Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. J2€°~

Introduced by: REP. JULIET MARIE DE LEON FERRER

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This measure seeks to grant authority to the Commission on Elections to
establish precincts assigned and polling places exclusively for persons with
disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that “the State shall
adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health and shall endeavor to
make essential good, health and other social services available to all people.” It
further provides that “there shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged
sick, elderly disables, women and children. Section 1 of Article V of the Constitution,
on the other hand, guarantees the right to suffrage to all citizens of the Philippines
not otherwise disqualified by law.

Consistent with these constitutional policies, it becomes imperative that the
special needs of the PWDs and senior citizens in the exercise of their right to suffrage
be given primary attention and consideration. It behooves upon the State to improve
their voting experience and to make the procedure conducive to their needs. Various
efforts have been initiated to address these. In the Eighteenth Congress, House Bill
6470, principally authored by my colleague, Representative Stella Luz A. Quimbo,
co-authored by this representation, was filed, It was approved on third reading. For
lack of material time, however, it was not enacted into a law.


Since then up to present, policies for expedited, streamlined and convenient
voting process to cater to the special needs of PWDs and senior citizens are yet to be
devised by the Commission on Elections. It is not sufficient that we afford these
vulnerable members of our society their right to vote. Equally important is the duty
to further develop voting processes and procedures that are responsive to their

needs,

It is for these reasons that I seek the approval of this bill.

JULIET DE LEON FERRER


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 126

Introduced by Hon. Juliet Marie de Leon Ferrer

AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10366, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS TO
DESIGNATE PRECINCTS ASSIGNED TO ACCESSIBLE POLLING PLACES
EXCLUSIVELY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS

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

SECTION 1. Section 2(j) of Republic Act No. 10366 is hereby amended to read
as follows:
“SEC. 2.x xx

xXx

“(j) Accessible polling refers to the venue where the Board of Election
Inspector (BEIs) conducts election-related proceedings and where the voters cast their
votes. The accessible polling place shall be located at the building. SHALL BE
READILY ACCESSIBLE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, and [is] SHALL BE free of
any physical barriers and provided with necessary INFRASTRUCTURE AND
services, including assistive devices[.], RAMPS, RAILINGS, SIDEWALKS,
ADEQUATE LIGHTING, VENTILATION AND OTHER FEATURES FOR PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES AND SENIOR CITIZENS.”

SEC. 2. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 10366 is hereby amended to read as
follows:


“Sec. 9. [Creation of] Precincts for Persons with Disabilities and Senior
Citizens - The Commission is hereby authorized to [establish] DESIGNATE precincts
[of a nonterritorial nature, exclusively for] IN ACCESSIBLE POLLING PLACES FOR
THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF persons with disabilities and senior citizens, [who in their
registration records manifest their intent to avail of their right to separate precinct
under the section. Pursuant hereto, the Commission shall establish at least one (1) such
precinct, assigned to accessible polling places, for every voting center] SUCH AS IN
PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TOWN HALLS OR PLAZAS, CIVIC CENTERS, COMMUNITY
CENTERS OR OTHER SIMILARLY PREFERABLY TO THOSE DESIGNATED WITH
SPECIAL FEATURES, TO ENSURE THEIR SAFETY AND COMFORT. Such precincts
shall be provided with assistive devices PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF
SECTION 2()) OF THIS ACT as well as the services of experts in assisting persons with
disabilities.”

SEC. 3. Within sixty (60) days from its effectivity, the Commission shall
promulgate the rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. If any portion or provision of this Act is declared affected thereby shall
remain in force and effect.

SEC. 5. All other laws, acts presidential decrees, executive orders, issuances,
presidential proclamations, ruled and regulations or parts thereof, which are contrary
to and inconsistent with any provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or
modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Act shall effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulations.

Approved.