Republic of the Philippines Congress of the Philippines Metro Manila Eighth Congress Republic Act No.

7166 November 26, 1991

AN AC PR!"#$#N% &!R '(NC)R!N#*E$ NA #!NA+ AN$ +!CA+ E+EC #!N' AN$ &!R E+EC !RA+ RE&!R,', A- )!R#*#N% APPR!PR#A #!N' )ERE&!R, AN$ &!R ! )ER P-RP!'E'

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:: 'ection 1. Statement of Policy. - t is the policy of the State to synchroni!e elections so that there shall be simultaneous regular elections for national and local officials once every three "#$ years. 'ection 2. %ate of &lections. - n accordance 'ith the policy hereinbefore stated( there shall be an election for President( )icePresident( t'enty-four "*+$ Senators( all elective Members of the House of Representatives( and all elective provincial( city and municipal officials on the second Monday of May( ,--*. .hereafter( the President and )ice-President shall be elected on the same day every si/ "0$ years1 'hile the Senators( elective Members of the House of Representatives and all elective provincial( city and municipal officials shall be elected on the same day every three "#$ years( e/cept that 'ith respect to Senators( only t'elve ",*$ shall be elected. 'ection .. &lection of Members of the Sangguniang Panlala'igan( Sanggunian Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan. - .he elective members of the Sangguniang Panlala'igan( Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan shall be elected as follo's:

"a$ 2or provinces 'ith t'o "*$ or more legislative districts( the elective members of the Sangguniang Panlala'igan shall be elected by legislative districts. 2or this purpose( the number of seats shall be apportioned e3uitably: Provided( .hat( if e3ual division is not possible( the remaining member or members shall be elected in the district or districts 'ith the greater number of population or( if they be the same( 'ith the greater number of voters: Provided further( .hat( if a legislative district includes a city that does not vote in the election of provincial officials( the Commission on &lections( hereinafter referred to as the Commission( shall allocate the number of seats among the districts in proportion to the population of the constituencies voting for the Sangguniang Panlala'igan1 "b$ 2or provinces 'ith only one ",$ legislative district( the Commission shall divide them into t'o "*$ districts for purposes of electing the members of the Sangguniang Panlala'igan( as nearly as practicable according to the number of inhabitants( each district comprising a compact( contiguous and ad4acent territory( and the number of seats of elective members of their respective sanggunian shall be e3uitably apportioned bet'een the districts in accordance 'ith the immediately preceding paragraph1 "c$ .he number and election of elective members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan in the Metro Manila 5rea( City of Cebu( City of %avao and any other city 'ith t'o "*$ or more legislative districts shall continue to be governed by the provisions of Sections * and # of Republic 5ct 6o. 00#0: Provided( .hat( the Municipalities of Malabon( 6avotas( San 7uan( Mandaluyong( Muntinlupa( 8as Pi9as and .aguig shall have t'elve ",*$ councilors( and Pateros( ten ",:$: Provided( further( .hat( the Commission shall divide each of the municipalities in Metro Manila 5rea into t'o "*$ districts by barangay for purposes of representation in the Sangguniang Bayan as nearly as practicable

according to the number of inhabitants( each comprising a compact( contiguous and ad4acent territory1 and "d$ 2or purposes of the regular elections on May ,,( ,--*( elective members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and Sangguniang Bayan shall be elected a large in accordance 'ith e/isting la's. Ho'ever( beginning 'ith the regular elections in ,--;( they shall be elected by district. .he Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to effective provide for the election of sectoral representatives in the implementation of the 8ocal <overnment Code. 'ection /. Postponement( 2ailure of &lection and Special &lections. .he postponement( declaration of failure of election and the calling of special elections as provided in Sections ;( 0 and = of the >mnibus &lection Code shall be decided by the Commission sitting en banc by a ma4ority vote of its members. .he 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. n case a permanent vacancy shall occur in the Senate or House of Representatives at least one ",$ year before the e/piration of the term( the Commission shall call and hold a special election to fill the vacancy not earlier than si/ty "0:$ days nor longer than ninety "-:$ days after the occurrence of the vacancy. Ho'ever( in case of such vacancy in the Senate( the special election shall be held simultaneously 'ith the succeeding regular election. 'ection 0. &lection and Campaign Period. - ?nless other'ise fi/ed by the Commission( the election period for the May ,,( ,--* regular elections shall commence ninety "-:$ days before the day of the election and shall end thirty "#:$ days thereafter. .he campaign periods are hereby fi/ed as follo's: "a$ 2or President( )ice-President and Senators( ninety "-:$ days before the day of the election1 and

"b$ 2or Members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial( city and municipal officials( forty-five "+;$ days before the day of the election. Ho'ever( in the preparation of the election calendar( the Commission may e/clude the day before the day of the election itself( Maundy .hursday and <ood 2riday. 5ny election campaign or partisan political activity for or against any candidate outside of the campaign period herein provided is prohibited and shall be considered as an election offense punishable under Section *0# and *0+ of the >mnibus &lection Code. 'ection 6. 6omination and Selection of >fficial Candidates. - 6o political convention or meeting for the nomination or selection of the official candidates of any political party or organi!ation or political groups or coalition thereof shall be held earlier than the follo'ing periods: "a$ 2or President( )ice-President and Senators( one hundred si/ty-five ",0;$ days before the day of the election1 and "b$ 2or Members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial( city or municipal officials( seventy-five "=;$ days before the day of the election. 'ection 7. 2iling of Certificates of Candidacy. - .he certificate of candidacy of any person running for the office of President( )icePresident( Senator( Member of the House of Representatives or any elective provincial( city or municipal official shall be filed in five ";$ legible copies 'ith the offices of the Commission specified hereunder not later than the day before the date legally fi/ed for the beginning of his campaign period. "a$ .he certificate of candidacy for President( )ice-President and Senators shall be filed 'ith the main office of the Commission in Manila1

"b$ .he certificate of candidacy for the Members of the House of Representatives shall be filed 'ith the provincial election supervisor of the province concerned. .hose for legislative districts in the 6ational Capital Region shall be filed 'ith the regional election director of said region and those for legislative districts in cities outside the 6ational Capital Region 'hich comprise one or more legislative districts shall be filed 'ith the city election registrar concerned1 "c$ .he certificate of candidacy for provincial offices shall be filed 'ith the provincial supervisor concerned1 and "d$ .he certificate of candidacy for city or municipal offices shall be filed 'ith the city or municipal election registrar concerned. @henever practicable( the names of registered candidates for local positions shall be printed in the election returns: Provided( .hat( if a candidate has been dis3ualified or declared a nuisance candidate( it shall be the duty of the Commission to instruct 'ithout delay the appropriate election officials to delete the name of said candidate as printed in the election return. .he certificate of candidacy shall be filed by the candidate personally or by his duly authori!ed representative. 6o certificate of candidacy shall be filed or accepted by mail( telegram or facsimile. 'ection 1. Precincts and their &stablishment. - 5ny provision of la' to the contrary not'ithstanding( 'here it is not practicable to divide the precinct by territory( the Commission may ad4ust or split the precinct by assigning the registered voters therein alphabetically and e3uitably among the ad4usted or split precincts: Provided( .hat( the polling places of said precincts shall be in the same building or premises. 'ection 9. Registration of )oters. - .here shall be a registration of voters on the fifteenth Saturday before the day of the election for voters 'ho 'ill reach the age of eighteen ",A$ years on or before the day of the election or for those 'ho are 3ualified but not registered in

the list of voters. Ho'ever( the Commission may designate an additional date of registration in certain areas to ensure that voters therein are not deprived of their right of suffrage. Before ad4ourning on registration day( the board of election inspectors shall close the list of voters by affi/ing their signatures in the space immediately after the last name1 number consecutively the names of the voters listed therein and authenticate the list of voters by affi/ing their signatures on each and every page thereof. .he board of election inspectors shall post( on the 'all outside the room 'here the registration 'as conducted( the list of voters in each precinct beginning on the first 'orBing day after registration day until election day. 2ailure to post said list shall constitute an election offense punishable under Section *0# and *0+ of the >mnibus &lection Code. @hen there is a significant number of inclusions( e/clusions and corrections in the list of voters in a precinct( the 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 maBing 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 'hich issued the same1 other'ise( the board shall not meet but such inclusions( e/clusions and corrections( if any( shall be made in the list of voters before the voting starts on election day. 'ection 12. 5nnulment of the 8ist of )oters. - 5ny booB of voters the preparation of 'hich has been affected 'ith fraud( bribery( forgery( impersonation( intimidation( force or any other similar irregularity or 'hich is statistically improbable may be annulled( after due notice of a verified complaint: Provided( .hat( no order( ruling or decision annulling a booB of voters shall be e/ecuted 'ithin si/ty "0:$ days before an election.

