REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9369 REPUBLIC ACT No. 9369 AN ACT AMENDING RA.

8436, BP 881, RA 7166

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 881 OMNIBUS ELECTION CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6646 The Electoral Reforms Law of 1987

Section 1 - prescribe the adoption and use of the most suitable technology of demonstrated capability taking into account the situation prevailing in the area and the funds available for the purpose Section 5 - Commission shall deputize information technology personnel from among the agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including government-

Sec. 52. Powers and functions of the Commission on Elections. In addition to the powers and functions conferred upon it by the Constitution, the Commission shall have exclusive charge of the enforcement and administration of all laws relative to the conduct of elections for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly and honest elections, and shall: (a) Exercise direct and immediate supervision and control over national and local officials or employees, including members of any national or local law enforcement agency and instrumentality of the government required by law to perform duties relative to the conduct of elections. In addition, it may authorize CMT cadets

Section 5. - Upon filing of petition against nuisance candidate s, The Commissi on shall issue summons to the responde nt candidate together with a copy of the petition and its enclosure s, if any. - The Commissi on may designate

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7166 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR SYNCHRONIZED NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS AND FOR ELECTORAL REFORMS, AUTHORIZING APPROPRIATION S Section 3. a. COMELEC shall allocate the number of seats among the districts in proportion to the population of the constituencies voting for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan b. For provinces with only one (1) legislative district, the Commission shall divide them into two (2) districts for purposes of electing the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, as nearly as

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7941 AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ELECTION OF PARTY-LIST REP THROUGH THE PARTY-LIST SYSTEM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS Sec. 6. Removal and/or Cancellation of Registration. - The COMELEC may motu proprio or upon verified complaint of any interested party, remove or cancel, after due notice and hearing, the registration of any national, regional or sectoral party, organization or coalition. Sec. 7. Certified List of Registered Parties. The COMELEC shall, not later than sixty (60) days before election, prepare a certified list of national, regional, or sectoral parties,

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9006 Fair Election Act

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189 The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8189 The Voters Registration Act of 1996.

Sec. 3. Lawful Election Propaganda. - Election propaganda whether on television, cable television, radio, newspapers or any other medium is hereby allowed for all registered political parties, national, regional, sectoral parties or organizations participating under the party-list elections and for all bona fide candidates seeking national and local elective positions subject to the limitation on authorized expenses of candidates and political parties, observance of truth in advertising and to the supervision and

Sec. 5. Disqualifications Commission may take cognizance of final judgments issued by foreign courts or tribunals only on the basis of reciprocity and subject to the formalities and processes prescribed by the Rules of Court on execution of judgments Section 6. - prescribe additional procedures for overseas absentee registration pursuant to

Section 4 - Commission shall cause the preparation and posting of all precinct maps in every barangay nationwide. Section 5 - the Commission shall draw updated maps of all the precincts nationwide - the Commission shall create original precincts only. - The

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owned and controlled corporations. Section 6. - uthorized to use an automated election system or systems in the same election in different provinces, whether paperbased or a direct recording electronic election system as it may deem appropriate and practical for the process of voting, counting of votes and canvassing/consol idation and transmittal of results of electoral exercises Section 7 - Commission shall develop and adopt an evaluation system to ascertain that the above minimum system capabilities are met Sec. 10. The Technical Evaluation Committee. The

eighteen years of age and above to act as its deputies for the purpose of enforcing its orders. The Commission may relieve any officer or employee referred to in the preceding paragraph from the performance of his duties relating to electoral processes who violates the election law or fails to comply with its instructions, orders, decisions or rulings, and appoint his substitute. Upon recommendation of the Commission, the corresponding proper authority shall suspend or remove from office any or all of such officers or employees who may, after due process, be found guilty of such violation or failure. (b) During the period of the campaign and ending thirty days thereafter, when in any area of the country there are persons committing acts of terrorism to influence people to vote for or against any candidate or political party, the Commission shall have the power to authorize any

