Memorandum Circular No. 1272




MALACAÑAN PALACE MANILA BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES [ Memorandum Circular No. 1272, March 19, 1984 ] ENJOINING ALL OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF ALL MINISTRIES AND AGENCIES OF THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OWNED OR CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO REGISTER AND CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE UPCOMING GENERAL REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BATASANG PAMBANSA. Section 4, Article V of the Constitution states that “it shall be the obligation of every citizen qualified to vote to register and cast his vote.” Presidential Decree No. 1896, as amended, provides for the general registration of all voters throughout the Philippines on March 24, 25, 31 and April 1, 1984 and on such later dates as the Commission on Elections may authorize. The regular election of Members of the Batasang Pambansa will be held on May 14, 1984 in accordance with Sec. 5(1), Article VIII of the Constitution. On the other hand, failure to register or to cast one’s vote without justifiable excuse is an election offense, as provided for under Sec. 178 (p) and (ee) of Presidential Decree No. 1296, otherwise known as the 1978 Election Code in conjunction with Sec. 64 of B.P. Blg. 697, which is punishable with imprisonment of not less than one month but not more than six months plus disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage for six years. In view of the foregoing, and as responsible citizens of the Republic, all officials and employees of all ministires and agencies of the Government including government owned or controlled corporations and local government units are hereby enjoined to register during the general registration of voters on March 24, 25, 30 and April 1, 1984 and to cast their votes on the May 14, 1984 election for members of the Batasang Pambansa. This Circular shall be circulated by each head of office among all his officials and employees and shall be posted in a conspicuous place in all offices up to election day on May 14, 1984.1aшphi1 (SGD.) JUAN C. TUVERA Presidential Executive Assistant Manila, March 19, 1984 The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation