Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10629 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero  
    EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution mandates the state to support a trustworthy and 
independent elections institution that is an enabling partner of government in 
ensuring a better life for every Filipino through appropriate technology and 
research, with adequate financial, and other support services. 
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is the principal government agency 
tasked by the Constitution to enforce and administer all laws and regulations 
concerning the conduct of regular and special elections. It is a body that is 
designed to be constitutionally independent from the executive, legislative and 
judicial branches of government to ensure the conduct of free, fair and honest 
elections. As an added measure, the constitution also grants fiscal autonomy to 
enable the COMELEC to operate effectively, efficiently and free from political 
interference. The constitution mandates that "funds certified by the Commission 
as necessary to defray the expenses for holding regular and special elections, 
plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recalls, will be provided in the regular or 
special appropriations and, once approved, will be released automatically upon 
certification by the Chairman of the Commission 
Change, it seems, is the inescapable destiny of the Commission. But as 
history proves, whatever the nature of change brought about by national political 
events, the Commission manages to make it for the better. 
This House Bill seeks to ensure, and help improve government operations, in 
partnership with stakeholders, for the benefit of the Filipino people. 
July 22, 2024
8:00 am


This House Bill seeks to provide modernization to the COMELEC, to promote 
and hasten the imposition and implement laws, policies, plans, programs, 
projects, rules and regulations of the COMELEC; and to provide efficient services 
to the Filipino people. 
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.  
MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D.    


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10629 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero  
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE COMMISSION 
ON ELECTIONS (COMELEC), TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE ICT 
MECHANISMS AND PROJECTS, TO FOSTER AND ACCELERATE 
THE CONVERGENCE OF ICT ENABLED FACILITIES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
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 
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) modernization Act of 2024. 
SECTION 
2. 
DECLARATION OF POLICY — It is a declared policy of 
the state in conformity with the mandate of the Constitution, to promote a 
trustworthy, respected and independent election institution that is an 
enabling partner of government in ensuring a better life for every Filipino. 
For these purposes, the state shall provide the mechanisms to improve 
ICT facilities and programs by maximizing the use of all existing resources. 


recognizing in the process the government’s responsibility to instill these 
government convergence as having priority over its other functions. 
It is imperative that the state prioritize and provide the appropriate tools, means 
and funding in order for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to perform 
its noble mandates. 
SECTION 3.  
JUDICIAL/REGULATORY/ADMINISTRATIVE 
MANDATES - In addition to its primary task of election administration, the 
COMELEC also performs judicial, regulatory and administrative functions.  
Its judicial mandate consists of taking exclusive original jurisdiction over all 
contests relating to the elections, returns, and qualifications of all elective 
regional, provincial, and city officials, and appellate jurisdiction over all contests 
involving elective municipal officials decided by trial courts of general 
jurisdiction, or involving elective barangay officials decided by trial courts of 
limited jurisdiction.  
Exception issues involving the right to vote, it has regulatory and administrative 
authority to decide on all questions affecting elections, including determination 
of the number and location of polling places, appointment of election officials 
and inspectors, and registration of voters. 
SECTION 4.  
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS: 
I. Policy and Planning 
(1) Formulate, recommend and implement national election 
policies, plans, programs and guidelines that will promote the 
development and use of modern mechanisms with due 
consideration to the advantages of convergence and emerging 
technologies; 
(2) Formulate election schemes and initiatives, in coordination 
with all the other Department of the Executive, to develop and 


promote modern election mechanisms consistent with the 
national goals and objectives, and responsive to the ever 
growing number of voters; 
(3) Provide an integrated framework in order to optimize all 
resources 
and 
networks 
for 
the 
identification 
and 
prioritization of all offices, systems and applications as 
provided for by the states Master plan and the Philippine 
Development Plan; 
II. Improved Access 
(4) Prescribe rules and regulations for the establishment, 
operation and maintenance of election infrastructures in the 
unserved and underserved areas, in consultation with the 
local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations 
(CSOs), private sector, and the academe; 
(5) Establish internet services in all its offices, using the most 
cost-effective 
telecommunications 
technology, 
through 
partnership with private service providers as may be 
necessary; 
III. Resource-Sharing and Capacity-Building 
(6) Harmonize and coordinate all national election plans and 
initiatives to ensure knowledge, information and resource-
sharing, database-building and agency networking linkages 
among government agencies, consistent with the Government 
objectives in particular, and national objectives in general; 
(7) Ensure the development and protection of integrated 
government election infrastructures and designs, taking into 
consideration the inventory of existing manpower, plans, 
programs, software, hardware, and installed systems; 
(8) Promote and provide technical expertise to all its offices in 
the development of guidelines in the enforcement and 
administration of laws, standards, rules, and regulations 
governing it; 


(9) Assess, review and support research and development 
programs of the government in coordination with all the other 
institutions concerned; 
(10) Prescribe the personnel qualifications and other 
qualification standards essential to the effective development 
and operation of election infrastructures and systems; 
(11) Develop programs that would enhance the career 
advancement opportunities of all Comelec workers; 
(12) Assist in the dissemination of all vital information 
essential to its operations and organization; 
(13) Represent and negotiate for national interest on matters 
pertaining to elections in international bodies, and other 
institutions concerned; 
IV. Voter Protection and Industry Development 
(14) Ensure and protect the rights and welfare of its officers, 
employees 
and 
personnel 
to 
privacy, 
security 
and 
confidentiality in matters relating to election concerns, in 
coordination with all other agencies concerned, the private 
sector and relevant international bodies; 
 
SECTION 5. 
RECOMMENDATORY POWERS: 
The Commission has the power to propose to Congress measures to minimize 
election spending, including limitation of places where propaganda materials will 
be posted, and to prevent and penalize all forms of election frauds, offenses, 
malpractices, and nuisance candidacies. Likewise, it can recommend to the 
President the removal of any officer or employee it has deputized, or the 
imposition of any other disciplinary action, for violation or disregard of, or 
disobedience to, its directive, order, or decision. On its own, or upon verified 
complaint, the COMELEC can file petitions in court for inclusion or exclusion of 


voters and investigate/prosecute cases of violations of election laws, including 
acts or omissions constituting election frauds, offenses, and malpractices. 
SECTION 6.  
AUTHORITY - No law shall be passed exempting any 
entity of the Government or its subsidiary in any guise whatever, or any 
investment of public funds, from the jurisdiction of the COMELEC. 
 
