Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7210)
The purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1187 is to provide for a general registration of all qualified voters throughout the Philippines to ensure free, orderly, and honest elections, plebiscites, and referenda.
Any citizen of the Philippines who is at least 18 years old, who has resided in the Philippines for at least one year and in the city, municipality, or municipal district where he proposes to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the election, and is not otherwise disqualified by law may register as a voter.
Yes, illiterate citizens possessing the necessary qualifications and those physically unable to write their application may register as voters through a person of their confidence who assists in preparing their application.
Disqualifications include persons sentenced to imprisonment of not less than one year (unless disability is removed or after ten years post-sentence), persons who violated their oath of allegiance, insane or feeble-minded persons, and those suffering from temporary special disqualifications in accordance with existing law.
The citizens registration committee undertakes the registration process, supervises and controls registration to assure it is free, orderly, and honest, and performs other functions prescribed by the decree or COMELEC rules.
Applicants must personally appear, take an oath, sign, and affix thumbprints on a statement containing name, birth details, citizenship, residence periods, exact address, and declarations of qualifications and non-duplication of registration.
Such applicants must appear with a trusted person who prepares the application. The applicant is required to affix thumbprints in the presence of the citizens election committee.
Any member of the committee, watcher, or barangay member may challenge an applicant. The committee examines the evidence and decides within one hour, notifying the parties of the decision promptly.
Offenses enumerated in the Election Code of 1971 and related statutes committed during registration are subject to prosecution and penalties as provided therein.
City and Municipal courts have jurisdiction to issue warrants, try, and decide criminal actions under this decree. Appeals follow ordinary procedures for criminal cases.
COMELEC has supervision and control over voter registration, including rule promulgation, procurement of supplies, hiring personnel, authorizing overtime compensation, and ensuring orderly registration.
Members must be of good moral character, qualified voters without convictions for election offenses or other serious crimes, and able to speak and write English or the local dialect.
Watchers designated by various organizations can observe registration proceedings, take note of irregularities, file protests, and obtain certificates of protests without disrupting the process.
The citizens election committee prepares an alphabetical list in triplicate after each registration meeting, including voter details and voting day entries, certifying and distributing copies to election officials.
Qualified voters may register anytime under the permanent and continuing system established by Presidential Decree No. 1099, 1977.