'ection 11. )oting Booth. - 5ny provision of la' to the contrary not'ithstanding( there shall be in each polling place at least ten ",:$ voting booths of such si!e( specifications and materials as the Commission may provide to enable the voters to fill out their ballots secretly. 'ection 12. 5bsentee )oting. - 5bsentee voting as provided for in &/ecutive >rder 6o. ,;= dated March #:( ,-A= shall apply to the elections for President( )ice-President and Senators only and shall be limited to members of the 5rmed 2orces of the Philippines and the Philippine 6ational Police and other government officers and employees 'ho are duly registered voters and 'ho( on election day( may temporarily be assigned in connection 'ith the performance of election duties to place 'here they are not registered voters. 'ection 1.. 5uthori!ed &/penses of Candidates and Political Parties. - .he agreement amount that a candidate or registered political party may spend for election campaign shall be as follo's: "a$ 2or candidates. - .en pesos "P,:.::$ for President and )icePresident1 and for other candidates .hree Pesos "P#.::$ for every voter currently registered in the constituency 'here he filed his certificate of candidacy: Provided( .hat a candidate 'ithout any political party and 'ithout support from any political party may be allo'ed to spend 2ive Pesos "P;.::$ for every such voter1 and "b$ 2or political parties. - 2ive pesos "P;.::$ for every voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies 'here it has official candidates. 5ny provision of la' to the contrary not'ithstanding any contribution in cash or in Bind to any candidate or political party or coalition of parties for campaign purposes( duly reported to the Commission shall not be sub4ect to the payment of any gift ta/. 'ection 1/. Statement of Contributions and &/penditures: &ffect of 2ailure to 2ile Statement. - &very candidate and treasurer of the political party shall( 'ithin thirty "#:$ days after the day of the

election( file in duplicate 'ith the offices of the Commission the full( true and itemi!ed statement of all contributions and e/penditures in connection 'ith the election. 6o person elected to any public offices shall enter upon the duties of his office until he has filed the statement of contributions and e/penditures herein re3uired. .he same prohibition shall apply if the political party 'hich nominated the 'inning candidate fails to file the statement re3uired herein 'ithin the period prescribed by this 5ct. &/cept candidates for elective barangay office( failure to file the statements or reports in connection 'ith electoral contributions and e/penditures are re3uired herein shall constitute an administrative offense for 'hich the offenders shall be liable to pay an administrative fine ranging from >ne thousand pesos "P,(:::.::$ to .hirty thousand pesos "P#:(:::.::$( in the discretion of the Commission. .he fine shall be paid 'ithin thirty "#:$ days from receipt of notice of such failure1 other'ise( it shall be enforceable by a 'rit of e/ecution issued by the Commission against the properties of the offender. t shall be the duty of every city or municipal election registrar to advise in 'riting( by personal delivery or registered mail( 'ithin five ";$ days from the date of election all candidates residing in his 4urisdiction to comply 'ith their obligation to file their statements of contributions and e/penditures. 2or the commission of a second or subse3uent offense under this section( the administrative fine shall be from .'o thousand pesos "P*(:::.::$ to Si/ty thousand pesos "P0:(:::.::$( in the discretion of the Commission. n addition( the offender shall be sub4ect to perpetual dis3ualification to hold public office. 'ection 10. Pre-proclamation Cases 6ot 5llo'ed in &lections for President )ice-President( Senator( and Member of the House of Representatives. - 2or purposes of the elections for President( )icePresident( Senator and Member of the House of Representatives( no

pre-proclamation cases shall be allo'ed on matters relating to the preparation( transmission( receipt( custody and appreciation of the election returns or the certificates of canvass( as the case may be. Ho'ever( this does not preclude the authority of the appropriate canvassing body motu propio or upon 'ritten complaint of an interested person to correct manifest errors in the certificate of canvass or election returns before it. Cuestions affecting the composition or proceedings of the board of canvassers may be initiated in the board or directly 'ith the Commission in accordance 'ith Section ,- hereof. 5ny ob4ection on the election returns before the city or municipal board of canvassers( or on the municipal certificates of canvass before the provincial board of canvassers or district boards of canvassers in Metro Manila 5rea( shall be specifically noticed in the minutes of their respective proceedings. 'ection 16. Pre-proclamation Cases nvolving Provincial( City and Municipal >ffices. - Pre-proclamation cases involving provincial( city and municipal offices shall be allo'ed and shall be governed by Sections ,=( ,A( ,-( *:( *, and ** hereof. 5ll pre-proclamation cases pending before the Commission shall be deemed terminated at the beginning of the term of the office involved and the rulings of the boards of canvassers concerned shall be deemed affirmed( 'ithout pre4udice to the filing of a regular election protest by the aggrieved party. Ho'ever( proceedings may continue 'hen on the basis of the evidence thus far presented( the Commission determined that the petition appears meritorious and accordingly issues an order for the proceeding to continue or 'hen an appropriate order has been issued by the Supreme Court in a petition for certiorari. 'ection 17. Pre-proclamation Controversies: Ho' Commenced. Cuestions affecting the composition or proceedings of the board of canvassers may be initiated in the board or directly 'ith the

Commission. Ho'ever( matters raised under Sections *##( *#+( *#; and *#0 of the >mnibus &lection Code in relation to the preparation( transmission( receipt( custody and appreciation of the election returns( and the certificates of canvass shall be brought in the first instance before the board of canvassers only. 'ection 11. Summary %isposition of Pre-proclamation Controversies. - 5ll pre-proclamation controversies on election returns or certificates of canvass shall( on the basis of the records and evidence elevated to it by the board of canvassers( be disposed of summarily by the Commission 'ithin seven "=$ days from receipt thereof. ts decisions shall be e/ecutory after the lapse of seven "=$ days for receipts by the losing party of the decision of the Commission. 'ection 19. Consented Composition or Proceedings of the Board: Period to 5ppeal: %ecision by the Commission.- Parties adversely affected by a ruling of the board of canvassers on 3uestions affecting the composition or proceedings of the board may appeal the matter to the Commission 'ithin three "#$ days from a ruling thereon. .he Commission shall summarily decided the case 'ithin five ";$ days from the filing thereof. 'ection 22. Procedure in %isposition of Contested &lection Returns. "a$ 5ny candidate( political party or coalition of political parties contesting the inclusion or e/clusion in the canvass of any election returns on any of the grounds authori!ed under 5rticle DD or Sections *#+( *#; and *#0 of 5rticle D D of the >mnibus &lection Code shall submit their oral ob4ection to the chairman of the board of canvassers at the time the 3uestioned return is presented for inclusion in the canvass. Such ob4ection shall be recorded in the minutes of the canvass. "b$ ?pon receipts of any such ob4ection( the board of canvassers shall automatically defer the canvass of the contested returns

and shall proceed to canvass the returns 'hich are not contested by any party. "c$ Simultaneous 'ith the oral ob4ection( the ob4ecting party shall also enter his ob4ection in the form for 'ritten ob4ections to be prescribed by the Commission. @ithin t'enty-four "*+$ hours from and after the presentation of such an ob4ection( the ob4ecting party shall submit the evidence in support of the ob4ection( 'hich shall be attached to the form for 'ritten ob4ections. @ithin the same period of t'enty-four "*+$ hours after presentation of the ob4ection( any party may file a 'ritten and verified opposition to the ob4ection in the form also to be prescribed by the Commission( attaching thereto supporting evidence( if any. .he board shall not entertain any ob4ection or opposition unless reduced to 'riting in the prescribed forms. .he evidence attached to the ob4ection or opposition( submitted by the parties( shall be immediately and formally admitted into the records of the board by the chairman affi/ing his signature at the bacB of each every page thereof. "d$ ?pon receipt of the evidence( the board shall Beep up the contested returns( consider the 'ritten ob4ections thereto and opposition( if any( and summarily and immediately rules thereon. .he board shall enter its ruling on the prescribed form and authenticate the same by the signatures of its members. "e$ 5ny part adversely affected by the ruling of the board shall immediately inform the board if he intends to appeal said ruling. .he board shall enter said information in the minutes of the canvass( set aside the returns and proceed to consider the other returns. "f$ 5fter all the uncontested returns have been canvassed and the contested return ruled upon by it( the board shall suspend the canvass. @ithin forty-eight "+A$ hours( therefrom( any party adversely affected by the ruling may file 'ith the board a 'ritten

and verified notice of appeal1 and 'ithin an une/tendible period of five ";$ days thereafter an appeal may be taBen to the Commission. "g$ mmediately upon receipt of the notice of appeal( the board shall maBe an appropriate report to the Commission( elevating there'ith the complete records and evidence submitted in the canvass( and furnishing the parties 'ith copies of the report. "h$ >n the basis of the record and evidence elevate to it by the board( the Commission shall decide summarily the appeal 'ithin seven "=$ days from receipt of said record and evidence. 5ny appeal brought before the Commission on the ruling of the board( 'ithout the accomplished forms and the evidence appended thereto( shall be summarily dismissed. .he decision of the Commission shall be e/ecutory after the lapse of seven "=$ days from receipts thereof by the losing party. "i$ .he board of canvassers shall not proclaim any candidate as 'inner unless authori!ed by the Commission after the latter has ruled on the ob4ect brought to it on appeal by the losing party. 5ny proclamation made in violation hereof shall be void ab initio( unless the contested returns 'ill not adversely affect the results of the election. 'ection 21. Partial Proclamation. - 6ot'ithstanding the pendency of any pre-proclamation controversy( the Commission may summarily order the proclamation of other 'inning candidates 'hose election 'ill not be affected by the outcome of the controversy. 'ection 22. &lection Contests for Municipal >ffices. - 5ll election contests involving municipal offices filed 'ith the Regional .rial Court shall be decided e/peditiously. .he decision may be appealed to the Commission 'ithin five ";$ days from promulgation or receipt of a copy thereof by the aggrieved party. .he Commission shall decide the appeal 'ithin si/ty "0:$ days after it is submitted for decision( but not