any of its officials who are lawyers to hear the case and receive evidence. Sec. 9. Public Forum. - The Commission shall encourage nonpolitical, nonpartisan private or civic organizations to initiate and hold in every city and municipality, public fora at which all registered candidates for the same office may simultaneous ly and personally participate to present, explain, and/or debate on their campaign

practicable according to the number of inhabitants, each district comprising a compact, contiguous and adjacent territory, and the number of seats of elective members of their respective sanggunian shall be equitably apportioned between the districts in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph c. Xxx Commission shall divide each of the municipalities in Metro Manila Area into two (2) districts by barangay for purposes of representation in the Sangguniang

organizations or coalitions which have applied or who have manifested their desire to participate under the party-list system and distribute copies thereof to all precincts for posting in the polling places on election day. The names of the party-list nominees shall not be shown on the certified list. Section 10. - The COMELEC shall undertake the necessary information campaign for purposes of educating the electorate on the matter of the party-list system. Section 13 - Proclaims party list representative s Sec. 18. Rules and

regulation by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Sec. 5. Election Surveys. -5.3. The survey together with raw data gathered to support its conclusions shall be available for inspection, copying and verification by the COMELEC or by a registered political party or a bona fide candidate, or by any COMELEC-accredited citizens arm. A reasonable fee sufficient to cover the costs of inspection, copying and verification may be charged. Section 6 - COMELEC shall require any broadcast station or entity to submit to the COMELEC a copy of its broadcast logs and certificates of performance for the review and verification of the frequency, date,

the provisions of Republic Act No. 8189, whenever applicable, taking into strict consideratio n the time zones and the various periods and processes herein provided for the proper implementat ion of this Act. the Commission shall provide for the period within which applications to register must be filed. the Commission shall provide a special mechanism for the time and manner of personal registration taking into consideratio

Commission shall introduce a permanent numbering of all precincts Section 6 - the Commission to accommodat e voters residing within the territorial jurisdiction of the original precinct. Sec. 7. General Registration of Voters. the Commission shall undertake a general registration of voters before the Board of Election Inspectors Sec. 15. Election Registration Board.In case of disqualification of the Election Officer, the

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Commission, in collaboration with the chairman of the Advisory Council, shall establish an independent technical evaluation committee, herein known as the Committee, composed of a representative each from the Commission, the Commission on Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Science and Technology who shall act as Chairman of the Committee. Section 10 - the Commission is authorized to procure, in accordance with existing laws, by purchase, lease, rent or other forms of acquisition, supplies, equipment, materials, software, facilities and other services, from local or foreign sources free from

member or members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Integrated National Police or any similar agency or instrumentality of the government, except civilian home defense forces, to act as deputies for the purpose of ensuring the holding of free, orderly and honest elections. (c) Promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Code or other laws which the Commission is required to enforce and administer, and require the payment of legal fees and collect the same in payment of any business done in the Commission, at rates that it may provide and fix in its rules and regulations. Rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission to implement the provisions of this Code shall take effect on the sixteenth day after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least daily newspapers of general circulation. Orders and directives issued by the

platforms and programs and other like issues. The Commission shall promulgate the rules and regulations for the holding of such fora to assure its nonpartisan character and the equality of access thereto by all candidates. Sec. 10. Common Poster Areas. The Commission shall designate common poster areas in strategic public places such as markets, barangay centers and the like

Bayan as nearly as practicable according to the number of inhabitants, each comprising a compact, contiguous and adjacent territory The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to effective provide for the election of sectoral representatives in the implementation of the Local Government Code. Section 4. The postponement, declaration of failure of election and the calling of special elections as provided in Sections 5, 6 and 7 of the Omnibus Election Code shall be decided by the Commission

Regulations. - The COMELEC shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Act.

