The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill declaring election day as a regular non-working holiday. With 223 votes in favor, none against, and one abstention, the chamber passed House Bill No. 8392, which seeks to make not only national elections but also plebiscites, referendums, people's initiatives, recall elections, and special elections as regular non-working holidays.
Purpose of the Bill
According to Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos III, the measure aims to give Filipinos the opportunity to vote without sacrificing their income or work. Currently, election day is typically declared a special non-working holiday to allow citizens to cast their ballots.
Scope of the Holiday
The bill covers all types of electoral exercises, including national and local elections, plebiscites, referendums, people's initiatives, recall elections, and special elections. This ensures that voters have ample time to participate in the democratic process without worrying about lost wages or employment consequences.
The passage of this bill is seen as a significant step towards increasing voter turnout and making elections more accessible to all Filipinos. The measure now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.
