Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6132)
The short title of Republic Act No. 6132 is "The 1971 Constitutional Convention Act."
The Constitutional Convention is composed of three hundred and twenty delegates.
Delegates must have the same qualifications required of Members of the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
The election of delegates was held on the second Tuesday in November, 1970.
Any person holding public office is considered resigned upon filing their certificate of candidacy.
No, any person elected as a delegate shall not be qualified to run for any other public office or assume appointive government office until after the final adjournment of the Constitutional Convention.
The certificate of candidacy must state the candidacy announcement, qualifications, full name (including maternal surname), civil status, age and birth details, post office address, gross income, tax payments for last two years or exemptions, and waive the privilege from public disclosure of income tax returns relevant to the candidacy period.
No, candidates shall not represent or be represented as candidates of any political party or organization and such groups are prohibited from intervening or aiding their campaign, except for immediate family members and personal campaign staff within specified limits.
It is unlawful for government officials to intervene in campaigns, release public funds, hire new employees, or give privileges to influence the election within specified periods before the election, unless authorized by the Commission on Elections after hearing.
Violations are considered serious election offenses punishable with imprisonment of not less than one year and one day but not more than five years, disqualification from public office, deprivation of suffrage rights, and deportation if a foreigner.
The Chairman of the Commission on Elections takes charge of arrangements; the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives jointly preside at the opening session. The Convention meets at the session hall of the House of Representatives on June 1, 1971.
The parliamentary immunity laws applicable to Members of Congress apply to the delegates, including penalties for offenses against the Convention similar to those against Congress.
The Commission on Elections has the power to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of RA 6132 concerning the election of delegates.
Outside designated Comelec billboards and Comelec time on radio/TV, only certain written materials and letters are allowed; use of billboards, posters, gadgets, or paid advertisements is prohibited; equal media access must be ensured for all candidates.
If contradictory returns exist that could affect election results, the Court of First Instance will summarily determine authenticity and may order a recount or instruct which returns to use; if unresolved, votes from the precinct may be excluded.