Republic of the Philippines HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Quezon City FOURTEENTH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE BILL No.

3 !" #$ile% %e&e'(er !)* !!+, Intro%u&e% (- Re.resentati/es Ana T0eresia 1Risa2 Honti/eros3Bara4uel* 5aria Isa(elle G. Cli'a&o* Re6 Gat&0alian an% Ru$us B. Ro%rigue7

E8PLANATOR9 NOTE After almost 5 years since the passage in 13 February 2003 of RA 1! " or the #$erseas Absentee %oting Act of 2003" an& after its implementation in the t'o elections of 200( an& 200)" the nee& for amen&ments to the la' is clear* +hen it 'as passe&" it 'as a lan&mar, piece of legislation that implemente&" albeit belate&ly" the constitutional pro$ision in -ection 2" Article %" that .Congress shall pro$i&e*** a system for absentee $oting by /ualifie& Filipinos abroa&*0 An& it 'as rightfully 'elcome& by our millions of countrymen1'omen resi&ing an& 'or,ing abroa& 'ho campaigne& har& for the passage of the la'" after ha$ing 'aite& for 2) years* 2hey coul& finally $ote in national elections" an& thereby &irectly participate in the selection of our national lea&ers" 3ust li,e other Filipino citizens resi&ing in the country* 2here 'as much enthusiasm among our brothers an& sisters abroa& in the first implementation of the la' in the 200( elections" an& many of them acti$ely participate& in the con&uct an& a&ministration of the registration" $oting an& counting processes abroa&* 2his enthusiasm 'as reflecte& in a 455 turnout of $oters" or 233"0 2" from the more than 345"000 'ho registere&* +hile the turnout 'as high" ho'e$er" the number of registrants 'as lo'er than e6pecte&* 2his 'as alrea&y an in&ication of some problems" not only in implementation but also in the la' itself* 7n sharp contrast to the 200( $oter turnout" that of 200) 'as a &ismal 14*215" or a mere !1")32 $oters* Registration 'as higher at 503"! 4" an& this 'as ascribable to the 405 &eparting o$erseas Filipino 'or,ers 'ho registere& at the 8inoy A/uino 7nternational Airport or at the Philippine #$erseas 9mployment A&ministration* #ne of the reasons gi$en for the lo' $oter turnout in post:election assessments ma&e by the Commission on 9lections" the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs" an& ci$il society organizations an& a&$ocates of electoral reforms 'as that it 'as a mi&:term election an& there 'as less interest among our o$erseas $oters to $ote because the 200) elections 'as not a presi&ential one* 2his may be so" but the statistics an& the assessments also highlight the nee& for reme&ial amen&atory legislation" especially in the areas of &is/ualifications of $oters" registration" an& $oting* Problems of implementation coul& be a&&resse& a&ministrati$ely by the Comelec an& the ;FA* 7t is in this conte6t an& in the light of the nee& for amen&ments that this bill is put for'ar& so that by the ne6t national electoral e6ercise" more of our brothers an& sisters abroa& can e6ercise their uni$ersal right of suffrage* Re.. ANA THERESIA HONTIVEROS3BARA:UEL A;(a-an Party:<ist Re.. RE8 GATCHALIAN 1st ;istrict" %alenzuela City

Re.. 5ARIA ISABELLE G. CLI5ACO 1st ;istrict" =amboanga City

Re.. RUFUS B. RO<RIGUE= 2n& ;istrict" Cagayan &e #ro City

Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City FOURTEENTH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE BILL No. 3 !" Intro%u&e% (- Re.resentati/es Ana T0eresia 1Risa2 Honti/eros3Bara4uel* 5aria Isa(elle G. Cli'a&o* Re6 Gat&0alian an% Ru$us B. Ro%rigue7

