Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) @itire of the sortany REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 26 MAR 19 A10:39 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1995 Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF EARLIER VOTING FOR QUALIFIED SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The right of suffrage is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. For a democracy to be truly representative, every eligible citizen must have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the electoral process. In the Philippines, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) constitute a significant and venerable portion of our electorate; they deserve specialized mechanisms that guarantee the full realization of their constitutional right to vote. Current electoral conditions often present formidable barriers to these sectors. Physical limitations, mobility challenges, and chronic health conditions can make navigating the crowded, high-pressure environment of a standard election day difficult-and in some cases, nearly impossible. By designating a separate period for voting, election officials can provide tailored support and accommodations that are often difficult to implement during the rush of a general election day. Furthermore, since senior citizens and PWDs are often more vulnerable to health risks, early voting allows them to exercise their rights in a controlled, less congested environment, effectively minimizing exposure to illness and physical strain.
This measure also serves the broader public interest by helping to decongest polling places. Diverting a significant segment of the population to an earlier schedule reduces overcrowding on the national election day, which benefits the general public by shortening queues and improving overall administrative efficiency. It must be emphasized that this proposal does not undermine the integrity of our elections. Rather, it strengthens our democracy by ensuring that no citizen is disenfranchised by their physical circumstances. It stands as a testament to our nation's commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and equality. To fulfill this constitutional mandate and remove the cumbersome and rigorous barriers currently faced by these sectors, this bill proposes to allow Senior Citizens and PWDs to cast their votes seven (7) days prior to the scheduled election day. In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. LAPID Senator
Bendis Offis of the Be tarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIFPINES First Regular Session 26 MAR 19 A10:39 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1995 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A SYSTEM OF EARLIER VOTING FOR QUALIFIED SENIOR CITIZENS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTTON 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 6 to make voting convenient for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) by 7 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
9. voting where qualified senior citizens and PWDs may choose to cast their ballot at 10 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: 1. Keep a record of senior citizens and PWDs who are registered voters;
2. Design a registration system, in coordination with local government units, the National Commission for Senior Citizens, 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; 3. 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. 16 Thereafter, the funding of which shall be included in the Annual General 17 Appropriations Act.
SEC. 6. Applicability of Other Laws. - The provisions of Batas Pambansa
19 Blg. 881 or the Omnibus Election Code; Republic Act No. 7166, entitled, "An Act 20 Providing for Synchronized National and Local Elections and for Electoral Reforms, 21 Authorizing Appropriations Therefor, and for Other Purposes"; and other election laws 22 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, for any reason, any section or provision of this
Act, or any portion thereof, or the application of such section, provision, or portion, is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the application of such section, provision, or portion thereof shall not be affected by such declaration.
SEC. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, letters of instructions, resolutions,
orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified accordingly, or amended accordingly.
SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of 7 general circulation. Approved,