NSTP-CWTS/LTS 1
MODULE 1- CITIZENSHIP TRAINING
Historical and Legal Bases of NSTP
RA 9163 (The National Service Training Program Law)
This law is also known as “An Act Establishing the National Service Training Program for
tertiary level students.
Section 3.a- refers to the program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense
preparedness in the youth, by developing the ethics of service and patriotism.
RA 9163 has been signed by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, which amended RA 7077 and PD 1706.
RA 9163 was Implemented effective school year 2002-2003 in all Higher Educational Institutions
of the Philippines.
Guiding Principles
Prime duty of the government
1. To serve its citizens
2. Protect its citizens
Citizen Responsibilities
1. Defend the security of the state
2. Promote the general welfare of the state
Role of the State to the Youth
1. Promote civic consciousness among the youth
2. Develop their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being.
3. Inculcate the ideals of patriotism, nationalism and advance their involvement in public
and civic affairs.
4. They shall be motivated, trained, organized and involved in Military, Literacy and Civic
Welfare.
5. Other similar endeavors on the service of the nation.
Components of NSTP
1. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
1.1 Designed to provide military training to tertiary level students under RA 7077
Sections 38 & 39.
1.2 Training the students to be motivated, organize and mobilize them for national
defense preparedness.
1
2. Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)
2.1 Refers to the activities contributory to the general welfare and the betterment of life
for the members of the community or the enhancement of its facilities especially
those devoted to;
2.1.1 Health
2.1.2 Education
2.1.3 Environment
2.1.4 Entrepreneurship
2.1.5 Safety
2.1.6 Recreation
2.1.7 Moral of the citizenry and other social welfare services
3. Literacy Welfare Training Service (LTS)
3.1 Program component designed to train the students to literacy and numeracy skills to;
3.1.1 School Children
3.1.2 Out-of-School youths
3.1.3 Other segments of society in need of their services
Coverage of NSTP
Per Rule III, Section 4 provided the coverage of the Program as follows;
1. Students
1.1 All Incoming Freshmen students, male and female, starting School Year 2002-2003
1.2 Enrolled in any baccalaureate and in at least two year technical-vocational courses
Exemptions:
1. Students who graduated from the baccalaureate degree or technical-
vocational course in 2003-2004
2. Students enrolled in another or additional baccalaureate degree or two year
technical-vocational in 2003-2004
3. Students who completed any of the three NSTP components but considered
freshmen to the course where that transferred or shifted.
4. A foreign students or aliens
2. All HEI’s including State Universities and Colleges and Technical-Vocational Educations
Institutions must offer all three NSTP components upon enrollment.
2.1 SUCs are required to maintain and provide the ROTC component. In the cases that
the enrollment of ROTC cadets is less than 350, then the provisions of clustering in
sections 7 of NSTP IRR (RA 9163) should be followed.
3. A 25 hour common module phase shall be given to enrolled freshmen students in the
first semester.
3.1 Subject Covered;
3.1.1 Citizenship Training
2
3.1.2 Drug Education
3.1.3 Disaster Awareness, preparedness, and Management
3.1.4 Environmental Protection
3.1.5 Other Security Concerns.
3.2 After completing the 25 hour common module, the students shall be redirected to
the study of specific modules of their respective NSTP component taken.
4. The following are exempted from taking NSTP
4.1 The Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
4.2 Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA)
4.3 Philippine National Police (PNPA)
4.4 Other SUCs of similar nature will be exempted subject to approval of the
Department of National Defense
Duration and Equivalent Course Unit
1. Each component shall be undertaken for an academic period of 2 semester.
2. It will be 3 units each semester with 54 to 90 hours per semester
3. One summer in lieu of the two semester program
4. NSTP grade shall not be included in the computation of GPA
Management of NSTP
1. The administration, supervision of NSTP shall be exercised by the school authority.
2. There should be an NSTP office in each school (Universities and Colleges) headed by an
NSTP Director.
3. The ROTC shall be supervised by the school authorities and DND.
4. The DND shall formulate and administer training modules for the ROTC program
Monitoring
1. An NSTP joint committee at PROVINCIAL, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL shall be
created by Tripartite agreement for monitoring all the program components in the
various institutions;
2. Agencies and Departments that oversee and monitor the implementation of the NSTP.
a. CHED
b. TESDA
c. DND-AFP
3. Annual NSTP Performance Evaluation shall be conducted towards the end of the school
year to evaluate and determine the achievement of training objectives
4. CHED/TESDA AND DND shall formulate respective evaluation parameters on the
administration and implementation of the NSTP.
5. Annual reports shall be made by the HEIs to the CHED regional office.
3
Organization of NSTP Graduates
1. CWTS and LTS shall belong to the NATIONAL SERVICE RESERVE CORPS (NSRC) and could
be tapped by the state for literacy and civic welfare activities through the joint efforts of
DND, CHED AND TESDA in coordination of the DIKG, DSWD and other concerned
agencies/association
2. CHED/TESDA and DND shall issue the necessary guidelines for the establishment,
organization, maintenance and utilization of the NSRC.
3. ROTC graduates shall form part of the CITIZEN ARMED FORCE subject to the
requirements of DND.
Certification of Completion
The graduate of NSTP shall be issued a certificate with serial number by CHED, TESDA and DND.
PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION
Constitution- refers to the basic principles and laws of a nation, state or social group that
determines the powers and duties of the government and guarantee certain rights to the
people in it.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution
It is the supreme law of the Republic of the Philippines. It was completed on October 12, 1986
and was ratified by a nationwide plebiscite on FEBRUARY 2, 1987.
Purpose of the Constitution
It establishes a government, based on the rule of law and which is limited by law. It
provides a legal basis for government operations and makes constitutional government possible.
Importance of the CONSTITUTION
1. It protects our rights
2. It enables us to have justice and live a beautiful life
3. It helps us to know our limitations and the right things we should do in order for us to
become a good citizen.
4. We will know how to protect ourselves from our enemies.
The main purpose of the 1987 Constitution
To secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.
PREAMBLE OF THE 1987 PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION
4
“We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just
humane society and establish a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspiration,
promote the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure to ourselves and
our posterity, the blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of law and a regime
of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace, do ordain and promulgate this
Constitution.”
BILLS OF RIGHTS
Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution
1. THE RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS AND EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW
2. THE RIGHT AGAINST UNREASONABLE SEARCHES AND SEIZURES
3. THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY OF COMMUNICATION AND CORRESPONDENCE
4. FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND ASSEMBLY
5. THE FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP
6. THE RIGHT TO ABODE AND OF CHANGING THE SAME
7. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN
8. THE RIGHT TO FORM ASSOCIATIONS
9. THE RIGHT TO JUST COMPENSATION WHEN PRIVATE PROPERTY IS TAKEN
FOR PUBLIC USE
10.THE RIGHT TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS
11.THE RIGHT TO HAVE FREE ACCESS TO COURTS AND QUASI-JUDICIAL BODIES
12.THE RIGHT OF THE ACCUSED PERSON
13.THE RIGHT TO BAIL
14.THE RIGHT TO THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS
15.THE RIGHT OF SPEEDY TRIAL
16.THE RIGHT AGAINST SELF-INCRIMINATION
17. THE RIGHT AGAINST INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE
18.THE RIGHT AGAINST EXCESSIVE FINES AND CRUEL, DEGRADING, INHUMAN
PUNISHMENT
19.NON-IMPRISONMENT DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF DEBT OR POLL TAX
20.THE RIGHT AGAINST DOUBLE JEOPARDY
21.THE RIGHT AGAINST EX POST FACTO LAW AND BILL OF ATTAINDER
CITIZEN AND CITIZENSHIP
Citizen- a participatory member of a political community
Citizenship – gained by meeting the legal requirements of a nation, state or government.
5
Who are Classified as Philippine Citizens?
1. Those who are citizens of the Philippines at the time of the adoption of the constitution
2. Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines
3. Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizen
upon reaching the age of majority
4. Those who are naturalized in accordance with law
What are the modes in acquiring Philippine citizenship?
