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
 At least 1 year PH residency
 At least 6 months preceding the election in the
place they propose to vote
Suffrage is an obligation but a non-mandatory one.
WHEN SUFFRAGE MAY BE EXERCISED
Election – people choose their representatives
Initiative – people directly propose and enact laws, they
initiate the law-making process
Referendum – people ratify or reject a law or part thereof
referred or submitted to them by the national or
local law making body
Plebiscite – people ratify or reject an amendment or
revision to the constitution
Recall – mode of removing an incumbent officer by the
vote of the people
Election – people choose their representatives
Plebiscite –choice for or against a proposed law or
enactment submitted to them. People ratify or
reject an amendment or revision to the
constitution
Referendum – people ratify or reject a law or part thereof
referred or submitted to them by the national or
local law making body
Initiative – people directly propose and enact laws, they
initiate the law-making process
Recall – mode of removing an incumbent officer by the
vote of the people
Animus manendi - intention to remain there
Animus revertendi – intention to return to it if one goes
somewhere else
Animus non revertandi – permanent residence requires
an intention not to return to the old domicile

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