TLDR;
This video explains suffrage in the Philippines, detailing who is eligible to vote according to the 1987 Constitution, the different types of elections, and answers to frequently asked questions about voting rights for specific groups like people with disabilities and overseas Filipino workers. It also highlights the historical milestone of Filipino women gaining the right to vote in 1937.
- Suffrage is the right to vote and is central to democracy.
- The 1987 Philippine Constitution outlines voter eligibility.
- Various election types exist, including elections, plebiscites, referendums, initiatives, and recalls.
- Illiterates, disabled individuals, and overseas Filipino workers can vote.
- Filipino women were first allowed to vote in 1937.
Eligibility to Vote in the Philippines [0:10]
The core principle of democracy is that every individual has an equal voice in determining election outcomes. This right to vote is known as suffrage. According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, eligible voters must be Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, and residents of the Philippines for a minimum of one year. They must also reside in the specific location where they intend to vote for at least six months before the election.
Scope of Suffrage: Types of Elections [0:53]
The scope of suffrage includes several types of elections. An election involves people voting to choose individuals or groups for official positions. A plebiscite is when people vote to accept or reject changes to the constitution. A referendum is an election device where a law is either accepted or repealed based on popular vote. An initiative allows people to directly propose and enact laws. Lastly, a recall is a method to remove a public officer from their position before their term ends.
Voting Rights for Illiterates, Disabled, and OFWs [1:49]
Illiterate and disabled individuals are allowed to vote and are assisted by election officers during the process. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) also have the right to vote through absentee voting, which allows qualified citizens abroad to exercise their right to suffrage.
Historical Fact: Women's Suffrage in the Philippines [2:19]
Filipino women were first granted the right to vote in 1937. Before this, only Filipino men were allowed to vote. This change occurred with the enactment of Commonwealth Act No. 34, which enabled women in the country to finally exercise their right to suffrage.