Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 73)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 73 is to submit to the Filipino people, for ratification or rejection, the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines proposed by the 1971 Constitutional Convention and to appropriate funds for the plebiscite.
The plebiscite was scheduled to be held on January 15, 1973.
The proposed Constitution must be published in full in English and in Pilipino, with translations by the Institute of National Language.
Printed copies must be posted in conspicuous places in each provincial city, municipal, and municipal district government building and in at least two other conspicuous places in the city, municipality, or district at least 30 days before the plebiscite, and at polling places at least 15 days before the plebiscite.
The people may discuss the proposed Constitution freely and publicly to be fully informed. However, discussions must be limited to the Constitution and must not cause disorder or endanger the security of the State.
The provisions of the Election Code of 1971 apply insofar as they are not inconsistent with the decree's provisions. Rights and obligations of political parties and candidates under the Election Code do not apply to the plebiscite.
Any qualified voter not yet registered can register in their city, municipality, or district from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and holidays, not later than the date specified in the calendar.
The Board of Inspectors consists of a chairman and two members, preferably public school teachers with more than five years of service and registered voters of the area, with private school teachers or civil service employees as substitutes if public school teachers are unavailable.
Watchers are designated observers at polling places who have the right to observe plebiscite proceedings, have not been convicted of any offense or have election offenses pending, and enjoy rights similar to watchers under the Election Code.
The official ballot is printed in English and instructs voters to write "YES" or its equivalent for ratification or "NO" or its equivalent for rejection in the blank space after the question regarding approval of the proposed Constitution.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is responsible for appointing boards of inspectors, promulgating rules and regulations, procuring supplies for the plebiscite, canvassing plebiscite returns, and ultimately proclaiming the results.
COMELEC must commence the public canvass and proclaim the result within one week after the plebiscite.
An appropriation of fifteen million pesos (P15,000,000) was made from the National Treasury for expenses related to the plebiscite.
Precinct books are to be delivered to and kept by the chairman of the Board of Inspectors until after the plebiscite, sealed and closed. They are reopened for use only on plebiscite day.