later than si/ "0$ months after the filing of the appeal( 'hich decision shall be final( unappealable and e/ecutory. 'ection 2.. >fficials Ballots. "a$ Ballots for national and local elections( regular or special( plebiscites and referenda( shall be of uniform si!e and shall be prescribed by the Commission. .hey shall be printed in blacB inB on 'hich security paper 'ith distinctive( clear and legible 'atermarBs that 'ill readily distinguish it from ordinary paper. &ach ballot shall be in the shape of a strip 'ith stub and detachable coupon containing the serial number of the ballot( and a space for the thumbmarB of the voter on the detachable coupon. t shall bear at the top of the voter on the detachable coupon. t shall bear at the top of the middle portion thereof the coat-of-arms of the Republic of the Philippines( the 'ord E>fficial Ballot(E the name of the city or the municipality and province in 'hich the election is to be held( the date of the election( and the follo'ing notice in &nglish: E2ill out this ballot secretly inside the voting booth. %o not put any distinct marB on any part of this ballot.E "b$ .he official ballot shall also contain the names of all the officer to be voted for in the election( allo'ing opposite the name of each office( sufficient space of spaces 'ith hori!ontal lines 'here the voter may 'rite the name or names of individual candidates voted for by him. "c$ .here shall not be anything printed or 'ritten on the bacB of the ballot e/cept as provided in Section *+ of this 5ct. "d$ >fficial ballot for cities and municipalities 'here 5rabic is of general use shall have each of the titles of the offices to be voted for printed in 5rabic in addition to and immediately belo' the &nglish title. "e$ 6ot'ithstanding the preceding provisions( the Commission is hereby authori!ed to prescribe a different form of official ballot

on the same 'atermarBed security paper to facilitate voting by illiterate voter only and to use or adopt the latest technological and electronic devices in connection there'ith as provided under Section ;*"i$ of the >mnibus &lection Code. 'ection 2/. Signature of Chairman at the BacB of &very Ballot. - n every case before delivering an official ballot to the voter( the chairman of the board of election inspectors shall( in the presence of the voter( affi/ his signature at the bacB thereof. 2ailure to so authenticate shall be noted in the minutes of the board of election inspectors and shall constitute an election offense punishable under Section *0# and *0+ of the >mnibus &lection Code. 'ection 20. Manner of Counting )otes. - n addition to the re3uirement in the fourth paragraph of Section ,* of Republic 5ct 6o. 00+0 ad Section *,: of the >mnibus &lection Code( in reading the individual official ballots during the counting( the chairman( the poll clerB and the third member shall assume such positions as to provide the 'atchers and the members of the public as may be conveniently accommodated in the polling place( an unimpeded vie' of the ballot being read by the chairman( of the election return and the tally board being simultaneously accomplished by the poll clerB and the third member respectively( 'ithout touching any of these election documents. .he table shall be cleared of all unnecessary 'riting paraphernalia. 5ny violation of this re3uirement shall constitute an election offense punishable under Sections *0# and *0+ of the >mnibus &lection Code. 'ection 26. >fficial @atchers. - &very registered political party or coalition of political parties( and every candidate shall each be entitled to one 'atcher in every polling place and canvassing center: Provided( .hat( candidates for the Sangguniang Panlala'igan( Sangguniang Panlungsod( or Sangguniang Bayan belonging to the same slate or ticBet shall collectively be entitled to only one 'atcher.

.here shall also be recogni!ed si/ "0$ principal 'atchers( representing the si/ "0$ accredited ma4or political parties( 'ho shall be designated by the Commission upon nomination of the said parties. .hese political parties shall be determined by the Commission upon notice and hearing on the basis of the follo'ing circumstances: "a$ .he established record of the said parties( coalition of groups that no' composed them( taBing into account( among other things( their sho'ing in past elections1 "b$ .he number of incumbent elective officials belonging to them ninety "-:$ days before the date of election1 "c$ .heir identifiable political organi!ations and strengths as evidenced by their organi!edFchapters1 "d$ .he ability to fill a complete slate of candidates from the municipal level to the position of President1 and "e$ >ther analogous circumstances that may determine their relative organi!ations and strengths. 'ection 27. 6umber of Copies of &lection Returns and their %istribution. - .he board of election inspectors shall prepare in hand'riting the election returns in their respective polling places( in the number of copies herein provided and in the form to be prescribed and provided by the Commission. .he copies of the election returns shall be distributed as follo's: "a$ n the election of President( )ice-President( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives: ",$ .he first copy shall be delivered to the city or municipal board of canvassers1 "*$ .he second copy to the Congress( directed to the President of the Senate1 "#$ .he third copy( to the Commission1 "+$ .he fourth copy( to the provincial board of canvassers1

