Law Summary

Authorization for Deputization

• Legal Principle: This provision authorizes the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to deputize various officials for the purpose of ensuring the integrity of the referendum process.

• Key Definitions:

  • Deputization: The act of assigning specific responsibilities to designated individuals or groups to assist in the conduct of elections.

• Important Requirements:

  • The deputized officials must coordinate with COMELEC in executing their duties.

• Relevant Timeframes:

  • The authorization is effective immediately upon issuance, specifically for the referendum scheduled on July 27, 1973.

• Consequences:

  • No explicit penalties or liabilities are mentioned in this document.

List of Deputized Officials

• Legal Principle: Specifies the categories of officials who are authorized to assist in the referendum process.

• Key Definitions:

  • Philippine Constabulary: A national police force responsible for maintaining peace and order.

• Important Requirements:

  • The following officials are authorized for deputization:
    • Members of the Philippine Constabulary as needed.
    • All public school teachers, including head teachers, principals, district supervisors, city and division superintendents.
    • All provincial, city, municipal, and municipal district treasurers.
    • All provincial governors.
    • All city, municipal, and municipal district mayors.
    • Members of city, municipal, and municipal district police forces.
    • Provincial and municipal development officers from the Department of Local Governments and Community Development.

• Consequences:

  • No penalties or liabilities are outlined for these officials in this document.

Coordination with the Commission on Elections

• Legal Principle: Emphasizes the necessity for collaboration between the deputized officials and the Commission on Elections.

• Important Requirements:

  • Deputized officials are required to work in coordination with COMELEC to ensure the referendum's smooth conduct.

• Consequences:

  • The document does not specify any penalties for failure to coordinate.

Execution of the Order

• Legal Principle: Affirms the official nature of the instruction as a directive from the President of the Philippines.

• Key Definitions:

  • Letter of Instruction: A formal directive issued by the President outlining specific actions to be taken by government officials.

• Important Requirements:

  • The directive is to be executed from the date of issuance, July 21, 1973.

• Consequences:

  • No penalties for non-compliance are mentioned.

Key Takeaways

• The Letter of Instruction No. 104 empowers the Commission on Elections to appoint various government officials to ensure an orderly and honest referendum on July 27, 1973.
• A wide range of officials, including educators, local government executives, and law enforcement personnel, are included in the list of deputized individuals.
• All appointed officials are mandated to work closely with COMELEC, although specific penalties for non-compliance are not outlined in the document.
• This directive is effective immediately from the date of issuance.