1. Filipino by Birth
a. Jus soli (right of soil) which is the legal principle that a person’s nationality at
birth is determined by the place of birth (Territory of a given state)
b. Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that at birth, an
individual acquires the nationality of his/her natural parent/s. (The Philippine
adheres to this principle)
2. Filipino by naturalization which is the judicial act of adopting a foreigner and clothing
him with the privileges of a native-born citizen.
Important Duties and Responsibilities of Every Citizen in a Democratic Country
1. To be loyal to the republic
a. Faith and confidence in the republic
b. Love for and devotion to the country
c. Respect customs, traditions, language and institutions
d. Never commit any act of disloyalty such as but not limited to;
i. Treason
ii. Rebellion
iii. Sedition and other similar acts
e. Citizen must be willing and ready whenever necessary to cast his life and
fortunes in defense of his country.
2. To defend the state
a. It is our prime duty to love and defend our country regardless of the following;
i. Creed
ii. Religious
iii. Beliefs
iv. Wisdom
3. To contribute to the development of welfare of the state
6
a. The citizen can contribute to the development and welfare of the state in many
ways such as but not limited to;
i. Paying taxes
ii. Cooperating in the activities and projects of the government
iii. Patronizing local products and trades
iv. Engaging in productive works and all others related.
4. To uphold the constitution and obey the laws
a. Laws are enacted in accordance with it for the good of all.
b. Its is the duty of every citizen to defend and respect the constitution and obey
the laws.
5. To exercise rights, responsibly and with due regard for the rights of others
6. To engage in gainful work
a. A citizen should strive to become a useful and productive member of the society
b. The essence of life is work
7. To register and vote
a. Suffrage is both a privilege and a duty which a citizen of legal age must perform.
b. Vote through mature and independent judgment according to the personal
qualities and qualification of candidates to become public servants.
PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Human rights is;
1. Universal.
2. Inalienable
3. Indivisible
4. Interdependent
5. Interrelated
Universal Declaration of Human Rights was declared on December 1948 by the United
General Assembly in Paris (General Assembly Resolution No. 217)
Principles of Human Rights
1. Universality and Inalienability
a. All human beings are born free and are equal in dignity and rights
2. Indivisibility
a. Human rights are inherent to the dignity of every human person.
b. All human rights have equal status
c. All Human rights cannot be positioned in a hierarchical order.
d. Denial of one right invariably impedes enjoyment of other rights.
3. Interrelatedness
- Human rights are interdependent and interrelated. Each one contributes to the
realization of a person’s human dignity through the satisfaction of his or her;
a. Developmental
7
b. Physical
c. Psychological
d. Spiritual needs
4. Equality and Non-Discrimination
a. No human should suffer discrimination on the bases of
i. Race
ii. Color
iii. Ethnicity
iv. Gender
v. Age
vi. Language
vii. Sexual orientation
viii. Religion
ix. Political or other opinion.
x. National
xi. Social or geographic origin
xii. Disability
xiii. Property
xiv. Birth or other status
5. Participation and Inclusion
a. The right to participate in and access information relating to the decision-making
processes that affect their lives and well-being.
6. Accountability and Rule of Law
a. States and other duty bearers should comply with the legal norms and standards
enshrined in international human rights instruments.
THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
The General Assembly
Article 1: Right to equality
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Article 2: Freedom from Discrimination
Article 3: Right to Life, Liberty, Personal Security
Article 4: Freedom from slavery
Slavery and slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.
Article 5: Freedom from Torture and Degrading Treatment
No one shall be subjected;
a. To torture
8
b. To cruel
c. Inhuman
d. Degrading treatment
e. Punishment
Article 6: Right to Recognition as a Person before the Law
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.
Article 7: Right to Equality before the Law
a. All are equal before the law
b. All are entitled to equal protection against discrimination
Article 8: Right to Remedy by Component Tribunal
a. Right to ask for legal help when the rights your country grant you are not
respected.
b. Everyone charged with a criminal offense shall have the right to be presumed
innocent until proved guilty according to law.
