Philippines
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Comments: There are “legislative districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, and the Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their respective inhabitants”.
Source: Institute for Political and Electoral Reform (IPER).
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:23:14 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
c. Compactness of constituencies
e. Geographic size of district
f. Communities of interest/cultural concerns
Source: Sec. 5(3), Phil. Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 01:41:17 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Josllyn Demesa
Comments: Additional information by Hanna Berheim, Research Assistant, International IDEA, in December, 2006
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
a. Mandatory referendum
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
e. Recall
Comments: C:ArtVI:Sec1 "The legislative power shall be vested in the Congress of the Philippines which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provision on initiative and referendum." C:ArtVI:Sec32 "The Congress shall, as early as possible, provide for a system of initiative and referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the people can directly propose and enact laws or approve or reject any act or law or part thereof passed by the Congress or local legislative body after the registration of a petition therefor signed by at least ten per centum of the total number of registered voters, of which every legislative district must be represented by at least three per centum of the registered voters thereof." C:ArtIX:Sec2 "The Commission on Elections shall exercise the following powers and functions: (1) Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall. [...] (9) Submit to the President and the Congress, a comprehensive report on the conduct of each election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, or recall."ee per centum of the registered voters thereof." C:ArtX:Sec3 "The Congress shall enact a local government code which shall provide for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of decentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and referendum, allocate among the different local government units their powers, responsibilities, and resources, and provide for the qualifications, election, appointment and removal, term, salaries, powers and functions and duties of local officials, and all other matters relating to the organization and operation of the local units."
Source: Art. VI, Sec. 1; Art. VI, Sec. 32; Art. IX, Sec. 2; Art. X, Sec. 3; Art. XVII, Sec. 2
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:18:54 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: Art. XVII, sec. 2 Sec. 32, Art. VI, Constitution
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:18:54 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: Art. XVII, Sec. 2 Sec. 32, Art. VI, Constitution
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:18:54 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: Art. XVII, sec. 2 Sec. 32, Art. VI, Constitution
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:18:54 UTC
DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
a. Constitutional
Source: Art. XVII, sec. 2 Sec.32 Art. VI, Constitution
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:18:54 UTC
DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Art. VI, Sec. 32
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:08:55 UTC
DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Art. VI, Sec. 32
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:10:05 UTC
DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
a. All signatures checked
Last updated: 2005-07-08 06:11:25 UTC
DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
a. All signatures checked
Last updated: 2005-07-08 06:12:01 UTC
DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
b. Specific laws/legislation
Source: Art. VI, Sec. 32
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:10:50 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
b. Independent electoral commission
Source: Art. IX C, Sec. 2(1), Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:12:23 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Source: Art. IX C, Sec. 21, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:13:16 UTC
DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Source: Art. X, Sec. 3, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:15:36 UTC
DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Source: Art. X, Sec. 3, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:16:37 UTC
DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Source: Art. X, Sec. 3, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:17:28 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Source: Art. X, Sec. 3, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:18:35 UTC
DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Source: Art. X, Sec. 3, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:19:26 UTC
DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Source: Art. X, Sec. 3, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:20:20 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignity, national self-determination
Source: Art. XVII, Sec. 2,4, Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:21:37 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:22:55 UTC
DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
b. Independent electoral commission
Comments: As a matter of practice, no specific provision of law
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:27:25 UTC
DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:28:19 UTC
DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
b. Independent electoral commission
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:29:07 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Comments: Majority votes cast
Source: Sec. 30, Res. No. 2300 (Comelec)
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:30:26 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
Comments: Majority votes cast
Source: Sec. 3, Res. No. 2300 (Comelec)
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:31:46 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
d. Other (specify below)
Comments: Simple
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:32:44 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: Certified by the Comelec, and becomes effective fifteen (15) days after publication in the official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:35:16 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:36:03 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:37:10 UTC
DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative?
Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
a. A number of individuals
Source: Res. 2300
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:38:04 UTC
DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
a. Spelling/grammatical checks
b. Drafting actual text for legal measure
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:39:47 UTC
DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
b. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:41:50 UTC
DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
e. Members of provincial / local legislature bodies
f. Governors, Mayors or equivalent
g. Other provincial/local level elected executive positions
Source: Local Government Code (RA 7160) Sec. 69, Sec. 70(b)(1,2,3,4)
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:43:58 UTC
DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
f. Other (specify)
Comments: Loss of confidence
Source: Sec. 69, LGC, RA 7160
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:45:18 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
a. No recall shall take place within one(1) year from the date of the officials assumption to office or one (1) yr. immediately preceeding a local election
Source: RA 7160, LGC, Sec. 74(b)
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:48:21 UTC
DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
c. Other (specify)
Comments: Comelec sets the date
Source: Sec. 71, LGC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:49:21 UTC
DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
a. At the same time as the recall ballot
Source: LGC, RA 7160
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:50:13 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
a. NA
Last updated: 2005-07-08 05:50:46 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
b. Proportion of the electorate 10% of the total no. of registered voters
Comments: Recall-25% of the total no. of registered voters in the local government
Source: Res. 2300 RA 7160 (LGC)
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:18:54 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
b. Signatories must be registered electors in a specific electoral district
Source: Res. 2300, Sec. 27
Last updated: 2005-07-08 06:02:41 UTC
DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2006-12-31 15:16:56 UTC
Electoral Management
EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Commission on Elections
b. Full Address Postigo Street, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
c. Telephone (002) 5276111
d. Facsimile (002) 5276111
e. Email – chairman@comelec.gov.ph ; oed@comelec.gov.ph ; eid@comelec.gov.ph
f. Website Address www.comelec.gov.ph
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Chairman Benjamin S. Abalos, Sr
h. Information Officer Director James Arthur B. Jimenez
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections English
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:19:21 UTC
EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:15:31 UTC
EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:35:12 UTC
EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
g. Other
Comments: The Commission on Elections has fiscal autonomy
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:35:12 UTC
EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
b. For a term of _________ years
Comments: For a term of seven years
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:35:12 UTC
EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:15:31 UTC
EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:15:31 UTC
Electoral Systems
ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
a. Head of State is the Head of Government
b. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Source: Art. VII, Sec. 1, Sec. 4, Phil. Constitution Sec. 20, OEC
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:17:05 UTC
ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
a. Directly elected in general elections (simple majority)
Comments: Section 4. The President and the Vice-President shall be elected by direct vote of the people for a term of six years... The person having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected, but in case two or more shall have an equal and highest number of votes, one of them shall forthwith be chosen by the vote of a majority of all the Members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.
Source: 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VII, Section 4.
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:15:24 UTC
ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes
Comments: The executive power is vested in the President of the Philippines.
Source: 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VII, Section 1.
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:16:11 UTC
ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
b. Two chambers
Source: Art. VI, Sec. 1, Phil. Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-08 01:10:35 UTC
ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
a. Plurality (FPTP)
g. List Proportional Representation
Comments: However, members of the House of Representatives are elected from legislative districts, with 20% elected (proportional representation) through party-list system representation.
Source: 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VI, Section 5
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:17:05 UTC
ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:15:24 UTC
Legislative Framework
LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation
d. Regulations or administrative rules
Source: Omnibus election code Art.V, Sec.1 Phil. Constitution
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:07:29 UTC
LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later
Source: R.A.7166-Synchronized elections (1997) R.A.9006-Fair Elections Act (2000)
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:07:29 UTC
LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
b. Regional elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
Source: OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-06 02:26:19 UTC
LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
e. Other
Source: Art. V, Sec.I, Phil. Constitution
Last updated: 2005-07-06 02:30:43 UTC
LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
d. National elections are held on the same day as local elections only
Source: R.A.7166
Last updated: 2005-07-06 02:28:19 UTC
LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
b. EMB
Source: Sec. I, Art. IX C, Phil. Constitution
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:07:29 UTC
LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
a. President
c. Judiciary
Source: Art. IX C, Sec. 2(2)-Phil. Constitution Sec.249,250,251, OEC
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:07:29 UTC
LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties
c. Voters
Comments: Voters in Petitions for Quo Warrants (Sec. 253, OEC)
Source: Art. 250, 251, 252, OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 00:57:38 UTC
LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
c. Superior Court
Comments: Contests relative to elective, regional, provincial, city affairs, Supreme Court Contest for municipal & barangay affairs, the Comelec However, for grave abuse of discretion to the Supreme Court.
Source: Art. IX C, Sec. 2(2)
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:07:29 UTC
Media and Elections
ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:29:23 UTC
ME09 In your opinion, which of the following types of media in your country have a public reputation for being independent?
b. Private radio
d. Private television
e. Print media
Last updated: 2005-07-08 02:34:30 UTC
ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:33:05 UTC
ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster?
Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)
a. O
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:29:23 UTC
ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?
a. a
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:33:05 UTC
ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. P
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:29:23 UTC
ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?
a. a
Last updated: 2005-07-08 02:50:01 UTC
ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
a. Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Sec. 6. 1-2. “Each bona fide candidate or registered political party for a nationally elective office shall be entitled to not more than one hundred twenty (120) minutes of television advertisement and one hundred eighty (180) minutes of radio advertisement whether by purchase or donation. Each bona fide candidate or registered political party for a locally elective office shall be entitled to not more than sixty (60) minutes of television advertisement and ninety (90) minutes of radio advertisement whether by purchase or donation.”
Source: Republic Act No. 9006 An Act To Enhance The Holding of Free, Orderly, Honest, Peaceful And Credible Elections Through Fair Election Practices, also known as Fair Elections Act.
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:33:05 UTC
ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
a. Amount (Euros) X
Comments: There is no specified limit on paid advertising but there is a cap on campaign expenditures in general. Candidates for Congress who belong to an accredited political party may spend up to 3 pesos per registered voter. Independent candidates may spend up to 5 pesos per registered voter.
