QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 991)
PD 991 calls for a national referendum on October 16, 1976 to resolve specific issues related to martial law and the interim National Assembly, provides for an educational/information campaign period, and establishes the mechanics for holding the referendum.
It was scheduled to be held on October 16, 1976.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has supervision and control over the conduct and all processes of the referendum, including balloting (as applicable), canvass, and proclamation of results.
Every Filipino citizen, literate or not, who is 15 years old or over and has resided in the barangay for at least six months.
They may participate in any barangay most convenient to them, provided they comply with the qualification requirements and the restriction that no barangay member may participate in more than one barangay consultation.
No barangay member shall participate in more than one barangay consultation.
Barangays must hold assemblies/meetings on any day between September 11 to October 15 to inform or enlighten members regarding the significance and meaning of the issues.
The barangay captain or president of the Kabataang Barangay must notify the COMELEC Supervisory Panel of any educational/informational meeting. The Supervisory Panel sends a representative, and keeps a complete record. If no meeting is held by October 10, the panel instructs barangay officials to comply, and may take steps to assure holding the required meetings.
Yes. A duly registered barangay member cannot be questioned, interrogated, or investigated before or after the referendum for speech, remark, or statements made in discussions/debates intended to explain the referendum questions or express views for or against them; and such remarks are inadmissible as evidence in any investigation or suit.
Printing and dissemination of pamphlets/leaflets/posters/handbills designed to explain the questions are allowed and generally cannot be restricted, subject to applicable provisions of the Election Code of 1971 and COMELEC regulations. However, printed materials must indicate the name and address of the author and the name and address of the printer; materials not indicating these cannot be disseminated.
The barangay captain fixes the time and place after due consultation with barangay and Kabataang Barangay officers. The time and place must be given the widest publicity to assure maximum attendance.
Barangays with one hundred or more members must conduct the referendum through ballots. Barangays with less than one hundred members may decide to hold the consultation by acclamation.
Barangays authorized to use ballots print them, but no printing may be undertaken without prior notification to the COMELEC Supervisory Panel so it can send a representative. Ballots must be signed and countersigned at the back by the Supervisory Panel representative, the Chairman of the Barangay Referendum Committee, and the President of the Kabataang Barangay (or their duly authorized representatives).
Voting is secret. The voter fills the ballot in secret and returns it to the Chairman, who deposits it in the proper ballot box. An illiterate or physically unable voter may choose a person of his/her confidence, preferably a relative within the fourth civil degree, to assist in preparing the ballot.