Title
Plebiscite on Woman Suffrage, 1937
Law
Commonwealth Act No. 34
Decision Date
Sep 30, 1936
Commonwealth Act No. 34 enacted in the Philippines in 1936, held a plebiscite to determine whether women should be granted the right to vote, with specific qualifications and procedures outlined for the voting process.

Qualifications to Vote in the Plebiscite

  • Female citizens of the Philippines aged 21 or over are entitled to vote.
  • Must have been a resident of the Philippines for at least one year and of the municipality where she intends to vote for at least six months immediately prior to the plebiscite.
  • Must possess the same qualifications as male voters except for disqualifications.

Application of Election Law and Appointment of Watchers

  • Provisions of the Election Law applicable to special elections apply insofar as they do not conflict with this Act.
  • Four watchers appointed by women's clubs will be present at each polling place.
  • Equal opportunity for watchers opposing woman suffrage is provided.

Formation of Election Precincts and Appointment of Election Officials

  • Provincial boards, under the Secretary of the Interior’s supervision, shall organize or form election precincts and designate polling places.
  • They shall appoint election inspectors and poll clerks with their substitutes.

Polling Places and Precincts

  • Existing election precincts and polling places remain unless changed by municipal authorities before April 1, 1937.

Registration of Voters

  • Boards of election inspectors shall register voters on April 10 and 17, 1937, from 7 AM to 7 PM.
  • Late registrants present at closing hour will be given numbered cards to register after hours.
  • Prospective voters must fill and sign under oath an identification card listing personal details and qualifications.
  • Poll clerks and election inspectors will be compensated two pesos per day.
  • Women qualified as voters may be appointed poll clerks.

Judicial Proceedings Relating to Voter Inclusion or Exclusion

  • Judicial proceedings concerning voter lists are free of charge and must be filed by April 23, 1937.
  • Such cases must be finally decided by April 26, 1937.
  • The last meeting of election boards to finalize matters is scheduled for April 28, 1937.

Ballot Form and Language

  • Ballots will be printed in English and Spanish.
  • The question is whether voters are in favor or against granting woman suffrage.
  • The complete text of Article V of the Constitution is included on the ballot.
  • Voters mark "Yes" or "No" on the ballot.

Return and Transmission of Plebiscite Results

  • Boards of inspectors prepare three copies of returns: one for the ballot box, two for municipal treasurer.
  • The treasurer forwards copies to the Secretary of the National Assembly and Secretary of the Interior by registered mail.
  • The Bureau of Posts shall transmit returns and official communications free and without delay.

Counting of Votes and Effect of Results

  • The National Assembly counts the votes based on returns.
  • If at least 300,000 women vote affirmatively, all qualified women become entitled to vote in future elections.
  • The plebiscite's registration list may be used in subsequent elections until lawfully revised.

Appropriations for Plebescite Expenses

  • One hundred fifty thousand pesos are appropriated from the National Treasury, as approved by the Secretary of the Interior, to cover expenses connected with the plebiscite.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect upon approval.

Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster—building context before diving into full texts.