Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 73)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 73 is to submit to the Filipino people, for approval or disapproval, a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the Philippines, to be appended as an Ordinance thereto.
The amendment was proposed by the Congress of the Philippines in a resolution of both Houses, adopted on September 18, 1946.
The election for approval or disapproval of the amendment was scheduled on March 11, 1947.
The amendment must be published in English and Spanish in three consecutive issues of the Official Gazette at least twenty days before the election. A printed copy must be posted in every municipal, city, and provincial government office building and polling place not later than February 11, 1947, and remain posted until after the election.
The provisions of Commonwealth Act No. 357 (Election Code) and Commonwealth Act No. 657 (to reorganize the Commission on Elections) are applicable insofar as they are not inconsistent with this Act.
They are appointed by the Commission on Elections on or before February 1, 1947: two inspectors recommended by the Liberal Nationalist Party, one inspector by the Nationalist Party or allied parties, and the poll clerk and substitute chosen directly by the Commission on Elections.
Boards of election inspectors meet on February 15, 1947 for revision of voter lists and registration of new voters. Judicial proceedings regarding inclusion or exclusion of voters must be filed by February 21 and finally decided by March 4, 1947. A final revision of the voter list is made on election day.
The ballots must be printed in both English and Spanish and include on the back the full Resolution of Both Houses of Congress proposing the amendment. The face of the ballot contains the question asking if the voter is in favor of the amendment, to which the voter must write 'Yes' for approval or 'No' for rejection.
Boards of election inspectors prepare four copies of the returns, deposit one copy in the ballot box, and deliver three copies to the municipal treasurers. Municipal treasurers send copies to the Commission on Elections and the Secretaries of both Houses. The Senate and House of Representatives hold a joint session within thirty days to canvass and certify the result.
Yes, an amount of one million pesos or as much as necessary is appropriated from the National Treasury for expenses of holding the election, including printing, publication, posting, and free distribution of copies of the amendment in English, Spanish, and principal native languages.