AN ACT TO A5EN< REPUBLIC ACT NO. ">?" OTHER@ISE ANO@N AS 1THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT OF !!32 Be it ena&te% (- t0e House o$ Re.resentati/es an% t0e Senate o$ t0e P0ili..ines in Congress asse'(le%B SECTION >* -ection 3 of Republic Act 8o* 1! " other'ise ,no'n as .2he #$erseas Absentee %oting Act of 20030 is hereby amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C* 3* <e$inition o$ Ter's* ? For purposes of this Act> a@ .OVERSEAS Absentee %oting0 refers to the process by 'hich /ualifie& citizens of the Philippines abroa& e6ercise their right to $oteA b@ .Commission0 refers to the Commission on 9lectionsA c@ .Certifie& <ist of #$erseas Absentee %oters0 refers to the list of registere& o$erseas absentee $oters 'hose applications to $ote in absentia ha$e been appro$e& by the Commission" sai& list to be prepare& by the Committee on Absentee %oting of the Commission" on a country:by:country AN< POST B9 POST basis* 2he list shall be appro$e& by the Commission in an en (an& resolutionA &@ .;ay of 9lection0 refers to the actual &ate of elections in the Philippines e@ .8ational Registry of Absentee %oters0 refers to the consoli&ate& list prepare&" appro$e& an& maintaine& by the Commission" of o$erseas absentee $oters 'hose applications for registration as absentee $oters" inclu&ing those Cregistere& $oters 'ho ha$e applie& to be certifie& as absentee $oters" inclu&ing thoseD registere& $oters UN<ER REPUBLIC ACT ?>?"" 'ho ha$e applie& to be certifie& as absentee $oters" ha$e been appro$e& by the RESI<ENT 9lection Registration Boar&* IT SHALL IN<ICATE THE POST @HERE THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER IS REGISTERE<E

f@ 1#$erseas Absentee %oter0 refers to a citizen of the Philippines 'ho is /ualifie& to register an& $ote un&er this Act" not other'ise &is/ualifie& by la'" 'ho is abroa& on the &ay of electionsA G, 1CO55ITTEE ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING #COAV,2 REFERS TO THE CO55ITTEE OF THE CO55ISSION TASAE< TO OVERSEE AN< SUPERVISE THE EFFECTIVE I5PLE5ENTATION OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING LA@E 1<FA OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING SECRETARIAT #<FA3OAVS,2 REFERS TO THE SECRETARIAT BASE< AT THE <EPART5ENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS #<FA, HO5E OFFICE TASAE< TO <IRECT* COOR<INATE AN< OVERSEE THE <EPART5ENTFS PARTICIPATION IN THE I5PLE5ENTATION OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING LA@ #OAVL,E 1FIEL< REGISTRATION2 REFERS TO THE CON<UCT OF REGISTRATION AT PRE3<ETER5INE< LOCATION* OUTSI<E THE POSTS FOR A LI5ITE< PERIO< UPON FAVORABLE RECO55EN<ATION OF THE <FA3OAVS AN< APPROVAL OF THE COAV BASE< ON THE GUI<ELINES PRESCRIBE< B9 THE CO55ISSIONE 15OBILE REGISTRATION2 REFERS TO THE CON<UCT OF REGISTRATION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS OUTSI<E THE POSTS AN< @HICH SHALL BE UN<ERTAAEN AS PART OF THE POSTSF 5OBILE CONSULAR AN< OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO FILIPINOS @ITHIN THEIR GURIS<ICTIONE 15UNICIPALHCIT9H<ISTRICT REGISTR9 OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS #ROAV,2 REFERS TO THE CONSOLI<ATE< LIST PREPARE<* APPROVE< AN< 5AINTAINE< B9 THE CO55ISSION* FOR EVER9 5UNICIPALHCIT9H<ISTRICT* OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS @HOSE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS SUCH* INCLU<ING THOSE REGISTERE< VOTERS UN<ER REPUBLIC ACT NO. ?>?"* @HO APPLIE< FOR CERTIFICATION AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS* HAVE BEEN APPROVE< B9 THE ELECTION REGISTRATION BOAR<E 1POSTS2 SHALL REFER TO THE PHILIPPINE E5BASSIES* CONSULATES* FOREIGN SERVICE ESTABLISH5ENTS AN< OTHER PHILIPPINE GOVERN5ENT AGENCIES 5AINTAINING OFFICES ABROA< HAVING GURIS<ICTION OVER THE PLACES @HERE THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS TE5PORARIL9 RESI<EE 1RESI<ENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOAR< #RERB,2 SHALL REFER TO THE IN3HOUSE ELECTION REGISTRATION BOAR< OF THE COAV CO5POSE< OF THREE #3, RANAING OFFICIALS OF THE CO55ISSION* THE 5AIN FUNCTIONS OF @HICH ARE TO PROCESS* APPROVE* OR <ISAPPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERE

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1VOTING PERIO<2 REFERS TO A 5A8I5U5 OF THIRT9 #3!, <A9S OF VOTING INCLU<ING THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS* ESTABLISHE< HOLI<A9S IN THE PHILIPPINES AN< SUCH OTHER HOLI<A9S IN THE HOST COUNTRIES.2

!, ISPECIAL BALLOT RECEPTION AN< CUSTO<9 GROUP #SBRCG,F REFERS TO THE GROUP <EPUTI=E< B9 THE CO5ELEC TO RECEIVE AN< TAAE CUSTO<9 OF ALL ACCOUNTABLE AN< NON3 ACCOUNTABLE ELECTION FOR5S* SUPPLIES AN< PARAPHERNALIA SENT B9 THE ICO55ITTEE ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTINGF FOR ISSUANCE TO THE ISPECIAL BOAR<S OF ELECTION INSPECTORS AN< SPECIAL BOAR<S OF CANVASSERS.F P, 1SPECIAL BOAR< OF CANVASSERS #SBOC,F REFERS TO THE BO<9 <EPUTI=E< B9 THE CO5ELEC TO CANVASS THE IOVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ELECTION RETURNSF SUB5ITTE< TO IT B9 THE ISPECIAL BOAR< OF ELECTION INSPECTORS.F :, ISPECIAL BOAR< OF ELECTION INSPECTORS #SBEI,F REFERS TO THE BO<9 <EPUTI=E< B9 THE CO5ELEC TO CON<UCT THE VOTING AN< COUNTING OF VOTES. R, 1SEAFARERS2 REFER TO SHIP OFFICERS AN< RATINGS 5ANNING SHIPS* INCLU<ING OFFSHORE @ORAERS* SERVICE PROVI<ERS AN< FISHER5EN* AS <EFINE< IN THE IREVISE< RULES ON THE ISSUANCE OF SEAFARERFS I<ENTIFICATION AN< RECOR< BOOAF OF THE 5ARITI5E IN<USTR9 AUTHORIT9. SEC. * -ection ( of the same Act is hereby amen&e& as follo's> .-9C* (* Co/erage* ? All citizens of the Philippines abroa&" 'ho are not other'ise &is/ualifie& by la'" at least eighteen C1!@ years of age on the &ay of elections" may $ote for presi&ent" $ice:presi&ent" senators an& party: list representati$es AS @ELL AS IN ALL NATIONAL REFEREN<A AN< PLEBISCITES.2 SEC. 3. -ection 5 of the same Act is hereby amen&e& as follo's> .-9C* 5* <is4uali$i&ations. ? 2he follo'ing shall be &is/ualifie& from $oting un&er this Act> a@ .2hose 'ho ha$e lost their Filipino citizenship in accor&ance 'ith Philippine la'sA b@ .2hose 'ho ha$e e6pressly renounce& their Philippine citizenship an& 'ho ha$e ple&ge& allegiance to a foreign countryA c@ .2hose 'ho ha$e committe& an& are con$icte& in a final 3u&gment by a court or tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one C1@ year" inclu&ing those 'ho ha$e committe& an& been foun& guilty of ;isloyalty as &efine& un&er Article 13) of the Re$ise& Penal Co&e" such &isability not ha$ing been remo$e& by plenary par&on or amnesty> Pro$i&e&" ho'e$er" 2hat any person &is/ualifie& to $ote un&er this subsection shall automatically ac/uire the right to $ote upon e6piration of fi$e C5@ years after ser$ice of

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sentenceA Pro$i&e&" further" 2hat the Commission may ta,e cognizance of final 3u&gments issue& by foreign courts or tribunals only on the basis of reciprocity an& sub3ect to the formalities an& processes prescribe& by the Rules of court on e6ecution of 3u&gmentsA .Any immigrant or a permanent resi&ent 'ho is recognize& as such in the host country" unless he1she e6ecutes" upon registration" an affi&a$it prepare& for the purpose by the Commission &eclaring that he1she shall resume actual physical resi&ence in the Philippines not later than three C3@ years from appro$al of his1her registration un&er this Act* -uch affi&a$it shall also state that he1she has not applie& for citizenship in another country* Failure to return shall be cause for the remo$al of the name of the immigrant or permanent resi&ent from the 8ational Registry of Absentee %oters an& his1her permanent &is/ualification to $ote in absentia*D .Any citizen of the Philippines abroa& pre$iously &eclare& insane or incompetent by competent authority in the Philippines or abroa&" as $erifie& by the Philippine embassies" consulates or Foreign -er$ice establishments concerne&" unless such competent authority subse/uently certifies that such person is no longer insane or incompetent*0

