Title
Election Rules for 1987 Congress Members
Law
Executive Order No. 134
Decision Date
Feb 27, 1987
Corazon C. Aquino's Executive Order No. 134 establishes the framework for the May 11, 1987 elections for Members of Congress, detailing election and campaign periods, qualifications for candidates, and the authority of the Commission on Elections to ensure free and credible voting.
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Election and Campaign Periods

  • Election period starts 90 days before election day and ends 30 days after.
  • Senate campaign period: 60 days (March 9 to May 9, 1987).
  • House of Representatives campaign period: 45 days (March 24 to May 9, 1987).
  • Campaigning prohibited on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

Manner of Election

  • 24 Senators elected at large by all qualified voters nationally.
  • Members of the House elected by voters in respective legislative districts.
  • Candidates with highest votes corresponding to seats declared elected.

Qualifications for Members of Congress

  • Senator:
    • Natural-born Filipino citizen.
    • At least 35 years old on election day.
    • Can read and write.
    • Registered voter.
    • Resident in the Philippines for at least 2 years immediately before election.
  • House Member:
    • Natural-born Filipino citizen.
    • At least 25 years old on election day.
    • Can read and write.
    • Registered voter and resident of the district for at least 1 year prior (except party-list representatives).

Certificates of Candidacy

  • Must file sworn certificate from start of election period to day before campaign starts.
  • Senate certificates filed in 10 copies in Manila; House certificates filed locally.
  • Candidates bear printing costs; certificates distributed to all polling places.
  • Mail filings not accepted.

Nominations of Official Candidates

  • Filed by authorized party officers with the Commission on Elections before campaign period starts.
  • Must be signed and sworn under oath.

Permanent Voter List

  • Based on voter list used for February 2, 1987 plebiscite, with updates.
  • Serves as permanent voter list for the 1987 elections.

Implementing Rules and Regulations

  • Commission on Elections (COMELEC) tasked to promulgate implementing rules.
  • Rules take effect 3 days after publication in two newspapers.

Commission’s Control Over Officials and Enforcement Powers

  • COMELEC may take direct control of national/local officials and law enforcement for election purposes.
  • Can call upon military and police agencies and authorize qualified cadets as deputies.

Prohibited Acts

  • Prohibits acts under Section 361 and related offenses under Section 262 of the Omnibus Election Code.
  • Judges unlawfully including/excluding voters commit election offenses.

Prosecution of Election Offenses

  • COMELEC has exclusive preliminary investigation and prosecution powers.
  • If COMELEC fails to act within 2 months, complainants may file with DOJ or fiscal.
  • Assistance from other government prosecuting bodies allowed.

Pending Actions

  • Pre-existing cases governed by prior laws.

Adjustments to Pre-Election Acts

  • COMELEC may set alternative periods if original timelines become impractical.
  • Ensures voter rights are protected.

Appropriations for Implementation

  • PHP 200,000,000 allocated from COMELEC budget.
  • Funds automatically released upon request.
  • Can be supplemented from Contingent Funds or other appropriations.

Separability Clause

  • Invalid provisions do not affect the rest of the Executive Order.

Applicability of Existing Laws

  • Omnibus Election Code and prior executive orders apply unless inconsistent.
  • COMELEC authorized to issue resolutions on matters not covered.
  • Printing of ballots and forms may be outsourced if government facilities are insufficient.
  • Printing controlled and secured by COMELEC.

Repealing Clause

  • Laws inconsistent with this Order are repealed or modified.
  • Provisions on failure to register and vote under certain sections of the Omnibus Election Code are repealed.

Effectivity

  • Executive Order effective immediately upon approval on February 27, 1987.

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