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Republic of the Philippines We i,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES joc
Quezon City : pi 7

NINETEENTH CONGRESS.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1202

epresentative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to reorganize, reclassify and upgrade the plantilla
positions of the Commission on Elections.

Introduced by R

The Congress shall give the highest priority to the enactment of
measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human
dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities (Section1,
Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution). While the Commission on Elections
(Comelec) is constitutionally created body under Section 1, Article IX (A) of
the 1987 Constitution, it is not exempt from the application of legislative
measures that will enhance the economic advancement of its employees.

Since its creation as an independent constitutional body, the
Comelec has been at the forefront of every election in the country. In the
course of the performance of their duties, most of its underpaid employees
especially those classified as rank and file, have always been at the
crossroads of opposing candidatcs and political parties. Yet, they remain
steadfast and unperturbed in delivering honest, orderly, and peaceful
elections. For many years, no reorganization has yet been made on
Comelec structure thus leaving the staffing pattern, salaries, emoluments,
and other benefits of Comelec employees in limbo and uncertain as to
when reorganization for purposes of increasing the benefits of employees
shall be made.

It is high time to look into the predicament of Comelec officials and
employees. Resounding clamors for reorganization hounded the wall of the
Comelec for many years. Disparities in salary schedules and benefits
between employees of the Comelec and employees of other government
agencies of similar qualifications or equivalent positions are manifest.
Comelec employees have always been on the lower end. It is but just right


and opportune to pass this measure to compensate the sacrifices and
hardwork of Comelec employees in election processes all year round.

Indubitably, the passage of this bill will not only protect Comelec
officials and employees from social and economic inequalities, it will, first
and foremost, galvanize Comelec employees’ dedication and strength in
the performance of their duty as the last bastion of freedom in electoral
processes and reforms.

Hence, this earnest request for the immediate passage of this bill.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS

1202

HOUSE BILL NO. ©

Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS

AN ACT
REORGARNIZING THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION ON
ELECTIONS

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
COMELEC Reorganization Act of 2019.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. —- In accordance with the equal
protection clause of the Constitution, it is the State’s responsibility
to provide adequate and appropriate remuneration to employees
with the ultimate goal of achieving equal pay for equal work in

government service.

Section 3. Field Offices. - The Commission shall have the

following field offices:

(1) Regional Election Offices, headed by the Regional Election

Director and assisted by the Assistant Regional Election
Director, Regional Election Attorney with the Rank of Attorney
V, Human Resource Management Officer, Budget Officer,
Finance Officer, Assistant Election Specialist, Stenographic

reporter III, Process Server, Watchman Officer, Administrative


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(2)

(3)

(4)

(S)

Aide, ORED Driver and any such other subordinate officers or
employees necessary in the exigency of service for the said

office.

Provincial Election Office, headed by the Provincial Election
Director similar to the rank of Director II regardless of the
number of registered voters, Computer Maintenance
Technologist/Specialist (CMT/CMS) with SG 24, Assistant
Election Specialist, Administrative Aide, OPES Driver and any
such other subordinate officers or employees necessary in the

exigency of service for the said office.

The National Capital Region shall be divided into five (5)
administrative districts, such as North, South, East, Central
and Manila District, or such number of administrative districts
as may be determined by the Commission. It shall be headed
and administratively supervised by a District Election Director
with the rank of Director II, Computer Maintenance
Technologist/Specialist (CMT/CMS) with $a-24,
Administrative Assistant V, Administrative Aide, Driver and
any such other subordinate officers or employees necessary in

the exigency of service for the said office.

City/Municipal Office, headed by City/Municipal Election
Specialist with the rank of Director I regardless of his or her
place of assignment.

There shall be a minimum of two Assistant Election Specialist
{AES) with SG-21 in every city or municipality provided that for
every additional 20,000 voters from 50,000 voters, additional
AES shall be automatically appointed.


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The Commission may delegate its powers and functions or order
the implementation or enforcement of its orders, rulings, or

decisions throught the heads of field offices.

Section 4. Reclassification and Upgrading of Plantilla Positions
in the COMELEC Main and field Offices. - All the remaining rank
and file plantilla positions in the COMELEC main and field offices
shall be reclassified and their salaries upgraded accordingly by the

Commission on Elections

In no case shall diminution of salaries and benefits be caused

to any employee.

Section 5. Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days after
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Budget and
Management and the Commission on Elections shall promulgate
the rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of
this Act.

Section 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current
fiscal year’s appropriations under the budget of the COMELEC.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General

Appropriations Act.

Section 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is
held unconstitutional, all other provisions not affected thereby

shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders,

presidential decrees, presidential proclamations, rules and


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regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or one (1) newspaper of

general circulation.

Approved,