Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT MANDATING COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINED VOTER EDUCATION 
PROGRAMS TO FOSTER AN INFORMED, PARTICIPATIVE, AND ACCOUNTABLE 
ELECTORATE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The right to suffrage is one of the most fundamental guarantees of our democratic system. 
Yet, the persistent challenges of voter apathy, misinformation, and the proliferation of 
election-related malpractices undermine the integrity of our electoral processes and erode public 
trust in democratic institutions. 
While the Constitution upholds the sanctity of the ballot, the reality is that many voters, 
especially those in disadvantaged and marginalized communities, lack access to accurate, 
comprehensive, and politically neutral information about the electoral system, the mechanics of 
voting, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens. This lack of knowledge leaves voters 
vulnerable to undue influence, vote-buying, disinformation campaigns, and other unethical 
practices that weaken our democracy. 
Existing voter education efforts by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and 
various civil society groups are often constrained by limited funding, inconsistent 
implementation, and insufficient reach, particularly in far-flung communities and among sectors 
such as the youth, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and linguistic 
minorities. 
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This proposed measure seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive and sustained voter 
education program that empowers every Filipino to make informed choices at the polls. By 
mandating the COMELEC, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and accredited civil society organizations, to develop 
and deliver continuous voter and civic education, this bill aims to foster a culture of democratic 
participation and accountability. 
This measure also recognizes that educating our people about how to vote is not enough. 
True voter empowerment requires a deeper understanding of the principles of democracy, the 
powers and duties of elected officials, the value of good governance, and every citizen’s role in 
nation-building. Hence, this bill includes civic education modules integrated into the formal 
school curriculum and community-based outreach, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all 
sectors. 
By strengthening voter education, we build an informed, vigilant, and participative 
electorate — the cornerstone of a healthy and resilient democracy. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT MANDATING COMPREHENSIVE AND SUSTAINED VOTER EDUCATION 
PROGRAMS TO FOSTER AN INFORMED, PARTICIPATIVE, AND ACCOUNTABLE 
ELECTORATE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Voter’s Education Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – The State recognizes that an informed, educated, and 
engaged citizenry is fundamental to a vibrant and functioning democracy. It is hereby declared 
the policy of the State to promote active and meaningful participation in electoral processes by 
ensuring that all eligible citizens have access to comprehensive, accurate, and politically neutral 
information concerning their rights and responsibilities as voters, the electoral system, the offices 
to be filled, and the importance of their vote in shaping national development. This Act aims to 
combat misinformation, voter apathy, and election-related malpractices through sustained 
educational initiatives. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
(a) Voter Education refers to the dissemination of information, materials, and programs designed
to inform voters about the specifics and mechanics of the voting process, including eligibility,
registration, checking voter lists, types of elections, polling dates and locations, how to cast
ballots, and how to file complaints.
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(b) Civic Education refers to education that provides citizens with a broader understanding of the 
system of government, the nature and powers of elected offices, the principal economic, social, 
and political issues facing the nation, the value of democracy, and the equal rights of all citizens. 
(c) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) refers to the independent constitutional body 
mandated to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections. 
(d) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) refer to non-governmental organizations, people’s 
organizations, academic institutions, and other non-profit entities engaged in activities that 
promote good governance, democracy, and citizen participation. 
(e) Disadvantaged Groups refer to sectors of society including, but not limited to, women, 
indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, internally displaced persons, 
cultural and linguistic minorities, and out-of-school youth. 
SECTION 4. Mandate for Comprehensive Voter Education. 
(a) The COMELEC, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and accredited Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), 
shall develop and implement a comprehensive and continuous voter education program.​
(b) This program shall commence at least one (1) year prior to any national or local election and 
shall continue throughout the electoral process, including post-election evaluations.​
(c) The voter education program shall be politically neutral, objective, and culturally sensitive, 
ensuring accessibility to all segments of the electorate, particularly disadvantaged groups. 
SECTION 5. Scope of Voter Education. – The voter education program shall include, but 
not be limited to, the following: 
(a) Electoral Mechanics: 
1.​ Voter registration procedures, requirements, and deadlines.​
 