time and duration of advertisements broadcast for any candidate or political party. the COMELEC shall supervise the use and employment of press, radio and television facilities insofar as the placement of political advertisements is concerned to ensure that candidates are given equal opportunities under equal circumstances to make known their qualifications and their stand on public issues within the limits set forth in the Omnibus Election Code and Republic Act No. 7l66 on election spending. The COMELEC shall ensure that radio or television or cable television broadcasting entities shall not allow the scheduling of any

n the nature of their work. Sec. 7. System of Continuing Registration. The Commission shall ensure that the benefits of the system of continuing registration are extended to qualified overseas absentee voters. Towards this end, the Commission shall optimize the use of existing facilities, personnel and mechanisms of the various government agencies for purposes of data gathering, data validation, information dissemination and facilitation of the registration process.

Commission shall designate an acting Election Officer who shall serve as Chairman of the Election Registration Board. In case of disqualification or nonavailability of the Local Registrar or the Municipal Treasurer, the Commission shall designate any other appointive civil service official from the same locality as substitute. Took custody over national central file and computerize d voters list.

Sec. 25. Voters Identification Card. The Commission shall adopt a design for the

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taxes and import duties, subject to accounting and auditing rules and regulations. "Sec. 12. Examination and Testing of Equipment or Device of the AES and Opening of the Source Code for Review. The Commission shall allow the political parties and candidates or their representatives, citizens' arm or their representatives to examine and test. Section 13 - The Commission shall prescribe the format of the electronic display and/or the size and form of the official ballot, which shall contain the titles of the positions to be filled and/or the propositions to be voted upon in an initiative, referendum or plebiscite. - the Commission shall set the

Commission pursuant to said rules and regulations shall be furnished by personal delivery to accredited political parties within forty-eight hours of issuance and shall take effect immediately upon receipt. In case of conflict between rules, regulations, orders or directives of the Commission in the exercise of its constitutional powers and those issued by any other administrative office or agency of the government concerning the same matter relative to elections, the former shall prevail. (d) Summon the parties to a controversy pending before it, issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum, and take testimony in any investigation or hearing before it, and delegate such power to any officer of the Commission who shall be a member of the Philippine Bar. In case of failure of a witness to attend, the Commission, upon proof of service of the subpoena to said witnesses, may issue a

wherein candidates can post, display, or exhibit election propaganda to announce or further their candidacy. Whenever feasible common billboards may be installed by the Commission and/or nonpartisan private or civic organizations which the Commission may authorize whenever available, after due notice and hearing, in strategic places where it may be readily seen or read, with

sitting en banc by a majority vote of its members. The causes for the declaration of a failure of election may occur before or after the casting of votes or on the day of the election. In case a permanent vacancy shall occur in the Senate or House of Representatives at least one (1) year before the expiration of the term, the Commission shall call and hold a special election to fill the vacancy not earlier than sixty (60) days nor longer than ninety (90) days after the occurrence of the vacancy. Section 7. - it shall be the duty of the Commission to

program or permit any sponsor to manifestly favor or oppose any candidate or political party by unduly or repeatedly referring to or including said candidate and/or political party in such program respecting, however, in all instances the right of said broadcast entities to air accounts of significant news or news worthy events and views on matters of public interest. Sec. 7. Affirmative Action by the COMELEC. 7.1. Pursuant to Sections 90 and 92 of the Omnibus Election Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881), the COMELEC shall procure the print space upon

Section 8. - prescribes registration form - The Commission may also require additional data to facilitate registration and recording. Sec. 9. National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters. The Commission shall maintain a National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters. Approved applications of overseas absentee registrants shall also be included in the permanent list of voters of the city or municipality where the registrant is domiciled, with

voters identification card which shall be, as much as possible, tamper proof. he Commission may request a certified list of persons who have lost their Filipino Citizenship or declared as insane or incompetent with their addresses from other government agencies. The Commission may enlist the help of representati ves of political parties and deputize nongovernment organization s (NGOs), civic organization

