1973 Philippine constitutional plebiscite

The Philippine constitutional plebiscite of 1973 occurred from 10 to 15 January which ratified the 1973 Constitution of the Philippines.

1973 Philippine constitutional plebiscite
January 10–15, 1973
Adopting the constitution
For
 
 90.67%
Against
 
 9.33%
Calling a plebiscite to ratify the constitution
For
 
 9.04%
Against
 
 90.96%
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Background

In 1970, 320 delegates were elected to a constitutional convention which began to meet in 1971. On 23 September 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos issued the formal declaration of martial law which led to the arrests of 11 conveners, alongside government critics and journalists, by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Constabulary.[1] The convention then re-convened and wrote a constitution in line with what President Ferdinand Marcos wanted, at least, according to many critics and victims of martial law.

Marcos issued Presidential Decree No. 86 calling for the cancellation of the plebiscite and instituted barangays' citizens' assemblies to ratify the new constitution by a plebiscite from 10–15 January 1973. Alongside the utilization of citizens' assemblies, the voting age was also reduced to 15. Voting in citizens' assemblies took place through viva voce voting, similar to parliamentary procedure, rather than the standard secret ballot that had been used up until that point.[2]

During the course of voting, military men were stationed in prominent positions to intimidate voters. And mayors were given quotas for "yes" votes, while "no" votes were occasionally not recorded. Official figures state that 90% of voters voted in favor of adopting the new constitution, although some communities did not partake in voting.[3]

On 17 January 1973, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1102 certifying and proclaiming that the 1973 Constitution had been ratified by the Filipino people and thereby was in effect.

These results were challenged during the Ratification Cases heard by the Supreme Court of the Philippine in 1973. The court upheld the results and the ratification of the 1973 Constitution.

Results

Approving the constitution
Are you in favor of adopting the proposed constitution?
Choice Votes  %
Referendum passed Yes 14,976,561 90.67
No 743,869 9.33
Valid votes 15,720,430 78.96
Invalid or blank votes 4,188,330 21.04
Total votes 19,908,760 100.00
Registered voters/turnout 22,883,632 87.00
Source: Proclamation No. 1102, s. 1973
Question #1 of the 1973 Philippine constitutional plebiscites results (excluding invalid votes)
Yes
14,976,561 (95.3%)
▲
50%

Having another plebiscite to ratify the constitution
Do you still want a plebiscite to be called to ratify the new Constitution?
Choice Votes  %
Referendum failed No 14,298,814 90.96
Yes 1,421,616 9.04
Valid votes 15,720,430 78.96
Invalid or blank votes 4,188,330 21.04
Total votes 19,908,760 100.00
Registered voters/turnout 22,883,632 87.00
Source: Proclamation No. 1102, s. 1973
Question #2 of the 1973 Philippine constitutional plebiscites results (excluding invalid votes)
No
14,298,814 (91%)
▲
50%

See also

References
  1. "Martial Law, the dark chapter in Philippine history". RAPPLER. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2021.
  2. "Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications, Postal Service Office, NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION, LEGAL AFFAIRS SECTION 1099 Manila". Philippine Political Science Journal. 17 (33–36): 259–262. December 1992. doi:10.1080/01154451.1992.9754183. ISSN 0115-4451.
  3. Wurfel, David (16 December 2002). "Vincent Boudreau. Grass Roots and Cadre in the Protest Movement. Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 2001. 242 pages". Philippine Political Science Journal. 23 (1): 175–178. doi:10.1163/2165025x-02301009. ISSN 0115-4451.
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