SEC.). -ection 4 of the same Act is hereby amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C* 4* Personal O/erseas A(sentee Registration AN< CERTIFICATION. ? Registration AN< CERTIFICATION as an o$erseas absentee $oter shall be &one in person AT AN9 POST ABROA< OR AT <ESIGNATE< REGISTRATION CENTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES APPROVE< B9 THE CO55ISSION. 1FIEL< AN< 5OBILE REGISTRATION CENTERS SHALL BE SET UP B9 THE POSTS CONCERNE< TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILIT9 B9 THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS. PRE3<EPARTURE REGISTRATION SHALL LIAE@ISE BE CON<UCTE< IN ACCRE<ITE< GOVERN5ENT AGENCIES OR FACILITIES TO BE <ETER5INE< B9 THE CO55ISSION. CQualifie& citizens of the Philippines abroa& 'ho faile& to register un&er Republic Act 8o* !1! " other'ise ,no'n as .2he %oters Registration Act of 1 40" may personally apply for registration 'ith the 9lection Registration Boar& of the city or municipality 'here they 'ere &omicile& imme&iately prior to their &eparture from the Philippines" or 'ith the representati$e of the Commission at the Philippine embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments that ha$e 3uris&iction o$er the locality 'here they temporarily resi&e. -ub3ect to the specific gui&elines herein pro$i&e&" the Commission is hereby authorize& to prescribe a&&itional proce&ures for o$erseas absentee registration pursuant to the pro$isions of Republic Act 8o* !1! " 'hene$er applicable* ta,ing into strict consi&eration the time zones an& the $arious perio&s an& processes herein pro$i&e& for the proper implementation of this Act* 2he embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments shall transmit 'ithin C5@ &ays from receipt the accomplishe& registration forms to the Commission" after 'hich the Commission shall coor&inate 'ith the 9lection #fficer of the city or

municipality of the applicantDs state& resi&ence for $erification" hearing an& annotation in the permanent list of $oters* CAll applications for the Eay" 200( elections shall be file& 'ith the Commission not later than t'o hun&re& eighty C2!0@ calen&ar &ays before the &ay of elections* For succee&ing elections" the Commission shall pro$i&e for the perio& 'ithin 'hich applications to register must be file&*D C7n the case of seafarers" the Commission shall pro$i&e a special mechanism for the time an& manner of personal registration ta,ing into consi&eration the nature of their 'or,* C4*1* Fpon receipt of the application for registration" the 9lection #fficer shall imme&iately set the application for hearing" the notice of 'hich shall be poste& in a conspicuous place in the premises of the city or municipal buil&ing of the applicantDs state& resi&ence for at least one C1@ 'ee, before the &ate of the hearing* 2he 9lection #fficer shall imme&iately furnish a copy of the application to the &esignate& representati$es of political parties an& other accre&ite& groups* C4*2* 7f no $erifie& ob3ection to the application is file&" the 9lection #fficer shall imme&iately for'ar& the application to the 9lection Registration Boar&" 'hich shall &eci&e on the application 'ithin one C1@ 'ee, from the &ate of hearing 'ithout 'aiting for the /uarterly meeting of the Boar&* 2he applicant shall be notifie& of the appro$al or &isappro$al of his1her application by registere& mail* C4*3* 7n the e$ent that an ob3ection to the application is file& prior to or on the &ate of hearing" the 9lection #fficer shall notify the applicant of sai& ob3ection by registere& mail" enclosing therein copies of affi&a$its or &ocuments submitte& in support of the ob3ection file& 'ith the sai& 9lection #fficer" if any* 2he applicant shall ha$e the right to file his counter:affi&a$it by registere& mail" purely stating therein facts an& &efenses s'orn before any officer in the host country authorize& to a&minister oaths* C4*(* 2he application shall be appro$e& or &isappro$e& base& on the merits of the ob3ection" counter:affi&a$it an& &ocuments submitte& by the party ob3ecting an& those of the applicant* C4*5* A Certificate of Registration as an o$erseas absentee $oter shall be issue& by the Commission to all applicants 'hose applications ha$e been appro$e& inclu&ing those certifie& as registere& $oters* 2he Commission shall inclu&e the appro$e& applications in the 8ational Registry of Absentee %oters* C4*4* 7f the application has been appro$e&" any intereste& party may file a petition for e6clusion not later than t'o hun&re& ten C210@ &ays before the &ay of elections 'ith the proper municipal of metropolitan trial court* 2he petition shall be &eci&e& 'ithin fifteen C15@ &ays after its filing on the basis of the &ocuments submitte& in connection there'ith* -houl& the court fail to ren&er a &ecision 'ithin the prescribe& perio&" the ruling of the 9lection Registration Boar& shall be consi&ere& affirme&* C4*) 7f the application has been &isappro$e&" the applicant or his authorize& representati$e shall 'ithin a perio& of fi$e C5@ &ays from receipt of

