In the Philippine legal system, the right to suffrage is a fundamental constitutional guarantee. Under Article V of the 1987 Constitution, the state is mandated to provide a system for the registration of voters. This mandate is operationalized primarily through Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as the "Voter's Registration Act of 1995," and the various resolutions promulgated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Historically, the COMELEC issued a physical "Voter’s ID." However, it is critical to note that since the passage of Republic Act No. 11055 (the Philippine Identification System Act), the issuance of the traditional plastic Voter’s ID has been permanently discontinued. The government has transitioned to the Philippine National ID (PhilID) as the primary valid identification. In lieu of the old ID, the COMELEC now issues a Voter’s Certification, which serves as a valid legal document for identity and residency verification.
I. Qualifications for Registration
Before initiating the application process, an individual must meet the following legal requirements pursuant to RA 8189:
- Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen (natural-born or naturalized).
- Age: Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age on or before the day of the election.
- Residency: Must have resided in the Philippines for at least one (1) year and in the city or municipality where they propose to vote for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the election.
- Legal Standing: Must not be otherwise disqualified by law (e.g., final judgment for certain crimes, declared insane or incompetent by a court).
II. Documentary Requirements
Applicants must present any of the following valid government-issued identification documents to establish their identity. Note: Cedula (Community Tax Certificate) is not accepted.
- Philippine National ID (PhilID)
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- Postal ID
- PRC License
- SSS/GSIS ID or UMID
- Student’s ID or Library Card (signed by the school authority)
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- Senior Citizen’s ID
- PWD ID
Pro-Tip: If the address on your ID does not match your current residence, it is advisable to bring a secondary document like a billing statement or a barangay certificate of residency to prove your six-month stay in the locality.
III. The Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
The COMELEC typically conducts registration through local Offices of the Election Officer (OEO) or satellite registration centers (e.g., malls).
- Preparation of Forms: The applicant must fill out the CEF-1 (Application for Registration). This can be done manually at the OEO or printed after filling it out through the COMELEC’s online portals (when active).
- Verification: The Election Officer verifies the applicant’s identity and ensures they are not already registered in another precinct through the Local Voter's Database.
- Biometrics Capture: This is the most crucial step. The applicant’s digital photograph, fingerprints, and signature are captured using the Voter Registration Machine (VRM).
- Interview and Oath: The applicant subscribes to an oath before the Election Officer.
- Issuance of Acknowledgment Receipt: The applicant is given a stub or receipt as proof that they have applied for registration.
IV. Approval and the Voter's Certification
Submission of an application does not automatically make one a registered voter. Applications are subject to the approval of the Election Registration Board (ERB), which meets quarterly.
Once the ERB approves the application, the individual is officially included in the National List of Registered Voters (NLRV). While a physical ID is no longer issued, a voter may secure a Voter’s Certification:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Serves as a valid government ID and proof of registration. |
| Where to Get | Local OEO or the COMELEC Main Office in Intramuros. |
| Validity | Generally valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance. |
| Fees | Free for Senior Citizens, PWDs, and members of Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities. A nominal fee (approx. PHP 75-100) is usually charged for others. |
V. Maintenance of Registration Records
Under the principle of Continuous Registration, voters must ensure their records remain active. A voter’s registration may be deactivated if they:
- Fail to vote in two (2) consecutive regular elections.
- Are sentenced by final judgment to imprisonment of not less than one year.
- Have their registration ordered excluded by a court.
To reactivate, a person must personally appear before the Election Officer during the designated registration period and file an Application for Reactivation.
The transition from a physical Voter ID to a digital-first verification system reflects the Philippines' move toward a unified national identification strategy, ensuring that the right to vote is protected through secure biometrics rather than a mere plastic card.