1 
\ 
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
'04 Jliq 30 R9 :d I 
First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
EXPLAkATORY NOTE 
All citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law may exercise the 
rights of suffrage. Thus, in a similar view the constitution mandates Congress to design 
a procedure for the disabled and the elderly to enable them to exercise their right to 
vote. 
Moreover, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons also provides that "polling 
places should be made accessible to disabled persons during national or local 
elections," 
As defined by the Omnibus Election Code, a polling place is the building or place 
where the Board of Election Inspectors conduct the proceedings wand where the voters 
cast their votes. 
However, despite the presence of these laws, the accessibility of the polling 
place especially for those registered voters who have physical or sensory limitations, 
has been found to be wanting. 
Thus, the proposed bill seeks to provide for a special polling place for the 
disabled and the elderly. 
) Senator 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
1 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
1 
~~ 
Introduced by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada 
AN ACT PROWDING FQFI: A SPECIAL POLLING PLACE F ~ R  
THE 
DISABLED AND THE ELDERLY. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
assembled. 
SECTION 1. Shod Title - This Act may be cited as , "The Special Polling Place 
Act of 2004." 
SECTION 2, Definifion of Terms.- as used in this Act, the following shall mean: 
(a) 
A special polling place refers to the place where the Board of 
Election Inspectors conducts election-related proceedings such as 
registration, voting and the like, that is easily accessible to the 
disabled and the elderly; 
A barrier free environment refers to an area where the special 
polling place within a voting center is located, having been such 
architectural or structural features which reasonably enhance the 
mobility of the disabled and the elderly such as sidewalks, ramps, 
railings, and the like or is easily accessible to wheelchairs. 
Voting centers refels to the building or place; 
Disabled refers to those persons with physical, physiological or 
sensory impairment, or those persons suffering from restrictions of 
different abilities to perform an activity in the manner or within the 
range considered normal to a human being and at the same time, 
possess the qualifications and none of the disqualifications of a 
voter; and 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 


, 
(e) 
. Elderly refers to senior citizens who have physical limitations due to 
age or sickness and at the same time possess the qualifications 
and none of the disqualifications of a voter. 
SECTlON 3. Special Polling Places for the disabled and the eiderly. - The 
Commission of Elections, in coordination with local government units, concerned 
government agencies and other concerned groups or organizations shall conduct a 
study on the disabled and the ,elderly in a locality to get data on their number, 
distribution, the extend of their limitations which may restrict their ability to participate in 
election -related activities, and the other relevant information afterwards. The Comelec 
shall provide for special polling places for the disabled and the elderly: Provided, That 
the number and location of the polling places shall be determined by the outcome of the 
study, provided further that the designation of special polling places shall not 
compromise nor alter the principle of require a special polling place, it shall make a 
separate list containing the name, address, a brief description of the disability or 
physical limitation, the precinct and the city or municipality where he/she belongs, and if 
already available, the voter’s identification number. The list shall be posted one (1) 
month before any election-related activity, in two (2) conspicuous places in the city or 
municipal hall for one (1) week and shall be regularly update. Those included in the list 
shall only be allowed to use his/her designated special polling place while others wo are 
not in the list, shall not be allowed to use the same. Provided, finally That the special 
polling places shall located in a barrier free environment easily accessible to the 
disabled and the elderly. 
SECTION 4. Information and Education Campaign - The Commission shall 
conduct an information and education campaign for the effective implementation of this 
Act. 
SECTION 5. Rules and Regulations - The Commission on Elections shall 
issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause - If any provisions or part hereof is held 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder for the Act or the provision not otherwise 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting. 


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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative rule or regulation contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
according I y . 
Approved,