14 Voters Education

Summary

This script discusses voter education in the Philippines, detailing eligibility criteria for voting, including age, residency, and citizenship. It outlines disqualifications such as loss of Philippine citizenship, criminal convictions, and insanity. The role of the Commission in recognizing foreign judgments and the rights of immigrants and overseas Filipinos are also highlighted. The script emphasizes the importance of exercising the right to vote responsibly, protecting vote integrity, and participating in governance post-election to ensure a better future for all.

Takeaways

• 🇵🇭 To vote in the Philippines, you must be a citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident for at least one year, or six months in the municipality where you will vote.
• 🚫 Individuals disqualified from voting include those who have lost or renounced their Philippine citizenship, pledged allegiance to another country, or been convicted of certain crimes.
• ⚖️ Convictions leading to disqualification must be final and involve imprisonment of not less than one year, including disloyalty offenses, unless the disqualification is removed by pardon or amnesty.
• ⏳ A disqualified individual may regain the right to vote five years after serving their sentence.
• 🌍 Immigrants or permanent residents recognized abroad must affirm their intent to return to the Philippines within three years to retain voting rights.
• ❌ Failure to return to the Philippines as declared will result in removal from the National Registry of absentee voters and permanent disqualification from voting in absentia.
• 🧠 Citizens declared insane or incompetent are disqualified from voting unless certified as competent by a recognized authority.
• 🗳️ Voters are encouraged to exercise their right to vote with vigilance, ensuring the integrity of their vote and participating in efforts for clean and peaceful elections.
• 🔍 Post-election, continued vigilance in vote counting and participation in local governance is encouraged.
• 👥 Voters should carefully evaluate the background and qualifications of candidates to make informed decisions for future leadership.

Q & A

Who is qualified to vote in the Philippines?

A citizen of the Philippines who is at least 18 years old and has been a resident of the country for one year or at least six months in the city or municipality from where they will vote immediately preceding the elections is qualified to vote.

What are the disqualifications for voting in the Philippines?

People who have lost their Philippine citizenship, expressly renounced their citizenship, pledged allegiance to a foreign country, or have been convicted in a final judgment by a court or tribunal for an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year are disqualified from voting.

How can a person regain the right to vote after being disqualified?

A person disqualified from voting due to a conviction can automatically acquire the right to vote upon the expiration of five years after serving their sentence.

Can a foreign court's final judgment affect a person's right to vote in the Philippines?

The commission may take cognizance of final judgments issued by foreign courts or tribunals only on the basis of reciprocity and subject to the formalities and processes prescribed by the rules of court on the execution of judgments.

What is the requirement for an immigrant or permanent resident to vote in the Philippines?

An immigrant or permanent resident recognized as such in the host country can vote unless they execute an affidavit declaring their intent to resume actual physical permanent residence in the Philippines within three years from the approval of their registration.

What should an immigrant or permanent resident's affidavit state regarding citizenship in another country?

The affidavit should state that the immigrant or permanent resident has not applied for citizenship in another country.

What happens if an immigrant or permanent resident fails to return to the Philippines as stated in their affidavit?

Failure to return to the Philippines as stated in the affidavit will result in the removal of the immigrant or permanent resident's name from the National Registry of absentee voters and their permanent disqualification to vote in absentia.

Can a citizen of the Philippines abroad who has been declared insane or incompetent vote?

A citizen of the Philippines abroad who has been declared insane or incompetent cannot vote unless a competent authority certifies that such person is no longer insane or incompetent.

What actions can voters take to ensure clean and peaceful elections?

Voters can practice vigilance by protecting the integrity of their vote from undue influence, volunteering in organizations that work for clean and peaceful elections, and watching out for instances of cheating in the elections.

How can voters participate in governance after elections?

Voters can participate in governance by being vigilant in the county and canvassing of votes, and by participating in local governance through developing planning and other activities.

What is the importance of evaluating the background of future leaders during elections?

Evaluating the background of future leaders is crucial as it ensures that the leaders being voted for are qualified for the positions they are applying for, which will affect the future of the voters and future generations.