Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 50)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 50 is to provide for the general registration of voters for the plebiscite on the proposed Constitution, to conduct the plebiscite, to appropriate funds, and to set other related provisions.
The existing permanent lists of voters in every city and municipality are declared null and void to allow for a new general registration of voters.
All persons possessing all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications of a voter, who have complied with the registration requirements and reside in the city or municipality, including those who will meet age and residency qualifications by the date of the plebiscite.
The voter’s affidavit must include the voter’s full name, date and place of birth, citizenship, periods of residence, exact address, a statement not registered elsewhere, three specimen signatures, clear and legible fingerprints, and must be sworn before the Board of Election Inspectors.
The Board consists of a Chairman and two members who are public school teachers registered as voters from the city or municipality; in case of shortage, private school teachers or other citizens of known probity and competence who are registered voters may be appointed.
The Board has the power to examine voter applications, decide on voter registration qualifications, administer oaths, issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, and compel witness attendance.
The challenge is heard by the Board which examines evidence and decides by majority vote within two days. The challenged person receives a certified statement of the decision.
A disapproved applicant may file a petition for inclusion or reinstatement with the proper Municipal or Metropolitan Trial Court within 15 days after registration closes. Decisions can be appealed to the Regional Trial Court.
Upon closing, lists are certified, copied, and sent to the Election Registrar, Provincial Election Supervisor, and the Commission’s central office, and posted publicly at polling places and members’ offices for public inspection.
The Commission may annul the list upon verified petition or on its own motion and order a new registration except within 30 days before the plebiscite.
They serve as duplicate repositories of approved voter affidavits to aid in reconstitution if original records are lost or destroyed.
Yes, voters whose names have changed due to marriage or court order may request correction of their registration during Board meetings.
Failure by the Board of Election Inspectors to post the final list of voters duly signed and sworn constitutes an election offense.
Three hundred seventy-five million pesos was set aside from the Commission on Elections' budget and savings for implementation.
Pertinent provisions regarding precincts, polling places, Board of Election Inspectors, watchers, election offenses, preliminary investigations, prosecution, jurisdiction of courts, and others not conflicting with this order remain in effect and are adopted as part of this Executive Order.