Article 9: Freedom from Arbitrary Arrest and Exile
a. All human being has the right not to be detained in a case in which there is no
likelihood or evidence that they committed a crime against legal statute or in
which there has been no proper due process.
Article 10: Right to Fair Public Hearing
a. Equal right to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial
tribunal/court.
Article 11: Right to be Considered Innocent Until Proven Guilty
a. Everyone has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty when charge
with a penal offence.
b. A public trial should be exercised necessary for his defense.
Article 12: Freedom from interference with Privacy, Family, Home and Correspondence
Article 13: Right to Free Movement in and out of the Country
a. Right to leave any country and return to his country
b. Right to movement and residence within the borders of each state
Article 14: Right to Asylum in other Countries from Persecution
Article 15: Right to Nationality and the Freedom to Change It
Article 16: Right to Marriage and Family
Article 17: Right to Own Property
9
Article 18: Freedom of Belief and Religion
Everyone has the right to;
1. Freedom of thought
2. Conscience and religion
Article 19: Freedom of Opinion and Information
a. Everyone has the freedom of opinion and expression
Article 20: Right of Peaceful Assembly and Association
a. No one may be compelled to belong an association
b. Everyone has the right to a peaceful assembly
Article 21: Right to Participate in Government and in Free Elections
a. Everyone has the right to vote.
b. Everyone has the right to access public service
Article 22: Right to Social Security
a. The government should guarantee the protection to everyone.
Article 23: Right to Desirable Work and to Join Trade Unions
a. Everyone has the right to;
1. Work
2. To free choice of employment
3. To just and favorable conditions of work and protection against unemployment
4. The right to equal pay for equal work
5. Right to just favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an
existence of human dignity and other means of social security
Article 24: Right to Rest and Leisure
a. This include the reasonable working hours limitation and periodic holidays with pay
Article 25: Right to Adequate Living Standard
a. Standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of a person
b. Right to security in the event of;
1. Unemployment
2. Sickness
3. Disability
4. Widowhood
5. Old age and all other related events.
c. Special care and assistance for mother and child.
Article 26: Right Education
a. Free education at least in the elementary and fundamental stages.
10
b. General availability of Technical and Professional Education
c. Equally accessible shall be made for higher education
d. Education should promote holistic development to students.
Article 27: Right to Participate in the Cultural Life of Community
a. Freedom to participate in the Cultural Life of the;
1. Economy
2. Enjoy the arts
3. Share in scientific advancement and its benefits
b. Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests
resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the
author.
Article 28. Right to Social Order that Articulates this Document.
Article 29: Community Duties Essential to Free and Full Development
a. Everyone has responsibility to the community which leads to personality
development
b. The rights and freedoms shall be subject only to such limitations as are
determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due to recognition and
respect for the rights and freedom of others.
c. The rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purpose
and principles of the UN.
Article 30: Freedom from the State or Personal Interference in the Above Rights
Nothing in this declaration may be interpreted as implying for any state, group or person
any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of
the rights and freedom set forth herein.
SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Inalienability
2. Universality
3. Indivisibility and Interdependence
4. Accountability
5. Participation
6. Internationally guaranteed
7. Human rights go beyond state sovereignty
CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS
1. Human Rights are Universal
2. Human Rights are Inherent
3. Human Rights are Fundamental
11
4. Human Rights are Imprescriptible
5. Human Rights are Inalienable
6. Human Rights are Indivisible
7. Human Rights are Essential and Necessary
8. Human Rights are In Connection with Human Dignity
9. Human Rights are Interdependent and Interrelated
10. Human Rights are Irrevocable
11. Human Rights are Participative and Inclusive
12. Human Rights are Never Absolute
13. Human Rights are Dynamic
14. Human Rights Limit State Power
RA 8491: FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
1. Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the;
a. Flag
b. National anthem
c. And other national symbols
SECTION 2: DECLARATION OF POLICY
The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the
minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for
the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-or-arms and other
heraldic items and devices.
