Supplemental
Module 1: Citizen
Participation in
Election
By: Mariel M. Pizarro
What is the 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 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 to vote.
How is suffrage a mechanism
for political participation?
The Constitution guarantees that we
are a sovereign people, where all
government authority comes from.
Sovereignty or the power to govern is
exercised directly through public
officials elected by people.
Who are qualified to vote in
the Philippine elections?
1. Citizens of the Philippines
2. 18years old and above on te day of
elections
3. A residentof 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 citizens abroad
2. 18years old and above on the day of
elections
3. Immigrantswith affidavit of intent to
resume residence in the Philippines
4. Permanent residents with affidavits of
intent to resume residence in the
Philippines
1960 – Pre Martial Law 1998 – Erap won the presidency with a
1970 – Martial Law popular support of 28%. The first party
list election was held.
1970 – Ferdinand Marcos declared
Martial Law. 2000 – An impeachment case against
Erap was filed
1978 – Martial Law Period.
2001 – EDSA Dos or a repeat of the 1986
1983 – Assassination of Ninoy People Power ousted Erap and Gloria
Aquino Macapagal-Arroyo became the New
1986 – Snap Election President.
characterized by election 2010 – The presidency f Benigno Aquino
manipulation and irregularities. III, also known as the Benigno Aquino III
1987-1988 – Aquino’s program of administration and the Noynoy Aquino
bringing back democracy and administration began at noon on June
political stability 30, 2010.
1992 – First presidential elections 2016 present – Duterte is the first
under the 1987 constitution. president from Mindanao and the oldest
person to be elected president of the
1995 – Congressional and local
Philippines.
election.
Who are disqualified to vote
in the Philippine election?
The following are disqualified (by law) from
voting
1. Person sentenced to be imprisoned for not
less than one year
2. Personfound 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
What are the powers and functions of the national
and local officials whom we vote for?
Level Executive Legislative
National Level President (Vise President) 1 12 senators
District Representatives of 1 party list group
Congressman/woman
Provincial Level Governor Vise Governor-Sanguniang Panlalawigan
Members
Municipality/City Level City/Municipality Mayor City/Municipality Vice Mayor
Members of the Sanguniang Panglungsod
9City counselors/Sanguniang Bayan
(Municipal counselors)
Barangay Level Punong Barangay PB members of the sanguniang barangay
(Barangay Kagawad and sanguniang
kabataan chair)
Powers and Function Control all the executive Stature making, constitution making
departments and all implementing and amending of constitution.
agencies of the government
How do the legislative and executive
interact in the aw-making process?
The President can either approve or veto a law
passed by Congress. It would require two-
thirds (2/3) vote by the legislative body to
finally pass the vetoed version 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-third (2/3) vote of the whole
Sanggunian.
How do the legislative And executive
Interact the ta aw-making process?
In the legislative process , the
President can either approve and
veto A law passed by the congress.
It would require two-third (2/3) vote
by the legislative body to finally pass
the vetoed version into law.
How do Filipino voters vote?
1. Characteristics of candidate that can be benefit to the
voter of characteristic such as madaling lapitan, malinis
na pagkatao, matulungin sa nangangailangan,
nagtataguyod ng programang pangkaunlaram.
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 leader.
What election practices and irregularities
should the citizen watch out for?
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 other person/ dead person or relatives
5. Threatto supporters, voters and members of election
inspectors
6. Landzaderal ballot-switching and ballot box-snatching
7. Marketing ballot and other election documents to make it
invalid.
8. Dagdag-bawas during counting and canvassing.
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. Proclamation of winning candidates
Implementation of RA 8436 through
COMELEC Resolution 02-0170 (Phase of
Modernization)
Phase 1: Voter Registration and
Validation PCOS System
Phase 2: Automated Counting and
077 Canvassing Machine ballot box
Phase 3: Electronic transmission Of
Election Results.
What makes a good government, good
leaders and good citizen-voters
1. The good government is one that engages citizen
participation and is 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.
During Election
1. Vote according to your informed conscience
2. Protect
the integrity of your own vote from any
undue influence
3. Volunteer in any organizations that work for
clean and peaceful elections
4. Watch out for instances of cheating in the
election and inform authorities and the rest of
the electorate of such activities
After Election
1. Be vigilant in the counting and canvassing of votes
2. Attend consultations and public hearings, and
participate in local special bodies.
3. Legislativeadvocacy – a process where citizen
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 law.
