Title
Plebiscite on 1935 Philippine Constitution
Law
Acts No. 4200
Decision Date
Apr 8, 1935
The Ratification of the Constitution of the Philippines established the process for the ratification or rejection of the Constitution through an election, ensuring the publication and availability of the Constitution for voters, and applying the Election Law to the election process.

Application of Election Law and Watchers

  • Election law provisions on special elections apply unless inconsistent with this Act.
  • Watchers appointed by political parties or groups that polled votes in the last general election are allowed, at the rate of two watchers per group per municipality.
  • Election offenses under the Election Law committed during this plebiscite carry prescribed penalties.

Formation of Election Precincts and Officials

  • Provincial boards, supervised by the Secretary of the Interior, shall organize election precincts, designate polling places, and appoint election inspectors and poll clerks with substitutes.

Voter Registration and List Revision

  • Boards of election inspectors shall conduct registration of new voters and revision of voter lists on April 22-23, 1935, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Judicial Proceedings on Elector Qualifications

  • Judicial cases regarding voter inclusion or exclusion must be filed by April 30, 1935.
  • Such cases must be finally decided before May 9, 1935.
  • Boards of election inspectors to hold last meeting on May 11, 1935, for final voter roll preparation.

Ballot Form and Voting Instructions

  • Ballots printed in English and Spanish must follow the prescribed form referencing the Tydings-McDuffie Act.
  • Voters indicate approval by writing "YES" or rejection by writing "NO" in the blank space provided.
  • The ballot text explains the consequences of ratification or rejection regarding Philippine independence and government continuity.

Return of Election Results

  • Boards of inspectors prepare four copies of election returns: one in the ballot box, and three delivered to municipal treasurer.
  • Municipal treasurer sends copies to the Secretary of the Senate, Secretary of the House, and Secretary of the Interior by registered mail.
  • The Bureau of Posts transmits election returns and reports free of charge and without delay.

Canvassing and Certification of Election Results

  • Within 30 days post-election, legislative leaders request the Governor-General to convene a special session.
  • Legislature canvasses and certifies election returns and transmits certification with Constitution copy to the Governor-General.

Appropriation for Election Expenses

  • An amount up to 350,000 pesos is appropriated from the Insular Treasury for election expenses, subject to Secretary of the Interior approval.
  • Expenses include printing, publishing, posting, and free distribution of 500,000 copies of the Constitution and Ordinance in English, Spanish, and principal dialects.
  • Each election inspector and poll clerk is compensated two pesos per day of service.

Effectivity of the Act

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on April 8, 1935.

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