Permanent and Continuing Registration System
- Allows qualified voters to register anytime under the permanent system established by Presidential Decree No. 1099.
Requirement of Registration to Vote
- Only duly registered qualified voters are entitled to vote in elections, plebiscites, or referenda.
Voter Qualifications
- Must be a Philippine citizen, at least 18 years old.
- Must have resided in the Philippines for at least one year.
- Must have lived in the local voting area for at least six months prior to the election.
- Illiterate or physically disabled persons may register under prescribed procedures.
Disqualifications from Registration
- Final conviction of imprisonment for one year or more unless pardoned.
- Violation of oath of allegiance by final judgment.
- Insanity or feeble-mindedness.
- Temporary disqualifications by law.
- Automatic reacquisition of voting rights after ten years from sentence expiration, barring subsequent convictions.
Registration Committee Appointment and Composition
- Commission on Elections appoints a citizen registration committee for each voting center, consisting of a chairman, poll clerk (both public school teachers), and a barangay council member.
- Appointment to occur at least 10 days before registration.
Qualifications of Committee Members
- Good moral character and irreproachable reputation.
- Must be a qualified voter of the municipality.
- No convictions for election offenses or serious crimes.
- Must not have pending election offense cases.
- Must be proficient in English or local dialect.
Powers and Functions of Registration Committee
- Conduct voter registration.
- Supervise and control registration to ensure free, orderly, and honest process.
- Perform functions prescribed by this decree or regulations.
Voting Centers for Registration
- Use existing voting centers from the October 1976 plebiscite.
- New centers established where needed with at least 200 voters, preferably in public buildings aligned with local authorities.
Registration Application Procedures
- Personal appearance before the registration committee required.
- Application taken under oath, including detailed personal information and affirmations.
- Illiterate or physically disabled applicants may be assisted by a trusted person, preferably a relative.
- Identification required if not known by registration committee.
Certificate of Registration
- Issued upon approval, serving as voter identification.
- No requirement to present the certificate on election day if identity can be established by other means.
- Duplicates issued only with Commission authorization.
Challenge and Examination of Applicants
- Any person may challenge an applicant during registration day before the committee.
- Committee must decide on challenges promptly, within one hour, notifying concerned parties.
Preparation and Structure of Voter List
- Committee prepares an alphabetical list in triplicate after each registration meeting.
- List contains columns for voter number, name, residence, ballot number, thumbmark and signature, and committee member's signature.
- Ensures clear and orderly record for election administration.
Certification and Distribution of Voter Lists
- Committee certifies lists, including corrections and total voter count.
- Copies distributed to election registrar, Provincial Election Supervisor (for public inspection), and other relevant offices.
Preservation and Handling of Applications
- Original applications transcribed to municipal files.
- Duplicates forwarded to provincial supervisors; triplicates to national central file.
- Disapproved applications kept in inactive files.
Watchers
- Authorized civic and similar organizations may appoint watchers to observe registration proceedings.
- Watchers can file protests but must not disrupt the process.
Community Assistance in Registration
- Barangays and various community organizations tasked to assist Commission in maximizing voter registration.
Inclusion and Exclusion Proceedings
- Procedures under Republic Act 6388 on inclusion/exclusion of voters remain effective.
- Petitions must be filed within specific deadlines related to registration and election dates.
Offenses and Penalties
- Election Code and related statutes apply to offenses committed during registration.
Jurisdiction and Prosecution
- City and municipal courts have jurisdiction over offenses under this decree.
- Commission on Elections empowered to investigate and prosecute election-related offenses.
Supervisory Powers of Commission on Elections
- Full supervision and control over registration process.
- Authority to issue rules, procure supplies and services, hire personnel, and authorize compensation for overtime and special work hours.
Suppletory Effect of Other Laws
- RA 6388, PD 1099, and other relevant statutes apply so long as not inconsistent with this decree.
Appropriations and Funding
- Funds necessary for implementation will be provided by the law setting registration dates.
Repealing Clause
- All laws and regulations inconsistent with this decree are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon approval.