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Nature of the Right

Political Right

Citizen can participate in the process of government to assure that itderives its powers from the consent of the governed.

Mere Privilege

Not a natural right of the citizen which is given or withheld by

lawmaking power.

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When to vote?

This right is exercised not only during elections!

When to exercise the right?

1. Election

2. Plebiscite

3. Referendum

4. Initiative

5. Recall

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Who are the qualified

voters?Sec. 1.

Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwisedisqualified by law, who are at least eighteen years of age, and who shall have

resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the place wherein they

propose to vote for at least 6 months immediately preceding election. No literacy,

property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of

suffrage.

*****************************************************

All those who has ALL qualifications and NONE of the disqualifications!

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Qualifications

1. All citizens (natural-born or naturalized)

2. At least 18 years old and above

3. Resided in the Philippines at least 1 year and 6 months in

place where they propose to vote.

Nota bene:

No literacy, property or substantive requirement shall be

imposed in the exercise of this right!

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Section 2

The Congress shall provide a system for securing the secrecy

and sanctity of the ballot as well as a system for absentee

voting by qualified Filipinos abroad.

The congress shall also design a procedure for the disabled

and the illiterates to vote without the assistance of other

persons. Until then, they shall be allowed to vote underexisting laws and such rules as the Commission on Elections

may promulgate to protect the secrecy of the ballot.

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Secrecy and Sanctity of

the Ballot

Basis: "Sovereignty resides in the people."

To exercise the right freely, "uninfluenced by threats,

intimidation, or corrupt motives" and "to secure a fair and honest

count of the ballots."

Enfranchisement of the illiterates and disabled voters.

Highlights the role of COMELEC.

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System for Absentee

Voting

Extending the right of suffrage even to Filipinos

abroad provided they have all the qualifications

mentioned (except residency requirement) and

none of the disqualifications provided by law.

RA 9189 "Absentee Voting Act"

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References

De leon, H. (2008). Textbook on the PhilippineConstitution. Philippines: Rex Bookstore. Pp. 32-

37.

http://www.congress.gov.ph

http://www.congress.gov.ph/http://www.congress.gov.ph/http://www.congress.gov.ph/