Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 180)
The law shall be known and cited as the "Revised Election Code."
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has direct and immediate supervision over provincial, municipal, and city officials designated to perform duties relative to elections.
Every citizen of the Philippines, male or female, 21 years or older, able to read and write, a resident of the Philippines for one year and of the municipality where registered for at least six months prior, and not otherwise disqualified, may vote.
Persons sentenced to one year or more imprisonment without pardon, declared guilty of crimes against property, those who violated allegiance to the Republic, insane or feeble-minded persons, and persons who cannot prepare their ballots themselves are disqualified from voting.
The appointive officer ipso facto ceases to hold his office or position on the date he files his certificate of candidacy.
A candidate shall not spend more than the total emoluments attached to the office for one year for his election campaign.
For serious election offenses, imprisonment of not less than one year and one day but not more than five years. For less serious offenses, imprisonment of six months to one year. Both carry disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of suffrage for one to nine years. Foreigners found guilty are subject to deportation for five to ten years.
The board must publicly count all votes cast without delay, separating ballots for national and local offices, verifying numbers, and preparing official statements of the results.
The board of canvassers shall hold a public drawing of lots among tied candidates, and the winner of the draw shall be proclaimed duly elected.
COMELEC appoints election inspectors and poll clerks fifty days before elections. Inspectors are proposed by political parties based on prior election results while poll clerks are public school teachers. Appointees must be qualified electors with good reputation and meet other eligibility criteria.