ARTICLE V :SUFFRAGE

Suffrage:
the right to vote in the election of officers chosen by the people
and in the determination of questions submitted to the people.

Nature:
1. Mere privilege-

suffrage is not a natural right of the citizens but a privilege to

be given or withheld by the lawmaking power subject to constitutional
limitations. It is granted to individuals only upon the fulfillment of certain
minimum conditions deemed essential for the welfare of the
country

2. Political Right-

it is classified as political right, enabling every citizen to

participate in the process of government to assure that its powers from the
consent of the governed. The principle is that of one man, one vote.

Scope of suffrage

1. Election –
means by which people choose their official for definite and fixed
periods and to whom they entrust, for the time being as their
representatives, the exercise of powers of government.

2. Plebiscite –
the vote of the people expressing their choice for or against a proposed
law or enactment submitted to them. 3. Referendum – It is the submission
of the a law or part there of passed by the national or local legislative body to
the voting citizens of a country for their ratification or
approval.

4. Initiative –
the process whereby the people directly propose and enact laws

5. Recall –
method by which a public officer may be removed from office during his
tenure or before the expiration of his term by a vote of the people after
registration of a petition signed by a required percentage of voters Qualifications
of Voters:
1. A citizen of the Philippines both male and female
2. Not otherwise disqualified by law
3. At least 18 yrs of age
4. Have resided in the Philippines for at least one year (1) and in
the place wherein he proposes to vote for at least 6 months preceding the
election Residence Qualification  A voter must have been a permanent resident of
the Philippines for at least one (1 year) preceding the election.

Q: What is an election?
A: It is the selection of candidates to public office by popular vote. Q: What are
the types of Election? A: 1. Regular- refers to an election participated I by
those who possess the right of suffrage not disqualified by law and who are
registered voters. 3. Special- one held to fill in the vacancy in office
before the expiration of the term for which incumbent was elected.
Q: Who are not qualified to Vote?
1. Those who have committed and are convicted in a final judgment by a court or a
tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than 1 year
unless pardoned or granted amnesty.
2. Those who convicted by final judgment of crimes involving disloyalty to
government or against national security NOTE: Civil Interdiction Republic Act
8189 “Voters Registration Act of 1996” -a citizen in order to be qualified to
exercise his right to vote, in addition to the minimum requirements set by
fundamental charter is obliged by law to register.