FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
617 
Senate Bill N o. ~::..::::-=--
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
All citizens of the Philippines not othewise disqualified by law may 
exercise the right of suffrage. Thus, in a similar view, the constitution mandates 
Congress to design a procedure for the disabled and the elderly to enable them 
to exercise their right to vote. 
Moreover, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons also provides that, 
"polling places should be made accessible to disabled persons during national or 
local elections." 
As defined by the Omnibus Election Code, a polling place is the building 
or place'where the Board of Election Inspectors conducts the proceedings and 
where the voters cast their votes. 
However, despite the presence of these laws, the accessibility of the 
polling place especially for those registered voters who have physical or sensory 
limitations, has been found to be wanting. 
Thus, the proposed bill seeks to provide for a special polling place for the 
disabled and the elderly. 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
61 7 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR A SPECIAL POLLING PLACE FOR THE DISABLED 
AND THE ELDERLY 
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 Special 
Polling Place Act of 2010. " 
SEC. 2. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following shall 
mean: 
(a) A special polling place refers to the place where the Board of Election 
Inspectors conducts election-related proceedings such as registration, voting and 
the like, that is easily accessible to the disabled and the elderly; 
(b) A barrier-free environment refers to an area where the special polling 
place within a voting center is located, having been such architectural or 
structural features which reasonably enhance the mobility of the disabled and the 
elderly such as sidewalks, ramps, railings, and the like or is easily accessible to 
wheelchairs: 
(c) Voting centers refer to the building or place; 
(d) Disabled refers to those persons with physical, physiological or 
sensory impairment, or those persons suffering from restrictions of different 
abilities, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered 
normal, to a human being and at the same time, possess the qualifications and 
non of the disqualifications of a voter; and 
(e) Elderly refers to senior citizens who have physical limitations due to 
age or sickness and at the same time possess the qualifications and none of the 
disqualifications of a voter. 
SEC. 3. Special Polling Places for the Disabled and the Elderly. - The 
Commission on Elections (Comelec), in coordination with local government units, 
concerned government 'agencies and other concerned groups or organizations, 
shall conduct a study on the disabled and the elderly in a locality to get data on 
their number, distribution, the extent of their limitations which may restrict their 
ability to participate in election-related activities, and the other relevant 


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information afterwards. The Comelec shall provide for special polling places for 
the disabled and the elderly; Provided, That the number and location of the 
polling places shall be determined by the outcome of the study; Provided further, 
That the designation of special polling places shall not compromise nor alter the 
principle of require a special polling place, it shall make a separate list containing 
the name, address, a brief description of the disability or physical limitation, the 
precinct and the city or municipality where he/she belongs, and if already 
available, the voter's identification number. The list shall be posted one (1) month 
before any election-related activity, in two (2) conspicuous places in the city or 
municipal hall for one (1) week and shall be regularly updated. Those included in 
the list shall only be allowed to use his/her designated special polling place while 
others who are not in the list shall not be allowed to use the same; Provided 
finally, That the special polling places shall be located in a barrier-free 
environment easily available to the disabled and the elderly. 
SEC. 4. Information and Education Campaign. - Comelec shall conduct 
an information and education campaign for the effective implementation of this 
Act. 
SEC. 5. Rules and Regulations. -The Comelec shall issue the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
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SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any proVisions or part hereof is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder for the Act or the provision not 
otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative rule or regulation contrary to 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or 
amended accordingly. 
Approved,