VOTER.docx

**VOTER'S EDUCATION** **What is right of suffrage?** Suffrage is the human right to vote and, for the Philippines, is indicated in three documents: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the Philippine Constitution. They all...

**VOTER'S EDUCATION** **What is right of suffrage?** Suffrage is the human right to vote and, for the Philippines, is indicated in three documents: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR); the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the Philippine Constitution. They all call for universality of the right; equality in access to public service; and secrecy of votes. The right is exercised during elections, and as a citizen-voter, you are entitled to free and informed choice on whom vote. Every political choice and decision you make will determine the kind of government that will serve the country. **Who are qualified to vote in Philippine Elections**? 1\. Citizens of the Philippines 2\. 18 years old and above on the day of election 3\. A resident of the Philippines for one year and in the city or municipality wherein he proposes to vote for at least six months before the election 4\. Those not disqualified by law **Under the Overseas Absentee Voting Law** 1\. Filipino citizen abroad 2\. 18 years old and above on the day of election 3\. Immigrants with affidavit of intent to resume residence in the Philippines 4\. Permanent residents with affidavits of intent to resume residence in the Philippines **Who are disqualified to vote in the Philippine Elections?** The following are disqualified (by law) from voting: 1\. Person sentenced to be imprisoned for not less than one year 2\. Peron found to have committed rebellion, sedition, violation of the anti-subversion and firearms laws, or any crime against national security or involving disloyalty to the government 3\. Insane or incompetent person. **How do the legislative and executive interact in the law-making process?** In the legislative process, the President can either approve or veto a law passed by congress. It would require two-thirds (2/3) vote the legislative body to finally pass the vetoed into law. At the local level, chief executives can also veto any ordinance on the ground that it is prejudicial to the public. In turn, the Sanggunian or the local legislative body can override the veto, also by two-thirds (2/3) votes of the whole Sanggunian. **How do Filipino voters vote?** A 2003 update study on voting behavior looks at how Filipino voters choose their candidates: 1\. Characteristics of the candidate that can be benefit to the voter of characteristics such as madaling lapitan, malinis na pagkatao, matulungin sa nangangailangan, nagtataguyod ng programang pangkaularan. 2\. Political machinery which includes the political party, being in the opposition, and good campaign strategies 3\. Popularity or being a celebrity or endorsed by a celebrity 4\. Endorsement of network and organizations such as the family, the church and the group leaders **What election practices and irregularities should the citizens watch out for?** Bribery, intimidation, and various forms of cheating, particularly: 1\. Registering in several names and or/ several precincts. 2\. Vote-buying/vote-selling/ paid not to vote; 3\. Flying voters; 4\. Voting in the name of the other persons/dead persons or relatives; 5\. Threat to supporters, voters and members of election inspectors; 6\. Landzaderal ballot switching and ballot box snatching 7\. Marking ballot and other election documents to make it invalid; 8\. Dagdag-bawas during counting and canvanssing. The Election Process 1\. Registration Day 2\. Revision Day 3\. List of Voters 4\. Casting of Votes 5\. Counting of Votes 6\. Preparation of electoral returns and other reports 7\. Distribution of election returns 8\. a.. board of canvassers (for president and vice-president) b\. Board of canvassers (for senator) c\. Board of canvassers 9\. Proclamation of winning candidates **What are the efforts to modernize election process in the Philippines?** Republic Act of 8436 or the Election Modernization Act of 1997 calls for the use of automated election system in the country as early as May 1998 elections. This system will make use of appropriate technology for voting and electronic devices to count and canvas votes. Automated election had its debut in the Philippines in 2010. Implementation of RA 8436 through COMELEC Resolution 02-0170 (Phases of Modernization) Phase 1: Voter Registration and Validation System Phase 2: Automated Counting and Canvassing Machine Phase 3: Electronic Transmission of Election Results Aside from voting in elections, how can I, as a citizen-voter, participate in political affairs? 1\. **Initiative and Referendum**. Through the system of initiative and referendum, the people can directly propose, enact, and reject laws at the local level. Also, through initiative, citizens may directly propose amendments to the Constitution by a petition of at least 12% of the total number of registered voters, where 3% of registered voters in each legislative district is represented. 2\. **Plebiscite**. Through plebiscites, the people approve or reject the call for a constitutional convention to propose changes to the constitution, approve or reject proposed changes in the constitution and, at the local level, express their will on certain local issues. 3\. **Sectoral Representation.** The party-list system of representation givers sectors the chance to be represented in Congress together with our Congressman/Women. Under this system, voters support a sectoral party or organization or coalition and its issues and programs. The constitution and the 1991 Local Government Code (LGC) allow for representation of sectors in the local legislature or sanggunian. 4\. **Local Special Bodies.** Ordinary citizens are called to sit in local special bodies such as the local health boards, school boards, peace and order councils and development councils for consultation. 5\. **Barangay Assembly**. A Barangay assembly (assembly of all residents, 15 years old and above, of the barangay) meets to discuss the activities and finances of the Sangguniang Barangay and matters affecting the barnaggay. The assembly has the power to hear and judge the report of Sangguniang Barangays (SB) performance. It can also recommend matters for legislation by SB and decide on the adoption of initiative to propose, enact or reject ordinances. 6\. **Absentee Voting System.** Republic Act 9189 or the overseas absentee voting law provides for a system, which allows qualified Filipinos abroad to vote in national elections in the Philippines. **What makes a good government, good leaders and good citizen-voters**? 1\. A good government is one that engages citizen participation responsive to the needs of the people. 2\. Good Leaders are those who uphold accountability to the people and promote transparent and people-oriented programs. 3\. Good citizen-voters are those who value their right of suffrage as to keep themselves informed, involved and vigilant. **What are some action points for citizen-voters in exercising the right of suffrage?** Prepare to exercise the right of suffrage and the right to an informed and free choice. 1\. Register during the period allotted for voter registration 2\. Be informed of the issues, platform and personalities of the political candidates.\\ 3\. Set specific guidelines in choosing government leaders in terms of the candidate's social affiliations and interests, competence, foremost, the interest and welfare of the citizens in their program of government. This process can be used to remind and hold the elected leaders accountable to the promises made during the campaign. **During Elections** 1\. Vote According to your informed conscience 2\. Protect the integrity of your own vote from any undue influence 3\. Volunteer in organizations that work for clean and peaceful elections. 4\. Watch out for instances of cheating in the elections and inform authorities and the rest of the electorate of such activities **After Elections** 1\. Be vigilant in the counting and canvassing of votes 2\. Attend consultations and public hearings and participate in local special bodies. 3\. Legislative advocacy-a process where citizens talk with the law makers and other implementers in the government to ensure that the concerns and welfare of the general public are included in the discussion and making of laws. 4\. The citizen voter can also engage in the political and electoral process in other ways such as: a\. Making vies known to the elected representatives b\. Supporting/campaigning for a political party, candidate or partylist group; c\. Supporting initiatives of civil society organization to ensure honest and peaceful elections; and d\. Running for office.