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deadline for the filing of certificate of candidacy/petition for registration/manif estation to participate in the election. The Commission may contract the services of private printers upon certification by the National Printing Office/Bangko Sentra] ng Pilipinas that it cannot meet the printing requirements.

warrant to arrest witness and bring him before the Commission or the officer before whom his attendance is required. Any controversy submitted to the Commission shall, after compliance with the requirements of due process, be immediately heard and decided by it within sixty days from submission thereof. No decision or resolution shall be rendered by the Commission either en banc or by division unless taken up in a formal session properly convened for the purpose. The Commission may, when necessary, avail of the assistance of any national or local law enforcement agency and/or instrumentality of the government to execute under its direct and immediate supervision any of its final decisions, orders, instructions or rulings. (e) Punish contempts provided for in the Rules of Court in the same procedure and with the same penalties provided

the heaviest pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic in the city or municipality. Section 13. - Constituti on of Board of Election Inspector s Section 21. - In case of nonavailabilit y, absence, disqualific ation due to relationsh ip, or incapacit y for any cause of the chairman, the Commissi on shall appoint as substitute , a

instruct without delay the appropriate election officials to delete the name of said candidate as printed in the election return. Section 8. - the Commission may adjust or split the precinct by assigning the registered voters therein alphabetically and equitably among the adjusted or split precincts Section 9. - the Commission may designate an additional date of registration in certain areas to ensure that voters therein are not deprived of their right of

Sec. 14. Ballot box. Where applicable, there shall be in each precinct on election day a ballot box with such safety features that the Commission may prescribe and of such size as to accommodate the official ballots." Sec. 15. The Commission shall prescribe the manner and procedure of voting, which can be

payment of just compensation from at least three (3) national newspapers of general circulation wherein candidates for national office can announce their candidacies. Such space shall be allocated free of charge equally and impartially among all the candidates for national office on three (3) different calendar days: the first day within the first week of the campaign period; the second day within the fifth week of the campaign period; and the third day within the tenth week of the campaign

the corresponding annotation that such person has been registered or will be voting as an overseas absentee voter. - Remove absentee voter Sec. 10. Notice of Registration and Election. The Commission shall, through the embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments, cause the publication in a newspaper of general circulation of the place, date and time of the holding of a regular or special national election and the requirements for the participation of qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad, at least

s and barangay officials to assist in the verification and house to house canvass of registered voters in every precinct. Sec. 40. Reconstitution of Lost or Destroyed Registration Records. - The Commission shall reconstitute all registration records which have been lost or destroyed by using the corresponding copies of the provincial or national central files. In case of conflict the Commission shall determine which file shall be used for reconstitution purposes. If this is not feasible, the Commission

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easily understood and followed by the voters, taking into consideration, among other things, the secrecy of the voting." Sec. 16. Closing of Polls. The Commission shall prescribe the time, manner and procedure of closing the polls and the steps for the correct reporting of votes cast and the proper conduct of counting for areas covered by the AES." Sec. 18. Counting Procedure. The Commission shall prescribe the manner and procedure of counting the votes under the automated system The Commission shall adopt adequate and effective measures to preserve the integrity of the certificates of

therein. Any violation of any final and executory decision, order or ruling of the Commission shall constitute contempt thereof. (f) Enforce and execute its decisions, directives, orders and instructions which shall have precedence over those emanating from any other authority, except the Supreme Court and those issued in habeas corpus proceedings. (g) Prescribe the forms to be used in the election, plebiscite or referendum. (h) Procure any supplies, equipment, materials or services needed for the holding of the election by public bidding: Provided, That, if it finds the requirements of public bidding impractical to observe, then by negotiations or sealed bids, and in both cases, the accredited parties shall be duly notified. (i) Prescribe the use or adoption of the latest technological and electronic devices, taking

