NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2361
^EliaiC
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23 JUL26 A 9 31
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF EARLIER VOTING FOR QUALIFIED SENIOR 
CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. It is essential 
that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process 
and have their voices heard. In our country, senior citizens and PWD comprise a 
significant portion of the population and deserve special attention to guarantee the 
realization of their voting rights.
Senior citizens and PWD experience physical limitations or health conditions 
that can make it difficult for them to participate in the voting process alongside the 
general population on the designated election day. These challenges may include 
mobility issues, visual impairments, or other conditions that require additional 
attention or accommodations.
By providing an opportunity for senior citizens and PWD to vote on a separate 
day prior to the national election, we can ensure that these individuals are given the 
necessary time and support to exercise their voting rights. This approach will enable 
election officials to focus specifically on their needs, offering a more accessible and 
inclusive voting experience for this vulnerable demographic.


Moreover, allowing early voting for senior citizens and PWD is not only safe but 
also practical. Separate voting days will alleviate overcrowding at polling stations on 
the national election day, reducing the potential for long queues and wait times. This 
arrangement will also help mitigate the risk of exposure to contagious diseases, as 
senior citizens and PWD would be able vote in a less crowded environment, where 
health and safety measures can be implemented more effectively.
It is crucial to emphasize that the proposed early voting for voters in need of 
assistance does not intend to undermine the integrity or legitimacy of the electoral 
process. On the contrary, it seeks to enhance the democratic process by ensuring the 
full participation of all citizens, regardless of their age or physical abilities. By 
accommodating their particular needs, we demonstrate our commitment to promoting 
inclusivity, accessibility, and equality within our electoral system.
The proposed measure seeks to fulfill the aforementioned Constitutional 
mandate by allowing senior citizens and PWD to avoid the cumbersome and rigorous 
electoral process in the regular election day by allowing them to vote seven (7) days 
before the scheduled election day.
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.
L "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 2361
S)fuaif
of ti}? £; etariJ
23 JUL26 A 9 31
RliCEIVfcO 8Y:
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
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AN ACT
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PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF EARLIER VOTING FOR QUALIFIED SENIOR
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CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES,
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APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
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to make voting convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) by
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giving them the option to vote earlier than the date set for the election.
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SEC. 2. Early Voting. - For national and local elections, there shall be early
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voting where qualified senior citizens and PWDs may choose to cast their ballot at
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accessible establishments designated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
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within seven (7) working days before the date set for the elections.
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SEC. 3. Registration. - There shall be a nationwide registration for senior
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citizens and PWDs to qualify them to avail of this early voting privilege. Those who
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are not registered under this Act shall vote on Election Day.
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SEC. 4. Obligations of the COMELEC. - To ensure the effective implementation
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of this Act, the COMELEC shall:
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1. Keep a record of senior citizens and PWDs who are registered voters;


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2. Design a registration system, in coordination with local government 
units, the National Commission for Senior Citizens, the National Council 
on Disability Affairs, the Commission on Human Rights, the Department 
of Health and the Department of Interior and Local Government, that 
allows senior citizens and PWDs to register and opt for early voting;
3. Ensure that polling places are safe and accessible to senior citizens and 
PWDs, and properly fitted with the necessary communication, visual and 
physical aids, as mandated under Republic Act No. 10366 entitled. An 
Act Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts 
Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with 
Disabilities and Senior Citizens"; and
4. Mount an intensive information campaign on early voting for qualified 
senior citizens and PWDs.
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SEC 5. Appropriations. - The initial amount for the implementation of this Act
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shall be charged against the current year's appropriations of the COMELEC.
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Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General
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Appropriations Act.
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SEC. 6. Appiicabiiity of Other Lav/s. - The provisions of Batas Pambansa
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Big. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code; Republic Act No. 7166, entitled, "An Act
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Providing for Synchronized National and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms,
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Authorizing Appropriations Therefor, and for Other Purposes"; and other election laws
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not inconsistent herewith shall be applied to facilitate early voting for qualified senior
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citizens and PWDs.
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SEC. 7. Impiementing Ruies andReguiations. - Within ninety (90) days from
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its effectivity, the Commission shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the
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implementation of this Act.
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SEC. 8. Separabiiity Cause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this
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Act, or any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision, or portion, is
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declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the application of
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such section, provision, or portion thereof shall not be affected by such declaration.


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SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of instructions, resolutions,
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orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the
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provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified accordingly, or amended
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accordingly.
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SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from
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its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of
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general circulation.
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Approved,