Definition of Terms
Whenever used in this Act, the term;
Military- Refers to the branches of the AFP including;
a. Police
b. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology
c. The Bureau of Fire Protection
Festoon- To hang in a curved shape between two pints as a decoration
Flag- Refers to the Philippine National Flag
Fly- Part of the flag outside the hoist or length
Symbol- Conventional sign which reveals man’s achievement and heroism
Half-Mast- It means lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of
the staff
Hoist- It means the part of the flag nearest the staff or the canvass to which the halyard is
attached
12
National Anthem- It means the PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Inclement Weather- It means that a typhoon signal is raised in the locality
Official Residences- It means the Malacañang and other government-owned structures where
the President of the Philippines reside.
Places of Frivolity- It means the places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment
or recreation
Institute- It means the National Historical Institute
SECTION 23: The flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and
places where it is displayed, as provided for in this Act, on the day of official announcement of
the death of any of the following;
a. The President or a Former President for (10 days)
b. The Vice-President (7 days)
c. The Chief Justice (7 days)
d. The President of the Senate (7 days)
e. The speaker of the House of Representative (7 days)
f. Other person to be determined by the Institute (Less than 7 days)
It will be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding
office such us in the places like;
1. The Supreme Court
2. The Cabinet
3. The Senate or the House of Representatives
The flag should be hoisted first to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast
position.
SECTION 24: The flag may be used to cover the caskets of the honored dead;
1. Military
2. Veterans of previous wars
3. National artist
4. And of civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation determined
by the local government unit concerned.
SECTION 25: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag
Ako ay Pilipino
Buong katapasan nanunumpa
Sa watawat ny Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at Kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos Maka-tao
13
Makakalikasan at Makabansa
National Anthem
a. The title of the Philippine National Anthem is LUPANG HINIRANG
b. it should be played and sung during;
1. Flag ceremonies in schools and offices
2. Signing off and signing on of broadcast stations
3. Before the initial and last screening of films
4. Other official or important occasions
c. The singing and playing of the national anthem is governed by the law R.A 8491
d. Composed by Julian Felipe
e. The rendition of the National Anthem whether sung or played shall be in accordance
with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
f. Sing the National Anthem when heard in the public area and it should be sung with
fervor
g. All person should stand at attention and face the Philippine flag as a sign of respect.
h. All persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chest.
i. Military, scouts, citizen’s military and security guard uniforms shall give the salute
prescribe by the regulations.
The national anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or
entertainment purposes except on the following occasions;
1. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative
2. Local competitions
3. During the signing off and signing on of radio broadcasting and television stations
4. Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening of theater
performances
5. Other occasions as may be allowed by the institute
The following should comply strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem;
1. All officials
2. Employees of the national and local governments
3. Government owned agencies or controlled corporations
4. Privately-owned entities
5. Government institutions of learning
The Development of the Philippine National Anthem
1. Began in 1898 with Julian Felipe’s Composition Entitled Marcha Nacional Filipina (Also
known as Himno Nacional Filipino)
2. 1899- Jose Palma’s poem “Filipinas” was used as lyrics
3. 1920’s- Filipinas was then translated into English
4. 1956- Filipinas was then translated into Filipino
14
5. 1962- The final revision of the Philippine National Anthem which is the “Lupang
Hinirang:”
NATIONAL MOTTO: MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA
DO’S AND DONT’S OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
Use the link: http://www.thepinoywarrior.com/2013/05/dos-and-donts-of-philippine-
flag.html?m=1
Prohibited Acts on the Philippine Flag
1. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on, cast contempt or commit on the flag or any act
or omission that casts dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface (thus, it is illegal
to burn the Philippine flag during rallies).
2. To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute.
3. To use the flag as drapery, festoon or tablecloth; as covering for ceilings, walls, statues
or other objects; as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles; as a
staff or whip; for unveiling monuments or statues; and as trademarks or for industrial,
commercial or agricultural labels or designs.
