ARTICLE V
SUFFRAGE REASONS FOR LOWERING THE VOTING AGE
From 21 to 18 yrs old to broaden the electoral base. Same
SECTION 1 political maturity
Suffrage – right and obligation to vote of qualified citizens SCOPE OF SUFFRAGE
in the election
At least 18 yrs old Election – people choose their representatives
At least 1 year PH residency Plebiscite –choice for or against a proposed law or
At least 6 months preceding the election in the enactment submitted to them. People ratify or
place they propose to vote reject an amendment or revision to the
constitution
Suffrage is an obligation but a non-mandatory one. Referendum – people ratify or reject a law or part thereof
referred or submitted to them by the national or
WHEN SUFFRAGE MAY BE EXERCISED local law making body
Initiative – people directly propose and enact laws, they
Election – people choose their representatives initiate the law-making process
Initiative – people directly propose and enact laws, they Recall – mode of removing an incumbent officer by the
initiate the law-making process vote of the people
Referendum – people ratify or reject a law or part thereof
referred or submitted to them by the national or Animus manendi - intention to remain there
local law making body Animus revertendi – intention to return to it if one goes
Plebiscite – people ratify or reject an amendment or somewhere else
revision to the constitution Animus non revertandi – permanent residence requires
Recall – mode of removing an incumbent officer by the an intention not to return to the old domicile
vote of the people
NATURE OF THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE SECTION 2
THE CONGRESS SHALL PROVIDE A SYSTEM FOR ABSENTEE
1. Mere privilege – fulfilment of certain minimum VOTING BY QUALIFIED FILIPINOS ABROAD
conditions
2. Political right – citizen can participate in the Because of the phenomenon “Filipino labor explosion
process of government overseas” or the so called “absentee voting
system”
QUALIFICATIONS OF VOTERS
1.) A citizen of the PH
2.) Not otherwise disqualified by the law
3.) At least 18 yrs old on the day of election
4.) 1 yr PH residency and in the place he proposes to
vote for at least 6 months preceding the election
PERSONS DISQUALIFIED TO VOTE
1.) Person sentenced for imprisonment for not less
than 1 year. Can vote after 5 years after service of
sentence
2.) Committed any crime involving disloyalty such as
rebellion, violation of fire arms law, sedition. Can
vote after 5 years after service of sentence
3.) insane or incompetent