2.​ How to verify voter registration status and update information.​
 
3.​ The proper casting of ballots, including instructions on automated election systems, if 
applicable.​
 
4.​ Understanding official ballots and how to avoid spoiled or invalid votes.​
 
5.​ The role of poll watchers and election officials.​
 


6.​ Procedures for addressing complaints and electoral grievances.​
 
(b) Rights and Responsibilities of Voters: 
1.​ The right to suffrage and its importance in a democratic society.​
 
2.​ The sanctity and secrecy of the ballot.​
 
3.​ The prohibition against vote-buying and vote-selling, and other election offenses.​
 
4.​ The importance of independent and informed decision-making, free from coercion or 
undue influence.​
 
5.​ The right to access electoral information and participate in public discourse on elections.​
 
(c) Information on Elected Offices: 
1.​ The functions, duties, and powers of elective positions at national and local levels.​
 
2.​ The separation of powers among different branches of government.​
 
(d) Civic Education Integration: 
1.​ Basic principles of democracy, good governance, and accountability.​
 
2.​ The importance of peace and national unity during elections.​
 
3.​ Gender equality and the active participation of women in the electoral process.​
 
4.​ Encouraging youth participation and understanding of their role in nation-building.​
 
SECTION 6. Modalities of Voter Education. – The COMELEC shall employ diverse and 
innovative modalities for voter education, including but not limited to: 
(a) Integration into the Curriculum: DepEd and CHED shall integrate relevant voter and civic 
education modules into the K-12 basic education curriculum and higher education programs, 
focusing on age-appropriate content and practical application. 


(b) 
Public 
Information 
Campaigns: 
Utilizing 
mass 
media, digital platforms, and 
community-based initiatives such as forums, workshops, and town halls. 
(c) Partnerships with CSOs: Accrediting and supporting CSOs with a proven track record in 
voter and civic education, especially those reaching disadvantaged groups, to implement 
grassroots-level programs. 
(d) Targeted Programs: Developing specific voter education materials and outreach for 
disadvantaged groups, considering unique needs, languages, and cultural contexts, including 
formats accessible to illiterates and persons with disabilities. 
(e) Election Day Information: Providing clear information at polling precincts, including posters, 
guides, and assistance from trained poll workers. 
(f) Candidate Debates and Forums: Organizing and facilitating non-partisan debates and forums 
for candidates at various levels, ensuring wide public access. 
SECTION 7. Accreditation and Monitoring of CSOs. 
(a) The COMELEC shall establish a clear and transparent accreditation process for CSOs 
wishing to participate in voter education programs.​
(b) Accredited CSOs shall adhere to strict guidelines on political neutrality, accuracy of 
information, and ethical conduct.​
(c) The COMELEC shall regularly monitor and evaluate the voter education activities of 
accredited CSOs to ensure compliance with this Act. 
SECTION 8. Training of Electoral Stakeholders. – The COMELEC, in coordination with 
relevant agencies and CSOs, shall conduct regular training programs for: 
(a) Election officers and poll workers, on effective voter assistance and education at polling 
precincts;​
(b) Teachers and educators, on proper delivery of voter and civic education modules in schools;​
(c) Media practitioners, on responsible and accurate reporting of election-related information. 
SECTION 9. Funding. – The initial funding for the implementation of this Act shall be 
charged against the current appropriations of the COMELEC, DepEd, and CHED. Thereafter, 
such sums as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. Local Government Units (LGUs) shall also allocate funds from 
their annual budgets to support local voter education initiatives in coordination with COMELEC 
and accredited CSOs. 
SECTION 10. Penalties. – Any public officer or employee who willfully violates any 
provision of this Act or conspires with others to commit such violation shall suffer the penalty of 


imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than six (6) years and shall be 
perpetually disqualified from holding public office. 
SECTION 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the COMELEC, in consultation with DepEd, CHED, and relevant CSOs, 
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 12. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the other provisions 
hereof. 
SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
proclamations, rules, and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 14. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
 
 
 
 
 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List