Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

Second Regular Session

HoUusE BILLNo._ 4958

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article V, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitutions provides that, “Suffrage may be
exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at
least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one
year and in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months immediately
preceding the election. No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement shall be
imposed on the exercise of suffrage.”

‘The right to suffrage is the essence of our democracy. As a means to increase participation
by citizens who are otherwise prevented to vote, the country has enacted absentee voting
laws. Presently, there are laws that allow absentee voting for Filipinos overseas, media
practitioners, armed forces and police force. However, these still leave another group
disenfranchised due to their physical conditions.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have a significant role to play in nation building. As such,
it is important to ensure that their voices will be heard and their votes will be counted
during elections. However, some of them may not be able to vote as they are stationed
away from their residences on election days due to disability issues and conditions.

Hence, this bill provides for means for PWDs stationed away from their residences on
election days to vote on national elections in the precincts nearest to them subject to
reasonable regulations by the Commission on Election.

In view thereof, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
4th District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

4958

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR LOCAL ABSENTEE VOTING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION. 1, Declaration of Policy. ~The state shall ensure the free exercise of the right of
suffrage by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law.

SEC. 2. Local Absentee Voting for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). - The Commission on
Elections shall extend the right to vote under the local absentee voting system provided
under existing laws and executive orders to all persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the
country who are duly registered voters and who, on election day, may not be able to vote
due to their condition. Provided, That they shall be allowed to vote only for the positions of
President, Vice President, Senators and Party-List Representative.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Commission on Elections shall, within
thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the implementing rules and
regulations which shall include a system of accreditation and verification of the PWDs who
are qualified to avail of local absentee voting.

SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The initial funding of this Act shall be charged against the current
year’s appropriations or from any available savings of the Commission on Elections.
Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. - Al laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, resolutions, rules
and regulations, other issuances, and parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in at

least two (2 newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,