| Legal Framework |
|---|
| Electoral Law | 22 July 1985 Last amendment: 23/02/1995 |
| Mode of designation | directly elected 297 |
| Constituencies | - 238 single-member constituencies for majority vote - one nationwide constituency for proportional representation vote |
| Voting system | Mixed: Each elector casts two votes: one for a candidate and the other for a party. - 238 seats filled by single member plurality systems ("first past the post") - 59 seats filled by party lists nominees proposed by indigenous, but non religious, minority groups. Parties must pass a 2
vote threshold to gain parliamentary representation. A maximum of three seats is awarded to each party. Vacancies arising between general elections are filled through by elections. Voting is not compulsory.
|
| Voter requirements | - age: 18 years - Philippine citizenship - residence in the country for at least one year and in home constituency for at least six months immediately preceding election day - disqualifications: insanity, adjudged incompetence, conviction for crime involving disloyalty to government or against national security |
| Candidates |
|---|
| Eligibility | Qualified electors - age: 25 years - Philippine citizenship by birth - literacy - residence in district for at least one year immediately preceding the poll - ineligibility: bribery of voters or election officials, terrorist action, exceeding campaign expenses ceiling, prohibited financial dealings |
| Incompatibilities | - any other office or employment in the Government, or any subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations or their subsidiaries - legal counsel (in courts, electoral tribunals or quasi-judicial and other administrative bodies) - government contractor |
| Candidacy requirements | - candidatures by parties or independents, must be submitted at least 45 days before polling to the provincial election supervisor concerned - under the party-list system, each party must submit a list of at least five nominees |