";$ .he fifth copy( to be Bno'n as advance election returns( shall be delivered to the city or municipal treasurer 'ho( in the presence of the election registrar or his authori!ed representative( shall immediately and publicly open the same and post the votes therein in an election tally board sufficiently large to enable the public to read them( built on the public place preferably 'ithin the immediate vicinity of the city hall or municipal building. "0$ .he si/th copy shall be given to the city or municipal trial court 4udge or in his absence to any official 'ho may be designated by the Commission. .he city or municipal trial court 4udge or the official designated by the Commission shall Beep his copies of the election returns( sealed and unopened. Said copy may be opened only during the canvass upon order of the board of canvassers for purposes of comparison 'ith other copies of the returns 'hose authenticity is in 3uestion1 and "=$ .he seventh copy shall be deposited inside the compartment of the ballot bo/ for valid ballots1 and "b$ n the election of local officials: ",$ .he first copy shall be delivered to the city or municipal board of canvassers1 "*$ .he second copy( to the Commission1 "#$ .he third copy( to the provincial board of canvassers1 "+$ .he fourth copy( to be Bno'n as advance election returns( shall be delivered to the city or municipal treasurer 'ho( in the presence of the election registrar or his authori!ed representative( shall immediately and publicly open the same and post the votes therein in an election tally board sufficiently large to enable the public to read them( built on a public place preferably 'ithin the immediate vicinity of the city hall or municipal building1

";$ .he fifth copy shall be given to the city or municipal trial court 4udge or in his absence( to any official 'ho may be designated by the Commission. .he city or municipal trial court 4udge or the official designated by the Commission shall Beep his copies of the election returns( sealed and unopened. Said copy may be opened only during the canvass upon order of the board of canvassers for purposes of comparison 'ith other copies of the returns 'hose authenticity is in 3uestion1 and "0$ .he si/th copy shall be deposited inside the compartment of the ballot bo/ for valid ballots. 'ection 21. Canvassing by Provincial City( %istrict and Municipal Board of Canvassers. "a$ .he city or municipal board of canvassers shall canvass the election returns of President( )ice-President( Senator and Members of the House of Representatives and for elective provincial and city or municipal officials. ?pon completion of the canvass( it shall prepare the certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial officials and thereafter( proclaim the elected city or municipal officials( as the case may be. "b$ .he city board of canvassers of cities comprising one or more legislative districts shall canvass the election returns for President( )ice-President( Senators( Members of the House of Representatives and elective city officials. ?pon completion of the canvass( the board shall prepare the certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President( and Senators and thereafter( proclaim the elected Members of the House of Representatives and city officials. "c$ ",$ n the Metro Manila 5rea each municipality comprising a legislative district shall have a district board of canvassers 'hich

shall canvass the election returns for President( )ice-President( Senators( Members of the House of Representatives and elective municipal officials. ?pon completion of the canvass( it shall prepare the certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President( and Senators and thereafter( proclaim the elected Member of the House of Representatives and municipal officials. "*$ &ach component municipal in a legislative district in the Metro Manila 5rea shall have a municipal board of canvassers 'hich shall canvass the election returns for President( )icePresident( Senators( Members of the House of Representatives and elective municipal officials. ?pon completion of the canvass( each shall prepare the certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives and thereafter( proclaim the elected municipal officials. "#$ .he district board of canvassers of each legislative district comprising t'o "*$ municipalities in the Metro Manila 5rea shall canvass the certificate of canvass for President( )icePresident( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives submitted by the municipal board of canvassers of the component municipalities. ?pon completion of the canvass( it shall prepare a certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President and Senators and thereafter( proclaim the elected Member of the House of Representatives in the legislative district. "d$ .he provincial board of canvassers shall canvass the certificates of canvass for President( )ice-President( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial officials as 'ell as plebiscite results( if any plebiscite is conducted simultaneously 'ith the same election( as submitted by the board of canvassers of municipalities and component cities. ?pon completion of the canvass( it shall prepare the certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President and Senators and

thereafter( proclaim the elected Member of the House of Representatives and provincial officials as 'ell as the plebiscite results( if any. 'ection 29. 6umber of Copies of Certificates of Canvass and their %istribution. "a$ .he certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial officials shall be prepared in seven "=$ copies by the city or municipal board of canvassers and distributed as follo's: ",$ .he first copy shall be delivered to the provincial board of canvassers for use in the canvass of election results for President( )ice-President( Senators and Members of the House of Representatives and elective provincial officials1 "*$ .he second copy shall be sent to the Commission1 "#$ .he third copy shall be Bept by the chairman of the board1 "+$ .he fourth copy shall be given to the citi!ens arm designated by the Commission to conduct a media-based unofficial count1 and ";$ .he fifth( si/th and seventh copies shall be given to the representatives of three "#$ of the si/ "0$ ma4or political parties in accordance 'ith the voluntary agreement of the parties. f no such agreement is reached( the Commission shall decide 'hich parties shall receive the copies of the certificate of canvass on the basis of the criteria provided in Section *0 hereof. .he parties receiving the certificates shall have the obligation to furnish the other parties 'ith authentic copies thereof 'ith the least possible delay. "b$ .he certificate of canvass for President( )ice-President( Senators shall be prepared in seven "=$ copies by the city boards

