Providing For A General Registration Of All Qualified Voters Throughout The Philippines

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1187

General Registration of Qualified Voters
- Mandates a general registration of all qualified voters throughout the Philippines by the end of October 1977. (Section 1)
- Allows qualified voters to register under the permanent and continuing system of registration. (Section 2)
- Requires voters to be duly registered to cast their vote in any election, plebiscite, or referendum. (Section 3)

Qualifications and Disqualifications of Voters
- Defines the qualifications of a voter, including being a Filipino citizen, at least 18 years old, and meeting residency requirements. (Section 4)
- Lists the disqualifications for registering as a voter, such as being sentenced to imprisonment for at least one year, violating an oath of allegiance, being insane or feeble-minded, or having temporary special disqualifications. (Section 5)

Registration Process
- Establishes a citizens registration committee for each voting center, composed of a chairman, a poll clerk, and a third member. (Section 6)
- Outlines the qualifications for members of the registration committee. (Section 7)
- Defines the powers and functions of the registration committee. (Section 8)
- Specifies the voting centers to be used for registration purposes. (Section 9)
- Allows for the creation of new voting centers where needed. (Section 10)
- Requires applicants to personally appear before the registration committee, provide information under oath, and sign the application. (Section 11)
- Allows the use of 1971 voter affidavits to facilitate registration. (Section 12)
- Provides procedures for illiterate or disabled applicants. (Section 13)
- Allows for identification of applicants. (Section 14)
- Outlines the process for approving or disapproving applications and issuing certificates of registration. (Section 15)
- Describes the certificate of registration and its use. (Section 16)
- Allows for challenges to an applicant's right to register. (Section 17)
- Specifies the preparation of the list of voters. (Section 18)
- Requires certification of the election committee and distribution of the lists. (Section 19)
- Mandates the preservation of voter's applications for registration. (Section 20)
- Allows for watchers from various organizations to observe the registration process. (Section 22)
- Encourages assistance from barangays, civic organizations, and other groups in facilitating voter registration. (Section 23)

Inclusion, Exclusion, and Offenses
- Applies the provisions of Republic Act 6368 on inclusion and exclusion of voters, with a deadline for filing petitions. (Section 24)
- Specifies that offenses committed during voter registration shall be punished and prosecuted as per the Election Code of 1971 and other related statutes. (Section 25)
- Grants jurisdiction to city and municipal courts for offenses under this decree. (Section 26)
- Empowers the Commission on Elections to conduct preliminary investigations and prosecute offenses. (Section 27)

Powers and Implementation
- Grants the Commission on Elections supervision and control over voter registration, and the power to promulgate rules and regulations, procure supplies, hire personnel, and authorize overtime compensation. (Section 28)
- Provides for suppletory force and effect of Republic Act 6368, Presidential Decree No. 1099, and other pertinent statutes. (Section 29)
- Requires appropriation of funds necessary to implement the decree. (Section 30)
- Repeals or amends inconsistent laws, decrees, rules, and regulations. (Section 31)
- Specifies the effectivity of the decree upon approval. (Section 32)