Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

HOUSE BILL NO. 4985

Introduced by Representative TYRONE D. AGABAS

AN ACT
REORGARNIZING THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION ON
ELECTIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to reorganize, reclassify and upgrade the plantilla
positions of the Commission on Elections.

The Congress shall give the highest priority to the enactment of
measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human
dignity, reduce social, economic, and political inequalities (Section1,
Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution). While the Commission on Elections
(Comelec) is constitutionally created body under Section 1, Article IX (A) of
the 1987 Constitution, it is not exempt from the application of legislative
measures that will enhance the economic advancement of its employees.

Since its creation as an independent constitutional body, the
Comelec has been at the forefront of every election in the country. In the
course of the performance of their duties, most of its underpaid employees
especially those classified as rank and file, have always been at the
crossroads of opposing candidates and political parties. Yet, they remain
steadfast and unperturbed in delivering honest, orderly, and peaceful
elections. For many years, no reorganization has yet been made on
Comelec structure thus leaving the staffing pattern, salaries, emoluments,
and other benefits of Comelec employees in limbo and uncertain as to
when reorganization for purposes of increasing the benefits of employees
shall be made.

It is high time to look into the predicament of Comelec officials and
employees. Resounding clamors for reorganization hounded the wall of the


Comelec for many years. Disparities in salary schedules and benefits
between employees of the Comelec and employees of other government
agencies of similar qualifications or equivalent positions are manifest.
Comelec employees have always been on the lower end. It is but just right
and opportune to pass this measure to compensate the sacrifices and
hardwork of Comelec employees in election processes all year round.

Indubitably, the passage of this bill will not only protect Comelec
officials and employees from social and economic inequalities, it will, first
and foremost, galvanize Comelec employees’ dedication and strength in
the performance of their duty as the last bastion of freedom in electoral
processes and reforms.

Hence, this earnest request for the immediate passage of this bill.

Cat a
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Representative
6% District, Pangasinan


Nowe

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

4985

HOUSE BILL NO.

AN ACT
REORGARNIZING THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSION ON
ELECTIONS

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
COMELEC Reorganization Act of 2019.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - In accordance with the
equal protection clause of the Constitution, it is the State’s
responsibility to provide adequate and appropriate
remuneration to employees with the ultimate goal of achieving

equal pay for equal work in government service.

Section 3. Field Offices. - The Commission shall have the

following field offices:

(1) Regional Election Offices, headed by the Regional
Election Director and assisted by the Assistant Regional
Election Director, Regional Election Attorney with the
Rank of Attorney V, Human Resource Management
Officer, Budget Officer, Finance Officer, Assistant
Election Specialist, Stenographic reporter III, Process

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(2)

(3)

(4)

Server, Watchman Officer, Administrative Aide, ORED
Driver and any such other subordinate officers or
employees necessary in the exigency of service for the

said office.

Provincial Election Office, headed by the Provincial
Election Director similar to the rank of Director II
regardless of the number of registered voters, Computer
Maintenance Technologist/Specialist (CMT/CMS) with
SG 24, Assistant Election Specialist, Administrative Aide,
OPES Driver and any such other subordinate officers or
employees necessary in the exigency of service for the

said office.

The National Capital Region shall be divided into five (5)
administrative districts, such as North, South, East,
Central and Manila District, or such number of
administrative districts as may be determined by the
Commission. It shall be headed and administratively
supervised by a District Election Director with the rank of
Director I, Computer Maintenance
Technologist/Specialist (CMT/CMS) with SG-24,
Administrative Assistant V, Administrative Aide, Driver
and any such other subordinate officers or employees
necessary in the exigency of service for the said office.

City /Municipal Office, headed by City /Municipal Election
Specialist with the rank of Director I regardless of his or
her place of assignment.

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(5) There shall be a minimum of two Assistant Election
Specialist (AES) with SG-21 in every city or municipality
provided that for every additional 20,000 voters from
50,000 voters, additional AES shall be automatically
appointed.

The Commission may delegate its powers and functions or
order the implementation or enforcement of its orders,

rulings, or decisions throught the heads of field offices.

Section 4. Reclassification and Upgrading of Plantilla
Positions in the COMELEC Main and field Offices. - All the
remaining rank and file plantilla positions in the COMELEC
main and field offices shall be reclassified and their salaries
upgraded accordingly by the Commission on Elections.

In no case shall diminution of salaries and benefits be

caused to any employee.

Section 5. Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days
after the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Budget and
Management and the Commission on Elections shall
promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to implement
the provisions of this Act.

Section 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the
initial implementation of this Act shall be charged against the
current fiscal year’s appropriations under the budget of the
COMELEC. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for
the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act.

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Section 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act
is held unconstitutional, all other provisions not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Section 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders,
presidential decrees, presidential proclamations, rules and
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in the Official Gazette or one (1)
newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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