Law Summary

Preamble

• The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported that over 27% of qualified voters (approximately 6.2 million) have not registered.
• To ensure that election results reflect the will of the people, an additional registration day is necessary.

Section 1: Additional Day for Registration

• Legal Provision: An additional day for voter registration is established.
• Timeframe: Registration will occur on November 27, 1977, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Key Requirements:
  • Only qualified voters who have not registered are permitted to register.
  • In cities and municipalities with a significant number of unregistered voters, the COMELEC can utilize a continuing registration system without requiring voters to register at voting centers.
  • If many applicants are present at closing time, the Citizens Registration Committee may extend registration beyond 7:00 PM until all present are registered.

Section 2: Voting Centers

• Legal Provision: Registration will take place at the barangay registration centers.
• Key Definitions:
  • Barangay Registration Centers: Locations established for voter registration.
  • Citizen's Registration Committees: Bodies responsible for conducting the registration process.
• Procedures: The same committees that functioned during previous registration periods under Presidential Decree No. 1187, as amended, will oversee this registration.

Section 3: Rules and Regulations

• Legal Provision: The COMELEC is authorized to create rules and regulations for the implementation of this decree.
• Key Requirement: These regulations will guide the registration process to ensure compliance with the decree.

Section 4: Effectivity

• Legal Provision: This decree takes effect immediately upon issuance.
• Important Detail: The immediate effectivity ensures prompt action to register unregistered voters.

Key Takeaways

• An additional day (November 27, 1977) is designated for the registration of unregistered qualified voters.
• Registration will occur at barangay centers with potential for extension if many applicants remain at closing time.
• The COMELEC has the authority to implement necessary regulations for this process.
• The decree is effective immediately to facilitate swift voter registration.