of canvassers of cities comprising one or more legislative districts( by provincial boards of canvassers and by district boards of canvassers in the Metro Manila 5rea( and distributed as follo's: ",$ .he first copy shall be sent to the Congress( directed to the President of the Senate for use in the canvass of election results for President and )ice-President1 "*$ .he second copy shall be sent to the Commission for use in the canvass of the election results for Senators1 "#$ .he third copy shall be Bept by the chairman of the board1 "+$ .he fourth copy shall be given to the citi!ens arm designated by the Commission to conduct a media-based unofficial count1 and ";$ .he fifth( si/th and seventh copies of the certificate of canvass shall be given to any three "#$ of the si/ "0$ accredited ma4or political parties in accordance 'ith the voluntary agreement of the parties. f no such agreement is reached( the Commission shall decide 'hich parties shall receive the copies of the certificate of canvass on the basis of the criteria provided in Section *0 hereof. .he parties receiving the certificates shall have the obligation to furnish the other parties 'ith authentic copies thereof 'ith the least possible delay. "c$ .he certificate of canvass prepared by the city of municipal boards of canvassers shall each be supported by a statement of votes by precinct( signed and thumbmarBed by the chairman and members of the board( and the principal 'atchers if available. .hereafter( it shall be sealed and placed inside an envelope 'hich shall liBe'ise be properly sealed. n the Metro Manila 5rea( the certificates of canvass prepared by a district board of canvassers of a legislative district comprising one ",$

municipality shall be supported by a statement of votes by precinct. .he certificate of canvass prepared by a district board of canvassers of a legislative district comprising t'o "*$ municipalities shall be supported by a statement of votes by municipality. .he certificate of canvass prepared by the provincial board of canvassers shall be supported by a statement of votes by municipality( and the original copy thereof for the Congress shall( in addition( be supported by statement of votes by precinct as submitted to the provincial board of canvassers by the city or municipal boards of canvassers. .he same re3uirement shall apply in the case of the certificate of canvass of a district board of canvassers of a legislative district comprising t'o "*$ municipalities in Metro Manila 5rea. 'ection .2. Congress as the 6ational Board of Canvassers for the &lection of President and )ice-President: %etermination of 5uthenticity and %ue &/ecution of Certificates of Canvass. - Congress shall determine the authenticity and due e/ecution of the certificate of canvass for President and )ice-President as accomplished and transmitted to it by the local boards of canvassers( on a sho'ing that: ",$ each certificate of canvass 'as e/ecuted( signed and thumbmarBed by the chairman and members of the board of canvassers and transmitted or caused to be transmitted to Congress by them1 "*$ each certificate of canvass contains the names of all of the candidates for President and )ice-President and their corresponding votes in 'ords and in figures1 and "#$ there e/ists no discrepancy in other authentic copies of the certificate of canvass or discrepancy in the votes of any candidate in 'ords and figures in the certificate. @hen the certificate of canvass( duly certified by the board of canvassers of each province( city or district( appears to be incomplete( the Senate President shall re3uire the board of canvassers concerned to transmit by personal delivery( the election returns from polling places that 'ere not included in the certificate of canvass and

supporting statements. Said election returns shall be submitted by personal delivery 'ithin t'o "*$ days from receipt of notice. @hen it appears that any certificate of canvass or supporting statement of votes by precinct bears erasures or alterations 'hich may cast doubt as to the veracity of the number of votes stated therein and may affect the result of the election( upon re3uest of the Presidential or )ice-Presidential candidate concerned or his party( Congress shall( for the sole purpose of verifying the actual number of votes cast for President and )ice-President( count the votes as they appear in the copies of the election returns submitted to it. 'ection .1. Per %iems of &lection nspectors and >ther >fficials. .he members of the board of election inspectors shall be paid a per diem of .'o hundred pesos "P*::.::$ each for services on registration and revision days and 2our hundred pesos "P+::.::$ each on the day of the election. Provincial( city and municipal treasurers( administrators and supervisors of the %epartment of &ducation( Culture and Sports assigned by the Commission to perform election duty shall receive a per diem of 2our hundred pesos "P+::.::$ each on election day. Said per diem shall be paid by the cashier or other finance officer of the %epartment of &ducation( Culture and Sports or of the Commission 'ithin fifteen ",;$ days after registration( revision and election days( respectively. .here being funds actually available( any delay in said payments to any of the above mentioned personnel 'ithout 4ustifiable reason shall constitute an election offense and all officials and other personnel responsible therefor( directly or indirectly( shall be liable under Sections *0# and *0+ of the >mnibus &lection Code. 'ection .2. @ho May Bear 2irearms. - %uring the election period( no person shall bear( carry or transport firearms or other deadly 'eapons in public places( including any building( street( parB( private vehicle or public conveyance( even if licensed to possess or carry the same(