SECTION 7. 
MEMBERSHIP - The COMELEC consists of one 
Chairman and 6 commissioners, all of whom have a 7-year term without 
reappointment. In all matters pertaining to election administration and 
policymaking, the commissioners act as a collegial body. In election cases and 
pre-proclamation controversies, however, the Commission sits in two divisions 
initially, but decides en banc on motion to reconsider a division decision. 
SECTION 8. 
OFFICES AND DEPARTMENTS - Assisting the 
Chairman in managing the day-to-day affairs and operations of the 
COMELEC is the Executive Director.  
As the highest-ranking career official, he implements the policies and 
decisions of the Commission, takes charge of the administrative affairs and 
serves as the communication and operational link between the staff and 
Commissioners. He is assisted by a Deputy Executive Director for 
Administration (DEDA) and a Deputy Executive Director for Operations 
(DEDO). 
SECTION 
9. 
MODERNIZATION FUNDING. – The amount of Two 
Billion Pesos (Php 2, 000,000,000.00) for the operation and administration of 
the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall be chargeable against funds 
for the purpose and other sources recommended by the Department of 
Budget and Management (DBM).  


Thereafter, appropriations for the (COMELEC), shall be included in the 
budget proposals under the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) 
 
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall rationalize the 
existing organizational structure and staffing pattern of the (COMELEC) in 
accordance with the prevailing provisions and relevant compensation and 
position classification laws, rules and regulations. 
Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of the 
modernization program shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act (GAA). 
SECTION 
10. 
Commission 
on 
Elections 
(COMELEC) 
MODERNIZATION 
FUND – 
There 
is 
hereby 
created 
the 
(Comelec) 
Modernization Fund to be used exclusively for the (Comelec) Modernization 
Program. 
The (COMELEC) Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Chairman 
accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules 
and regulations. 
SECTION 11. 
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION - The constitutional 
amendment creating the Commission was finally approved on December 2, 1940. 
On June 21, 1941, the Commonwealth Act No. 657 was enacted reorganizing the 
Commission as a constitutional body.  
The members of the statutory Commission continued as member of the 
constitutional Commission. The subordinate personnel, records, documents, 
and property together with its unexpected balance in the appropriation were 
likewise 
transferred 
to 
the 
newly 
organized 
Commission. 
The Chairman and Members of the Commission had a term of nine years each - 


a member being replaced every three years- except those first appointed who 
were given nine, six and three-years terms, respectively. 
The 1973 Constitution enlarged the membership of the Commission from three 
to nine but reduced their term of office from nine to seven years. 
SECTION 
12. 
PROGRESS 
REPORT 
– The 
Chairman 
of 
the 
(COMELEC) shall prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation 
of the Modernization Programs which shall be submitted, to the Office of the 
President. 
SECTION 
13. 
INCREASE OF PERSONNEL. – The (COMELEC) shall 
maintain a sufficient staffing pattern.  
Hence, it is authorized to increase its manpower to meet such required 
and may continue to increase personnel per percentage rate increase of 
committed mandates annually or as the need arises. 
SECTION 
14. 
PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION – The modernization 
program under this Act shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) 
years:  
Provided, that payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred 
under this Act may extend beyond this period:  
Provided, further, That the (COMELEC) shall continue to develop, modernize 
and constantly update its operational capabilities to keep pace with best global 
practices. 
SECTION 
15. 
SUPERVISING AND ASSESSMENT CONCERNS. — the 
Office of the President and DBM shall provide the necessary technical and 
financial assistance to ensure effective operations and build-up. 


SECTION 
16. 
TRANSPARENCY - It is the duty of every citizen to 
preserve and conserve government transparency and all its resources. The 
retrieval and conservation of government transparency and its resources shall 
be vigorously pursued. 
SECTION 
17. 
TRANSITORY 
PROVISION – 
Existing 
industries, 
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given 
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other 
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act. 
SECTION 18. 
PERIODIC REPORTS - The Chairperson of the 
(COMELEC) shall submit periodic reports on its findings and make 
recommendations on actions to be taken by the Office of the President and 
other appropriate departments, in order to carry out the objectives and 
mandates of this Act. 
SECTION 
19. 
AUTOMATIC REVIEW - Every three (3) years after the 
effectivity of this Act, an independent review panel composed of experts to be 
appointed by the President of the Republic shall review the policies and 
implementation 
in 
the 
modernization 
program 
and 
shall 
make 
recommendations, based on its findings. 
SECTION 
20. 
PENAL CLAUSE. – Any person, whether natural or 
juridical, violating any section of this Act shall, upon conviction, therefore, be 
liable to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or 
imprisonment for a term not less than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of 
the court for each and every violation.  
In case the violation is committed by a corporation or an association, the 
penalty shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other officer 
responsible for such violation. 


SECTION 
21. 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. – The 
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act 
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the 
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 
22. 
REPEALING CLAUSE. – All laws, decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 
23. 
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If, for any reason, any 
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other 
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. 
SECTION 
24. 
EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. – This Act shall take effect 
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two 
(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier. 
 
Approved,