ranking lawyer of the Commissi on. With respect to the other members of the board, the Commissi on shall appoint as substitute the following in the order named: the Provincial Auditor, the Registrar of Deeds, the Clerk of Court nominate d by the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court, and any other available

suffrage he Commission shall direct the board of election inspectors concerned to meet on the eighth Saturday immediately preceding the day of the election for the purpose of making such inclusions and corrections as may be or may have been ordered by the courts, stating opposite every name so corrected, added or cancelled, the date of the order and the court which issued the same

period. 7.2. The COMELEC shall also procure free airtime from at least three (3) national television networks and three (3) national radio networks, which shall also be allocated free of charge equally and impartially among all candidates for national office. Such free time shall be allocated on three (3) different calendar days: the first day within the first week of the campaign period; the second day within the fifth week of the campaign period; and the third day within the

six (6) months before the date set for the filing of applications for registration. The Commission shall determine the countries where publication shall be made, and the frequency thereof, taking into consideration the number of overseas Filipinos present in such countries. Likewise, the Commission and the Department of Foreign Affairs shall post the same in their respective websites. Sec. 12. Verification and Approval of Application to Vote. - The Commission shall issue an overseas absentee voter

shall conduct a general registration of voters in the affected area

Section 14. - may issue writ of execution against the properties of the offender

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canvass transmitted electronically and the results in the storage devices at the various levels of the boards of canvassers. Sec. 26. The Commission shall, not later than six months before the actual automated election exercise, undertake a widespread stakeholder education and training program, through newspapers of general circulation, radio, television and other media forms, as well as through seminars, symposia, fora and other nontraditional means, to educate the public and fully inform the electorate about the AES and inculcate values on honest, peaceful, orderly and informed elections. Sec. 30. Rules and Regulations. - The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and

into account the situation prevailing in the area and the funds available for the purpose: Provided, That the Commission shall notify the authorized representatives of accredited political parties and candidates in areas affected by the use or adoption of technological and electronic devices not less than thirty days prior to the effectivity of the use of such devices. (j) Carry out a continuing and systematic campaign through newspapers of general circulation, radios and other media forms to educate the public and fully inform the electorate about election laws, procedures, decisions, and other matters relative to the work and duties of the Commission and the necessity of clean, free, orderly and honest electoral processes. (k) Enlist non-partisan group or organizations of citizens from the civic, youth, professional, educational, business or labor sectors known for their probity, impartiality and integrity with the

appointiv e provincial official in the case of the provincial board of canvasser s; the officials in the city correspon ding to those enumerat ed, in the case of the city board of canvasser s; and the Municipal Administr ator, the Municipal Assessor, the Clerk of Court nominate d by the Executive Judge of the Municipal Trial Court, or any other available appointiv e

for failure to file SALN. Sections 17 19 - disposition of pre proclamation controversies and election offense Sec. 21. Partial Proclamation. Notwithstanding the pendency of any preproclamation controversy, the Commission may summarily order the proclamation of other winning candidates whose election will not be affected by the outcome of the controversy. Section 26. - designation of official poll watchers of political parties. Sec. 32. Who May Bear Firearms. During the election period, no person shall bear, carry or transport firearms

tenth week of the campaign period. 7.3. The COMELEC may require national television and radio networks to sponsor at least three (3) national debates among presidential candidates and at least one (1) national debate among vice presidential candidates. The debates among presidential candidates shall be scheduled on three (3) different calendar days: the first debate shall be scheduled within the first and second

identificatio n card to those whose applications to vote have been approved. Sec. 13. Preparation and Posting of Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters. Sec. 14. Printing and Transmittal of Ballots, Voting Instructions, Election Forms and Paraphernalia. Section 17. - the Commission shall authorize voting by mail in not more than three (3) countries, subject to the approval of the Congression al Oversight Committee.

