Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1489

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING FOR QUALIFIED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN
NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article V, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitutions provides that, “Suffrage may be
exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at least
eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least one year and
in the place wherein they propose to vote for at least six months immediately preceding the
election. No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on the
exercise of suffrage.”

The right to suffrage is the essence of our democracy. As a means to increase
participation by citizens who are otherwise prevented to vote, the country has enacted
absentee voting laws. Presently, there are laws that allow absentee voting for Filipinos
overseas, media practitioners, armed forces and police force. However, there still leave
another group disenfranchised due to their physical conditions.

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have a significant role to play in nation building. As
‘such, it is important to ensure that their voices will be heard and their votes will be counted
during elections. However, some of them may not be able to vote as they are stationed away
from their residences on election days due to disability issues and conditions.

Hence, this bill provides for means for PWDs stationed away from their residences on
election days to vote on national elections in the precincts nearest to them subject to
reasonable regulations by the Commission on Election.

In view thereof, approval of this bill is earnestly requested..

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ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
4th District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Britno. 1489

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR EARLY VOTING FOR QUALIFIED PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN
NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS

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

SECTION 1. Dec/aration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to make
voting convenient for persons with disabilities (PWDs) by giving them the option to vote earlier
than the date set for the election.

SEC. 2. Early Voting. — For national and local elections, there shall be early voting
where PWDs qualified to vote early may choose to cast their ballot at accessible
establishments designated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) within seven (7)
working days before the date set for the election.

SEC. 3. Registration. — There shall be nationwide registration for PWDs who may wish
to avail of their early voting privileges to qualify them for early voting. Those who are not
registered under this Act shall vote on Election Day.

SEC. 4. Obligations of the COMELEC. — To ensure the smooth implementation of this
Act, the COMELEC shall:

(a) Keep a record of PWDs who are registered voters;

(b) In coordination with local government units, the National Council on Disability
Affairs, the Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Health and the
Department of the Interior and Local Government, design a registration system
that shall allow PWDs to register and opt for early voting in order to improve their
voting experience in national and local elections;

(©) Ensure the full implementation of Republic Act No. 10366, entitled “An Act
Authorizing the Commission on Elections to Establish Precincts Assigned to
Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for Persons with Disabilities and Senior
Citizens”, such that polling places are safe, highly accessible and fitted with the
necessary communication, visual and physical aids; and

(d) Mount an intensive information campaign on early voting by qualified PWDs.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to fund early voting by qualified PWDs
in national and local elections shall be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 6. Applicability of Other Laws. — The provisions of Batas Pambansa Blg. 881 or the
Omnibus Election Code; Republic Act No. 7166, entitled “An Act Providing for Synchronized
National and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms, Authorizing Appropriations Therefor,
and for Other Purposes”; and other election laws not inconsistent herewith shall be applied to


facilitate the early voting by qualified PWDs.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
approval of this Act, the COMELEC shall, in consultation with other relevant government and
nongovernment agencies, promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to implement this
Act.

SEC. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected shall remain in full
force and effect.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,