Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
INTEGRATING VOTER EDUCATION IN THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR 
HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is the responsibility of the State to educate its citizens on their right 
to vote and to ingrain in them the duty to preserve the integrity of the electoral 
process.  
It is essential that students at junior and senior high school be 
educated about elections and their electoral choice, that they would be well-
informed about the country's political landscape and electoral processes, and 
mold them into becoming the pillars of democracy in the country.  
Including this strategic and institutional platform will empower the 
youth by providing them with thorough knowledge in choosing leaders and 
prepare them to become responsible voters. It is the hope of this measure to 
prepare the next generation of Filipinos to have critical thinking to create 
better informed choices especially in choosing our next leaders and upholding 
democracy. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly 
sought. 
REP. PM VARGAS 
Fifth District, Quezon City 
September 6, 2022
11:09 am
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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _______ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. PM VARGAS 
AN ACT 
INTEGRATING VOTER EDUCATION IN THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR 
HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULA 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Compulsory Voter 
Education Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to enlighten 
citizens on their right to vote and to inculcate in them the duty to preserve 
the integrity of the electoral process through the educational system. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Voter Education. - As used in this Act, “Voter 
education” means dissemination of information, materials and programs 
designed to inform citizens about the specifics and mechanics of the voting 
process. It includes providing information on the right to suffrage, its 
importance, and the proper exercise thereof, as well as information on who is 
eligible to vote; where and how to register; how electors can check the voter 
lists to ensure they have been duly included; what type of elections are being 
held; where, when and how to vote; who the candidates are; and how to seek 
redress for grievances and report violations of election laws.  
SECTION 4. Integration of Voter Education in the Junior and Senior 
High School Curricula. – Voter Education shall be integrated by the 
Department of Education (DepEd) in the junior and senior high school 
curricula, effective at the start of the school year immediately following one 
(1) year from the effectivity of this Act. The Commission on Election
(COMELEC) shall assist the DepEd in preparing teachers during the one-year
transition period by conducting seminars and trainings on the electoral
system and process. COMELEC shall certify that the teacher, after attending
such seminars and trainings, is qualified to teach topics relating to the
electoral system and process.
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SECTION 5. Voter Education Syllabus. -   
A. Voter education. – The main syllabus shall include, but not limited to, 
the following thematic areas: 
 
a. Suffrage. – This area introduces to students the right to vote 
accorded by the constitution, and other rights enabling citizens 
to participate in the conduct of public affairs; 
 
b. Electoral system and process. – This area deals with the general 
principles underlying the present electoral system, and 
legislation regulating all the phases of the election. It discusses 
the proper conduct of elections including registration, casting of 
ballots, and counting of votes; 
 
B. Educated voting. – This area focuses on the attitude and behavior a 
voter must adopt to ensure fair, free, and honest elections. It 
emphasizes the importance of participating in elections in a manner 
that shall stimulate and strengthen democracy. 
 
C. Supplementary topics. – This curriculum should have additional topics 
and studies on the political system of the country, the contextual 
background of elections, current political, social, and economic issues 
affecting the elections, and the possible solutions to address them. 
 
D. Other subject matters. – Other areas of voter education maybe included 
in the syllabus. 
 
SECTION 6. Educational Materials. – It shall be obligatory on all schools 
offering secondary education to keep in their libraries an adequate number of 
copies of the textbooks, primers, and leaflets on voter education to be issued 
by the DepEd. The DepEd shall determine the adequacy of the number of 
books, depending upon the enrollment of the schools. 
 
SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The Secretary of 
Education is hereby authorized and directed to adopt a system to implement 
and carry out the provisions of this Act. The Secretary of Education shall, 
within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules and 
regulations, including those of a disciplinary nature, to carry out and enforce 
the provisions of this Act. 
 
SECTION 8. Non-Impairment Clause. – Nothing in this Act shall be 
construed as to diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, granted, or 
made available to disadvantaged, marginalized, or specific sectors under 
existing laws. 
 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If any part of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 


 
 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive 
orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with or 
contrary to the provisions of this Act are deemed amended, modified or 
repealed accordingly. 
 
SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,