Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fy R E Cc cere
Quezon City = DATE
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 12 0

Introduced by: REP. JULIET MARIE DE LEON FERRER

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

This measure seeks to grant authority to the Commission on Elections to
establish methods that shall allow persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior
citizens to early voting.

Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that “the State shall
adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health and shall endeavor to
make essential good, health and other social services available to all people.” It
further provides that “there shall be priority for the needs of the underprivileged
sick, elderly disabled, women and children. Section 1 of Article V of the
Constitution, on the other hand, guarantees the right to suffrage to all citizens of the
Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law.

At present, the exercise of PWDs and Senior Citizens right to suffrage has
exposed them to certain risks. During national or local elections, while priority is
given to them, they are still made to endure waiting hours and exposure to heat of
the sun. These conditions expose them to health risks and hazards. Consistent with
the constitutional policies and mandate, concrete measures should be taken to
ensure their utmost welfare and safety.

The proposed measure aims at balancing the right and special needs of the
PWDs and senior citizens. Through the provision of early voting, COMELEC will be
able to address and cater to their special needs and to make polling places more
suitable for their conditions.

Itis for these reasons that I seek the approval of this bill.

JULIET EON FERRER

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 120

Introduced by: REP. JULIET MARIE DE LEON FERRER

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

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to make voting convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities
(PWDs) by giving them the option to vote earlier than the date set for the elections.

SEC. 2. Early Voting. - For national and local elections, there shall be early
voting where qualified senior citizens and PWDs 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 elections.

SEC. 3. Registration. - There shall be a nationwide registration for senior
citizens and PWDs to qualify them to avail of this early voting privilege. Those who
are not registered under this Act shall vote on Election Day.

SEC. 4. Obligations of the COMELEC. - To ensure the effective
implementation of this Act, the COMELEC shall:

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

(b) Design a registration system, 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
Interior and Local Government, that allows senior citizens and
PWDs to register and opt for early voting;


(©) Ensure that polling places are safe and accessible to senior citizens
and PWDs, and properly fitted with the necessary communication,
visual and physical aids, as mandated under 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”; and

(4) Mount an intensive information campaign on early voting for
qualified senior citizens and PWDs.

SEC 5. Appropriations. - The initial amount for the implementation of this
Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the COMELEC.
Thereafter, the funding of which 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 early voting for qualified
senior citizens and PWDs.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
its effectivity, the Commission shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the
implementation of this Act.

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

SEC 9. Repealing Clause. ~ All other laws, acts, presidential decrees, executive
orders, issuances, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof,
which are contrary to and inconsistent with any provision 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 a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved.