots."
Enfranchisement of the illiterates and disabled voters.
Highlights the role of COMELEC.

System for Absentee

Voting
Extending the right of suffrage even to Filipinos
abroad provided they have all the qualifications
mentioned (except residency requirement) and
none of the disqualifications provided by law.
RA 9189 "Absentee Voting Act"

References

De leon, H. (2008). Textbook on the Philippine

Constitution. Philippines: Rex Bookstore. Pp. 3237.
http://www.congress.gov.ph