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-11 09:56:11 UTC
ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
a. ... (euros) P10.00 for every registered voter
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:33:05 UTC
ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?
a. ....... OEC, RA 7166
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:33:05 UTC
ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:29:23 UTC
ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:29:23 UTC
ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
Last updated: 2005-07-08 03:27:08 UTC
ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?
a. ......... T
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:33:05 UTC
Parties and Candidates
PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: b) P5,000.00 (Registration Fee)
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:24:45 UTC
PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
c. Regional distribution requirement
e. Minimum number of candidates
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:24:45 UTC
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Citizenship
f. Registration
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:24:45 UTC
PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
d. Residence
f. Registration
Comments: Section 6. No person shall be a Member of the House of Representatives unless he is a natural-born citizen of the Philippines and, on the day of the election, is at least twenty-five years of age, able to read and write, and, except the party-list representatives, a registered voter in the district in which he shall be elected, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the day of the election.
Source: 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article VI, Section 6.
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:30:53 UTC
PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
e. In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: No restriction provided for in the law nor in the Constitution
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:24:45 UTC
PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
c. Indirect
Comments: free Comelec time
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:24:45 UTC
PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
a. Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance
Comments: a) applies to free broadcast time/free printed advertisements
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:24:45 UTC
Vote Counting
VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
f. Same ballot papers used nationwide
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:05:26 UTC
VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
f. Same ballot papers used nationwide
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:05:55 UTC
VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
f. Same ballot papers used nation-wide
Comments: Synchronized national (presidential, legislative) and local elections
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:07:07 UTC
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:27:14 UTC
VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
e. Number of ballots reconciled against ballots initially received (minus spoilt and unused)
Comments: Copies are given to dominant majority, dominant minority parties, citizen's arm
Source: OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:10:23 UTC
VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
f. Other
Comments: Municipal/City level, then provincial level and finally national level
Source: OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:11:48 UTC
VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported
Source: OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:12:42 UTC
VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
a. Ballots
b. Unused and spoiled ballots
f. Certificate of result
g. Ballot boxes
Source: OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:13:31 UTC
VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
d. Transported in boxes sealed with numbered seals
e. Accompanied by election officials
f. Accompanied by party representatives
g. Accompanied by military personnel
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel
i. Accompanied by observers
Source: OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:14:27 UTC
VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
f. Other
Comments: Petitions on grounds that there is discrepancy but two or more returns, ___ to attest the BOC who rules that there is discrepancy in the copies of the returns, the difference affects the results of the election.
Source: Sec. 236, OEC
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:20:21 UTC
VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:21:18 UTC
VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
g. Not applicable
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:21:45 UTC
VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
i. Other
Comments: Board of Election Inspectors
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:22:30 UTC
VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 1-2 hours
Comments: only partial results
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:23:37 UTC
Voter Education
VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
b. Regional Electoral Management Bodies
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
j. Religious Institutions
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:17:09 UTC
VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
a. Continuously
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:17:09 UTC
VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
e. Yes, conducted by the Government
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:17:09 UTC
VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
Source: EID, Comelec
Last updated: 2005-07-08 01:57:47 UTC
Voting Operations
VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
a. Yes
Comments: Applies to all government employees
Source: RA 6713
Last updated: 2005-07-08 03:44:22 UTC
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Comments: Exception: absentee voters vote at a designated special polling place, embassy, consular office for some overseas absentee voters
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:20:44 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country
c. Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation)
Comments: Registered as an oversea absentee voter
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:20:44 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates
e. By mail
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:20:44 UTC
VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
b. Yes
Comments: Only for local absentee voters and the overseas absentee voters
Source: OEC, RA 9189
Last updated: 2005-07-08 03:50:35 UTC
VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
a. At special advance polling centers
b. By mail
Comments: A ____ is designated by the Commission
Source: OEC, RA 9189
Last updated: 2005-07-08 03:52:42 UTC
VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
f. Other
Comments: absentee voters
Source: RA 9189 (OAV Act)
Last updated: 2005-07-08 03:53:43 UTC
VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes
Comments: A polling station consists of several precincts. The precinct shall not exceed two hundred (200) voters.
Source: RA 8189
Last updated: 2005-07-08 03:55:27 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:20:44 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
g. Other
Source: James Jimenez, Director, Education and Information Department, Commission on Elections, Phillipines
Last updated: 2007-01-03 15:20:44 UTC
VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: Three (3) per precinct
Comments: A polling place is the ____ or place where the board of election inspectors conduct its proceedings and where voters cast their votes, where a precinct is a unit of territory. A polling place may have so much no. of precincts.
Source: OEC, Art. XIII, Sec. 149 & 152
Last updated: 2005-07-08 04:03:12 UTC
Voter Registration
VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
e. 20
Comments: 18 years
Source: RA 8189, Sec. 9 (Voter's Registration Act of 1996 Art. V, Sec. 1, Phil. Constitution
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:26:05 UTC
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
b. Period of Residence
Comments: Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified 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 six months immediately preceding the election. No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of suffrage.
Source: 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article V, Section 1.
Last updated: 2008-02-20 10:26:05 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
d. Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Commission on Elections
Source: RA 8189
Last updated: 2005-07-08 01:49:10 UTC
May 20, 2008 07:19 AM
