FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

1052

House Bill No.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Since its enactment, Batas Pambansa Big. 881, otherwise known as the
Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, has undergone several amendments
and revisions.

Despite the best efforts by the past Congress to keep this law at pace
with modem electoral practices, there are still a number of provisions that need
to be modified accordingly so as to make the fundamental election law of the
land respond to the radical challenges and demands of modern times.

This proposed measure specifically seeks to amend Section 10 of the
said statute, along with the inclusion of several subparagraphs in order to
methodically specify and identify concerned agencies responsible in providing
the funding required for the conduct of various electoral exercises in our
country.

With the passage of this proposed bill, it is expected that the processing
and releasing of the necessary funds incidental to defraying the cost of
elections be easily facilitated, thereby, ensuring the conduct of a speedy and
efficient electoral exercise

In view of this, immediate passage of this proposed legislation is, thus,
earnestly sought.

RUBUS B. RODRIGUEZ

MAXIMO B. ee JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES _—)
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

1052

House Bill No..

AN ACT
AMENDING SECTION 10 OF BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 881, OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES, AS
AMENDED, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 10 of Batas Pambansa Big. 881, otherwise known
as the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, as amended, is hereby
amended to read as follows

“SEC. 10. Election Expenses. - (A) [Except in
barangay elections] such expenses as may be necessary
and reasonable in connection with the HOLDING OF
elections, referenda, plebiscites, RECALL and other similar
ELECTORAL exercises shall be paid by the Commission,
EXCEPT WHEN OTHERWISE PROVIDED UNDER THIS.
ACT. The Commission may direct that in the CASE OF
provinces, cities or municipalities, the election expenses
chargeable to the Commission be advanced by the
province, city or municipality concerned subject to
teimbursement by the Commission upon presentation of
the proper bill.

(B) ALL BALLOT BOXES, ELECTION FORMS,
SUPPLIES AND PARAPHERNALIA SHALL BE
PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSION AND DISTRIBUTED
TO THE PROVINCIAL AND CITY TREASURERS AT THE
EXPENSE OF THE COMMISSION.

THE PROVINCIAL TREASURER SHALL, AT THE
EXPENSE OF THE PROVINCE, PROVIDE THE
NECESSARY FACILITIES FOR THEIR DELIVERY TO


THE MUNICIPALITIES WITHIN THE PROVINCE. THE
CITY AND MUNICIPAL TREASURERS SHALL, AT THE
EXPENSE OF THE CITY OR MUNICIPALITY, PROVIDE
THE NECESSARY TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR THE
BOARDS OF ELECTION INSPECTORS AND THEIR
BALLOT BOXES, ELECTION FORMS, SUPPLIES AND
PARAPHERNALIA TO AND FROM THEIR ASSIGNED
POLLING PLACES.

(C) LIGHTING FACILITIES IN THE POLLING
PLACES AND IN PLACES WHERE THE COUNTING OF
VOTES OR THE CANVASSING OF ELECTION
RETURNS ARE CONDUCTED SHALL BE PROVIDED BY
THE MUNICIPALITY, CITY OR PROVINCE CONCERNED
AT ITS EXPENSE.

(0) OVERTIME SERVICES RENDERED IN
CONNECTION WITH THE ELECTIONS SHALL BE PAID
BY THE RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AT
THE SAME RATE AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONNEL OF
THE COMMISSION.

(E) POLL REQUIREMENTS OF THE MILITARY
AND POLICE CONTINGENTS ASSIGNED TO ELECTION
DUTIES SHALL BE PROVIDED BY THE ARMED
FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL POLICE, RESPECTIVELY.

(F) GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CONCERNED
SHALL INCLUDE IN THEIR ANNUAL OR SPECIAL
APPROPRIATIONS THE AMOUNT NECESSARY TO
COVER THEIR RESPECTIVE EXPENSES FOR THE
NEXT SUCCEEDING ELECTION.

(G) IN CASE A MUNICIPALITY CANNOT AFFORD.
TO PROVIDE AT ITS EXPENSE THE FACILITIES
MENTIONED ABOVE, THE EXPENSES RELATIVE
THERETO SHALL BE ADVANCED BY THE PROVINCE
AND SAID MUNICIPALITY SHALL REIMBURSE THE
SAME UPON REPRESENTATION OF THE PROPER
BILL AND AS SOON AS IT IS FINANCIALLY IN A
POSITION TO DO SO.

(H) ANY CLAIM FOR ANY EXPENDITURE
INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE ELECTION
AND PAYABLE BY THE COMMISSION MUST BE MADE
WITHIN SIX (6) MONTHS; AFTER THE LAPSE OF THE
SAID PERIOD, SAID CLAIM SHALL. BE DEEMED TO
HAVE BEEN WAIVED AND ANY ACTION FOR THE


COLLECTION THEREOF SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE
BEEN PRESCRIBED.

(I) Funds needed by the Commission [to defray the
expenses] for the holding of {regular and special] elections,
referenda, plebiscites, RECALL AND OTHER SIMILAR
ELECTORAL EXERCISES shall be provided in the regular
appropriations of the Commission which, upon request,
shall immediately be released to the Commission. In case
of deficiency, the amount so provided shall be augmented
from the [special activities] CONTINGENT fund[s] in the
General Appropriations Act and from those specifically
appropriated for the purpose in special laws.”

SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees,
issuances, orders, rules and regulations or any part thereof inconsistent
herewith are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after
fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official
Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,