Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 102

Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative
JCM. ABALOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

No less than the highest law of the land guarantees each Filipino citizen's right to
suffrage and, unless disqualified by law, has very minimal requirements in age and
residency. The Philippine Constitution clearly states a “no literacy, property, or other
substantive requirement shall be imposed on the exercise of suffrage.” This is in
recognition of voting as a fundamental human right that is absolutely vital in the
democratic process. The government's role is to take proactive measures to guarantee
that all citizens have the opportunity to exercise this right to their fullest extent.

Taking into account the situation in the country, voting is different for every
Filipino. For some, their polling station is close, a few blocks away and within walking
distance, or maybe just a tricycle or jeepney ride. For others, they would need to travel
that would sometimes end up having to travel for several hous or an entire day because
they are still registered in a distant province. In addition, one has to wait for several
minutes or hours because of the long queues at the polling stations in the midst of
intense heat or heavy rains. Despite these challenges, Filipinos willingly sacrifice to
perform their duty for the country. As Filipinos, we take pride in casting our votes on
election day despite the hardships.

However, despite the fact that the voting Filipino citizens are the very engine that
runs this government, election day is currently not considered a regular Holiday as
compared to others such as Labor Day, Independence Day, National Day, and the like.
Currently, our national elections, which are held every second Monday of May, are only
considered a mere special non-working holiday and only by virtue of a Presidential


Proclamation which is customarily issued shortly before the elections day itself. As such,
and according to our Labor Code, those who work on this day will only be given an
additional thirty percent (30%) of their daily wage, while those who choose not to work
will not be paid because of the "no work, no pay" policy.

Evidently, there is a practical flaw in the fundamental exercise of democracy that
should and can be addressed through this legislation. I believe that voters should be free
from any fear or burden in order to vote. That in the minds of every voter, they should
never have to make a choice between the future of our nation and the ability to earn a
day's wage to support their family.

This measure seeks to remedy this by making national elections a regular holiday,
thereby allowing Filipinos the right to full payment of wages every election day and
would help ensure their participation in the democratic process. Voters shouldn’t have
to rush through the process, give thoughtful consideration to their choices, and have
ample time for the undecided to study the qualifications of all candidates.

Consider the potential impact if we were to establish an election day that
eliminates the constraints of work or other obligations, creating a day that is more
convenient and devoid of concerns for our fellow Filipinos. And that the only decision
each would need to make is which candidate to vote for as we gather at our designated
polling stations. In the last two national elections, May 2022 and May 2025, the voter
turnout recorded a commendable rate of 83 percent and 82.2 percent, respectively. The
Commission on Elections even declared that the May 12, 2025 elections is the highest
ever recorded in a midterm election. A great feat for the democratic process, indeed.

Furthermore, elections and the act of casting one's ballot will no longer be
regarded as mere chores. Instead, it can be embraced as a day of celebration that unifies
us as a people and as a nation. By fostering a sense of collective pride and significance in
the electoral process, we elevate it beyond a mere obligation. We, as a people and nation,
shall transform it into a shared experience that brings and strengthens us together.

This bill was filed in the 19th Congress and was passed by the Lower House in
the third and final reading, hence, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JCM. ABALOS
Representative
4Ps Partylist


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILL No. 102

Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative
JCM. ABALOS

AN ACT
DECLARING NATIONAL ELECTION DAY AS A REGULAR NON-WORKING
HOLIDAY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 26, CHAPTER 7, BOOK
1 OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
“THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF 1987”

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

SECTION 1. It is hereby declared that every national election shall be a
regular non-working holiday to incentivize the electorate to exercise their
democratic right of suffrage.

SEC. 2. The term “national election” shall include activities such as plebiscite,
referendum, people's initiative, recall election, special election, regional elections,
and other processes of voting of a similar nature which are national in scope.

SEC. 3. Section 26, Chapter 7, Book I of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise
known as “The Administrative Code of 1987”, as amended, is hereby further
amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 26. Regular Holidays and Nationwide Special Days. - (1)
Unless 10 otherwise modified by law, order, or proclamation, the following
regular 11 holidays and special days shall be observed in the country:


"(A) Regular Holidays

New Year's Day January 1
Maundy Thursday Movable Date
Good Friday Movable Date
Eidul Fitr Movable Date
Eidul Adha Movable Date
Araw ng Kagitingan
(Bataan and Monday nearest April 9
Corregidor Day)
Labor Day Monday nearest May 1
DAY DESIGNATED BY
va Ay LAW FOR HOLDING OF A
NATIONAL ELECTION
Independence Day Monday nearest June 12
National Heroes Day Last Monday of August
Bonifacio Day Monday nearest November
Christmas Day December 25
Rizal Day Monday nearest December

XXX.

SEC. 4. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official 6 Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,