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enforcement of this Act. "Notwithstanding the foregoing canvassing procedure, the Commission is authorized to prescribe other manner or procedure for the canvassing and consolidation of votes as technology evolves, subject to the provisions of Section 7 hereof on the minimum capabilities of the AES and other pertinent laws." - The Commission shall take steps so that the entries on the first copy of the election returns are clearly reproduced on the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth copies thereof, and for the purpose this Commission shall use a special kind of paper. - "The Commission shall post its digital files in its website for the public to view or

membership and capability to undertake a coordinated operation and activity to assist it in the implementation of the provisions of this Code and the resolutions, orders and instructions of the Commission for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly and honest elections in any constituency. Such groups or organizations shall function under the direct and immediate control and supervision of the Commission and shall perform the following specific functions and duties: A. Before Election Day: 1. Undertake an information campaign on salient features of this Code and help in the dissemination of the orders, decisions and resolutions of the Commission relative to the forthcoming election. 2. Wage a registration drive in

municipal officials, in the case of the municipal board of canvasser s. Section 26. - The COMELEC may issue subpoena to any person in all hearings, inquiries, and proceedin gs of the Commissi on, including prelimina ry investigat ions of election offenses - the Commissi on may grant immunity from criminal prosecuti on to any

or other deadly weapons in public places, including any building, street, park, private vehicle or public conveyance, even if licensed to possess or carry the same, unless authorized in writing by the Commission. The issuance of firearms licenses shall be suspended during the election period. Section 33. - xxx when circumstances warrant, including but not limited to threats to life and security of a candidate, security personnel may be assigned by the Commission, upon due application, regular members of the Philippine National

week of the campaign period; the second debate within the fifth and six week of the campaign period; and the third debate shall be scheduled within the tenth and eleventh week of the campaign period. The sponsoring television or radio network may sell airtime for commercials and advertisement s to interested advertisers and sponsors. The COMELEC shall promulgate rules and regulations for the holding of such debates.

Section 18. - The Commission shall ensure that the start of counting in all polling places abroad shall be synchronize d with the start of counting in the Philippines. - the Commission shall constitute as many Special Boards of Election Inspectors as may be necessary to conduct and supervise the counting of votes. Sec. 19. Authority of the Commission to Promulgate Rules. The Commission shall issue the

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download at any time of the day. The Commission shall maintain the files for at least three years from the date of posting. Designate watchers may authorize the board of election inspectors to count the votes and to accomplish the election returns and other forms prescribed under this Code in any other place within a public building in the same municipality or city on account of imminent danger of widespread violence or similar causes of comparable magnitude: Provided, That the transfer shall have been' recommended in writing by the board of election inspectors by unanimous vote and endorsed in writing by the

their respective areas so that all citizens of voting age, not otherwise disqualified by law may be registered. 3. Help cleanse the list of voters of illegal registrants, conduct house-tohouse canvass if necessary, and take the appropriate legal steps towards this end. 4. Report to the Commission violations of the provisions of this Code on the conduct of the political campaign, election propaganda and electoral expenditures. B. On Election Day: 1. Exhort all registered voters in their respective areas to go to their polling places and cast their votes. 2. Nominate watcher accreditation one for in

person whose testimony or whose possessio n and productio n of document s or other evidence may be necessary to determin e the truth in any hearing, inquiry or proceedin g being conducte d by the Commissi on or under its authority in the performa nce or in the furtheran ce of its constituti onal functions and statutory objectives .

Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines or other law enforcement agency who shall provide him security for the duration of the election period. Sec. 35. Rules and Regulations. The Commission shall issue rules and regulations to implement this Act. Said rules shall be published in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Sec. 8. COMELEC Space and Time. The COMELEC shall procure space in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation and air time in at least one (1) major broadcasting station or entity in every province or city: Provided, however, That in the absence of said newspaper, publication shall be done in any other magazine or periodical in said province or city, which shall be known as "COMELEC Space": Provided, further, That in the absence of said broadcasting station or entity, broadcasting shall be done in any radio or television station in said province or city, which shall be known as "COMELEC Time". Said time shall be allocated to the COMELEC free of charge, while said space shall be allocated to the COMELEC upon payment of just compensation. The

necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. The Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be submitted to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee created by virtue of this Act for prior approval. Sec. 20. Information Campaign. The Commission, in coordination with agencies concerned, shall undertake an information campaign to educate the public on the manner of absentee voting for qualified overseas

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majority of watchers present Questions affecting the composition or proceedings of the board of canvassers may be initiated in the board or directly with the Commission

Sec. 41. Powers and Functions of the Commission on Elections. - In addition to the powers and functions conferred upon it by the Constitution, the Commission shall have exclusive charge of the enforcement and administration of all laws relative to the conduct of elections for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly and honest elections Sec. 43. Prosecution. - The Commission shall, through its duly authorized legal officers, have the power, concurrent with the other prosecuting arms of

each polling place and each place of canvass who shall have the same duties, functions and rights as the other watchers of political parties and candidates. Members or units of any citizen group or organization so designated by the Commission except its lone duly accredited watcher, shall not be allowed to enter any polling place except to vote, and shall, if they so desire, stay in an area at least fifty meters away from the polling place. 3. Report to the peace authorities and other appropriate agencies all instances of terrorism, intimidation of voters, and other similar attempts to frustrate the free and orderly casting

Sec. 28. Prosecution of VoteBuying and Vote-Selling. Sec. 29. Designation of Other Dates for Certain Preelections Acts. - If it should no longer be reasonably possible to observe the periods and dates prescribed by law for certain preelection acts, the Commission shall fix other periods and dates in order to ensure accomplishm ent of the activities so voters shall not be deprived of their right of suffrage.

COMELEC time and space shall be utilized exclusively by the COMELEC for public information dissemination on election-related concerns. Sec. 9. Posting of Campaign Materials. The COMELEC may authorize political parties and party-list groups to erect common poster areas for their candidates in not more than ten (10) public places such as plazas, markets, barangay centers and the like, wherein candidates can post display or exhibit election propaganda: Provided, That the size of the poster areas shall not exceed twelve (12) by sixteen 16) feet or its equivalent. Independent candidates with no political parties may likewise be authorized to erect common poster areas in not more than ten

absentee voters. Sec. 23. Security Measures to Safeguard the Secrecy and Sanctity of Ballots.

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the government, to conduct preliminary investigation of all election offenses punishable under this Code, and to prosecute the same."

of votes. 4. Perform such other functions as may be entrusted to such group or organization by the Commission. The designation of any group or organization made in accordance herewith may be revoked by the Commission upon notice and hearing whenever by its actuations such group or organization has shown partiality to any political party or candidate, or has performed acts in excess or in contravention of the functions and duties herein provided and such others which may be granted by the Commission. (l) Conduct hearings on controversies pending before it in the cities or provinces upon proper motion of any party, taking into consideration the

(10) public places, the size of which shall not exceed four (4) by six (6) feet or its equivalent. Candidates may post any lawful propaganda material in private places with the consent of the owner thereof, and in public places or property which shall be allocated equitably and impartially among the candidates. Sec. 13. Authority of the COMELEC to promulgate Rules; Election Offenses. The COMELEC shall promulgate and furnish all political parties and candidates and the mass media entities the rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act, consistent with the criteria established in Article IX-C, Section 4 of the Constitution and Section 86 of the Omnibus Election

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materiality and number of witnesses to be presented, the situation prevailing in the area and the fund available for the purpose. (m) Fix other reasonable periods for certain preelection requirements in order that voters shall not be deprived of their right of suffrage and certain groups of rights granted them in this Code. Unless indicated in this Code, the Commission is hereby authorized for fix the appropriate period for the various prohibited acts enumerated herein, consistent with the requirements of free, orderly, and honest elections.

Code (Batas Pambansa Blg. 881).

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