4. To display the flag under any painting or picture; horizontally face up (it shall always be
hoisted aloft and allowed to fall freely); below any platform; or in discotheques, cockpits,
night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity
prevails.
5. To wear the flag in whole or part as a costume or uniform.
15
6. To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing, advertisement or imprint of any
nature to the flag.
7. To print, paint or attach a representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions
and other merchandise.
8. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic
establishments, and in offices of international organizations.
9. To use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial.
10. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
The Good Citizenship Values
PAGKAMAKA-DIYOS
1. Faith in the Almighty- To have God present in our lives. Have a relationship and trust in
him.
2. Respect for life- Preserved ,nurtured and safeguard human life
3. Order- Organized, systematic and predictability in all aspects of our daily lives.
4. Work-Have a job to support the basic needs of the family
5. Concern for the Family and Future Generations
PAGKAMAKA-TAO
1. Love
2. Freedom
3. Peace
4. Truth
5. Justice
PAGKAMAKA-BAYAN
1. Unity- oneness as a country
2. Equality-equal opportunity and rights to every human
16
3. Respect for Law and Government- law should be upheld by all people at all times
4. Patriotism- love thy country
5. Promotion of the Common Good-
PAGKAMAKA-KALIKASAN
1. Concern for the environment- the environment should be preserved, nurtured, and for
ourselves and others to be good stewards of the environment.
VOTER EDUCATION
Who are qualified to vote?
1. All citizens of the Philippines
2. A Filipino citizen ages Eighteen years old and above
3. A resident of the Philippines for one year and for at least six months in the city or
municipality he/she proposes to vote immediately preceding the election are qualified
to vote.
Who are disqualified to vote?
1. Those who have lost their Filipino citizenship in accordance with Philippine laws;
2. Those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship and who have pledged
allegiance to a foreign country;
3. Those who have committed and are convicted in a final judgment by a court or tribunal of an
offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, including those who have
committed and been found guilty of Disloyalty as defined under Article 137 of the Revised Penal
Code, such disability not having been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty; Provided,
however, That any person disqualified to vote under this subsection shall automatically acquire
the right to vote upon expiration of five (5) years after service of sentence; Provided, further,
That the Commission may take cognizance of final judgments issued by foreign courts or
tribunals only on the basis of reciprocity and subject to the formalities and processes prescribed
by the Rules of Court on execution of judgments;
4. An immigrant or a permanent resident who is recognized as such in the host country, unless
he/she executes, upon registration, an affidavit prepared for the purpose by the Commission
declaring that he/she shall resume actual physical permanent residence in the Philippines not
later than three (3) years from approval of his/her registration under this Act. Such affidavit shall
also state that he/she has not applied for citizenship in another country. Failure to return shall be
the cause for the removal of the name of the immigrant or permanent resident from the National
Registry of Absentee Voters and his/her permanent disqualification to vote in absentia.
5. Any citizen of the Philippines abroad previously declared insane or incompetent by competent
authority in the Philippines or abroad, as verified by the Philippine embassies, consulates or
foreign service establishments concerned, unless such competent authority subsequently certifies
that such person is no longer insane or incompetent.
17
Pre-election
1. Register during the period allotted for voter registration
2. Be informed of the issues, platforms and personalities of the political candidates
3. Set specific guidelines in choosing government leaders in terms of the candidates’ social
affiliations and interests, competence, lifestyle and performance records.
4. Conduct/participate in public debates that would inform citizens and gain the
commitment of the candidates to integrate foremost the interests and welfare of the
citizens in their program of government. This process can be used to remind and hold
the elected leaders accountable to promises made during the campaign.
During Election
1. Exercise vigilance of the right to vote
2. Vote according to your conscience
3. Practice vigilance by protecting the integrity of your own vote from any undue influence,
volunteering in organizations that work for clean and peaceful elections, watching out
for instances of cheating in the elections and informing the rest of the electorate of such
activities.
Post-election
1. Practice continued vigilance and participate in governance
a. Be vigilant in the counting and canvassing of votes
b. Participate in local governance through development planning and other
activities.
18