unless authori!ed in 'riting by the Commission. .he issuance of firearms licenses shall be suspended during the election period. >nly regular members or officers of the Philippine 6ational Police( the 5rmed 2orces of the Philippines and other enforcement agencies of the <overnment 'ho are duly deputi!ed in 'riting by the Commission for election duty may be authori!ed to carry and possess firearms during the election period: Provided( .hat( 'hen in the possession of firearms( the deputi!ed la' enforcement officer must be: "a$ in full uniform sho'ing clearly and legibly his name( ranB and serial number 'hich shall remain visible at all times1 and "b$ in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission. 'ection ... Security Personnel and Bodyguards. - %uring the election period( no candidate for public office( including incumbent public officers seeBing election to any public office( shall employ( avail himself of or engage the services of security personnel or bodyguards( 'hether or not such bodyguards are regular members or officers of the Philippine 6ational Police( the 5rmed 2orces of the Philippines or other la' enforcement agency of the <overnment: Provided( .hat( 'hen circumstances 'arrant( including but not limited to threats to life and security of a candidate( he may be assigned by the Commission( upon due application( regular members of the Philippine 6ational Police( the 5rmed 2orces of the Philippines or other la' enforcement agency 'ho shall provide him security for the duration of the election period. .he officers assigned for security duty to a candidate shall be sub4ect to the same re3uirement as to 'earing of uniforms prescribed in the immediately preceding section unless e/empted in 'riting by the Commission. f at any time during the election period( the ground for 'hich the authority to engage the services of security personnel has been granted shall cease to e/ist of for any other valid cause( the Commission shall revoBe the said authority.

'ection ./. %isposition of 2irearms. - .he firearms of other deadly 'eapon found in the possession of person prosecuted for the election offense shall be disposed of according to e/isting la's. 'ection .0. Rules and Regulations. - .he Commission shall issue rules and regulations to implement this 5ct. Said rules shall be published in at least t'o "*$ national ne'spapers of general circulation. 'ection .6. <overning 8a's. - .he elections provided herein and all subse3uent elections and plebiscite shall be governed by this 5ct( by the provisions of the >mnibus &lection Code( Republic 5ct 6o. 00+0 and other election la's not inconsistent here'ith. 'ection .7. 5ppropriation. - .he amount of >ne billion pesos "P,(:::(:::(:::.::$ is hereby appropriated out of any savings or une/pected balance in the 6ational .reasury not other'ise appropriated to cover the costs of holding the May ,,( ,--* elections. Hereafter( the amounts necessary to fund subse3uent elections shall be included in the <eneral 5ppropriations 5ct for the corresponding fiscal year. 5ny provision of la' to the contrary not'ithstanding( and for purposes of the May ,,( ,--* elections only( the chairman and members of the board of election inspectors shall each be paid a per diem of 2our hundred pesos "P+::.::$ on election day. .he Commission may provide ha!ard pay( 'hen 'arranted( incentive and merit a'ards to members of the boards of election inspectors( board of canvassers and personnel of the Commission and its deputi!ed agencies. 'ection .1. Separability Clause. - f any provisions or party of this 5ct is declared unconstitutional such declaration of unconstitutionality 'ill not affect the other provisions of this 5ct. 'ection .9. 5mending and Repealing Clause. - Section ,:=( ,:A and *+; of the >mnibus &lection Code are hereby repealed. 8iBe'ise( the inclusion in Section *0* of the >mnibus &lection Code of the

violations of Sections ,:;( ,:0( ,:=( ,:A( ,:-( ,,:( ,,, and ,,* as among election offenses is also hereby repealed. .his repeal shall have retroactive effect. Batas Pambansa Blg. AA,( Republic 5ct 6o. 00+0( &/ecutive >rder 6os. ,++ and ,;= and all other la's( orders( decrees( rules and regulations or other issuances( or any part thereof( inconsistent 'ith the provisions of this 5ct are hereby amended or repealed accordingly. 'ection /2. &ffectivity Clause. - .his 5ct shall taBe effect upon its publication in full in at least t'o "*$ national ne'spapers of general circulation. 5pproved: 6ovember *0( ,--,