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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO._105

Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative
JC M. ABALOS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Elections in the Philippines are often vibrant, passionate, and deeply personal.
‘As someone who has witnessed and participated in this democratic exercise, I
understand how emotions can run high—supporters and volunteers, in their zeal
and love for the country, sometimes go beyond the boundaries of what is lawful. I
understand that. I have seen it. I have even seen materials promoting people I know,
including myself, placed in legally grey, and perhaps restricted areas — and I
personally make sure to have them removed when that happens.

However, one’s love for our country must not translate into the desecration of
the very process that protects our democracy. The sanctity of elections lies not only
in the casting of ballots, but also in the respect for its rules, procedures, and integrity.
We must remind ourselves and one another, even in the heat of political passion, the
law must be followed.

This bill empowers every citizen and juridical person to take part in
safeguarding our public spaces, our environment, and our democratic values by
removing unlawfully placed election propaganda. It encourages civic responsibility,
supports environmental discipline through proper disposal in accordance with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) regulations, and
provides legal protection through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) should
disputes arise.


With this measure, ordinary citizens need not feel helpless in the face of
widespread electoral violations. They are given a lawful, responsible way to act, and
no longer have to fear retaliation or confusion. They are empowered to take a
stand —not against a candidate, but against disorder.

Clean elections are everyone's responsibility. Let us all work together to
protect that right—not just with our votes, but with our voices and actions.

In view of the above, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

M. ABALOS
Representative
4Ps Partylist


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

106

HOUSE BILL Ni

Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative
JCM. ABALOS

AN ACT
EMPOWERING ALL CITIZENS AND ALL JURIDICAL PERSONS TO REMOVE,
DISPOSE, OR DESTROY ILLEGALLY PLACED ELECTION PROPAGANDA,
PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES THEREFORE

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 "Citizen
Empowerment for Clean Elections Act of 2025".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote clean,
orderly, and lawful elections, to preserve good governance, environmental
sustainability, and to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. The State
recognizes the right of its citizens and juridical persons to participate in the
enforcement of electoral laws, to keep public spaces free from illegally placed
election propaganda, and to dispose of such materials in an environmentally sound
manner.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms are
defined as follows:

(a) Illegally placed election propaganda refers to any printed, painted, posted,
or displayed election material that violates the provisions of the Fair


Election Act (Republic Act No. 9006), the Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) regulations, or local ordinances;

(b) Citizens refer to natural persons who are Filipino citizens and are of
legal age; and

(0) Juridical persons refer to entities recognized by law as having, legal
personality.

SEC. 4. Authority to Remove, Dispose, or Destroy. - All citizens and juridical
persons are hereby authorized to remove, dispose, or destroy election propaganda
illegally placed in:

(a) Public utility poles, traffic signs, streetlights;

(b) Public infrastructure such as bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and center
islands;

(c) Government buildings, public schools, health centers;

(d) Trees, waiting sheds, and other public natural or built environments;

(e) Private property without the express consent of the owner; and

() Any other area prohibited by COMELEC or local government
ordinances.

SEC. 5. Guidelines and Limitations. —

(a) The removal must not cause damage to property or endanger public
safety;

(b) Individuals shall not engage in confrontational, abusive, or violent
behavior;

() Materials removed shall be segregated, collected, and disposed of
properly in coordination with the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) or designated local government unit (LGU)
waste disposal services;

(d) The DENR, in coordination with COMELEC and LGUs, shall provide
guidelines and logistics for proper segregation and recycling of
confiscated election materials; and

(e) Removal may be documented and reported to the local COMELEC
office for transparency and monitoring.

SEC. 6. Legal Assistance through the Public Attorney's Office (PAO). - In case of
any legal dispute or complaint arising from the removal of illegal election
propaganda, the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) shall provide free legal
representation to citizens and juridical persons acting in good faith under this Act.

SEC. 7. Protection from Liability. - No person or entity shall be held criminally,
civilly, or administratively liable for the lawful removal of illegal election


propaganda as provided under this Act; Provided, That the said person or entity
acted in good faith consistent with the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 8. Liabilities and Penalties. -

(a) No person shall remove, deface, destroy, or tamper with election
propaganda lawfully placed in proper designated areas, such as
common poster areas, authorized private properties with owner
consent, or locations permitted under COMELEC regulations;

(b) No person or party shall harass, threaten, obstruct, or retaliate against
individuals implementing this Act;

Any person or party found guilty of violating (a) and (b) of this Act shall be
penalized according, to Section 264 of the Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, or the Omnibus
Election Code of the Philippines: Provided, That Section 263 shall also apply to
violators of this Act.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the COMELEC, in coordination with the DENR, DILG, and
PAO, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for
its effective implementation.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and

effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and
regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,