the notice of &isappro$al" ha$e the right to file a petition for inclusion 'ith the proper municipal or metropolitan trial court* 2he petition shall be &eci&e& 'ithin fi$e C5@ &ays after its filing on the basis of &ocuments submitte& in connection there'ith* CQualifie& citizens of the Philippines abroa&" 'ho ha$e pre$iously registere& as $oters pursuant to Republic Act 8o* !1! shall apply for certification as absentee $oters an& for inclusion in the 8ational Registry of #$erseas Absentee %oters" 'ith a correspon&ing annotation in the Certifie& %otersD <ist*D SEC. J. A ne' -ection ) is hereby inserte& to rea& as follo's> 1SEC. +. RESI<ENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOAR<E PO@ERSE EFFECT. K THERE SHALL BE A RESI<ENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOAR< #RERB, @HICH SHALL PROCESS* APPROVE OR <ISAPPROVE ALL APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS. 1AN APPLICANT @HOSE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN APPROVE< B9 THE RERB SHALL BE ENTITLE< TO VOTE ONL9 AS AN OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER UN<ER THIS ACT. HE 5A9 VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS UPON APPROVAL OF HIS RE:UEST FOR TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION RECOR< B9 THE LOCAL ELECTION REGISTRATION BOAR< OF THE CIT9H5UNICIPALIT9 CO5PRISING HIS RESI<ENCE.2 SEC. L. A ne' -ection ! is hereby inserte& to rea& as follo's> 1SEC. ?. <UTIES AN< FUNCTIONS OF THE RERB. K 1?.>. UPON RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION FRO5 THE POSTS AN< FRO5 THE <UL9 <ESIGNATE< REGISTRATION CENTERS IN THE PHILIPPINES* THE RERB OF THE CO55ISSION SHALL SCHE<ULE THE HEARING OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION. 1IT SHALL BE THE <UT9 OF THE RERB TO NOTIF9 ALL POLITICAL PARTIES AN< OTHER PARTIES CONCERNE< OF THE PEN<ING APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION THROUGH A @EEAL9 UP<ATE< PUBLICATION IN THE @EBSITES OF THE CO55ISSION AN< THE <FA3OAVS AN< TO POST THE NA5ES OF THE APPLICANTS IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES NEAR THE PLACE @HERE THE RERB @ILL HOL< ITS HEARING. 1?. . THE RERB SHALL HAVE THE SOLE PO@ER AN< AUTHORIT9 TO APPROVE OR <ISAPPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION. AN9 PART9 5A9 FILE AN OBGECTION TO THE APPLICATION @ITHIN SEVEN #+, <A9S AFTER THE PUBLICATION OR POSTING OF THE NA5ES OF THE APPLICANTS. IN CASE OF <ISAPPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION* THE RERB SHALL NOTIF9 THE APPLICANT OR HERHHIS AUTHORI=E< REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES ACCOR<INGL9* @ITHIN FIVE #J, <A9S FRO5 THE <ATE OF <ISAPPROVAL* STATING THE REASONS THEREFOR.

1?.3. THE RERB SHALL INCLU<E THE NA5ES OF THE APPLICANTS @ITH APPROVE< APPLICATIONS IN THE NATIONAL REGISTR9 OF ABSENTEE VOTERS AN< IN THE CERTIFIE< LIST OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS #CLOAV, IN THE POSTS @HERE SHEHHE INTEN<S TO VOTE IN THE NE8T NATIONAL ELECTION SUBGECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE CO55ISSION EN BANC. 1?.). APPROVAL OF THE RERB ON APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION SHALL BE I55E<IATEL9 E8ECUTOR9 UNLESS REVERSE< OR SET ASI<E B9 FINAL AN< E8ECUTOR9 GU<G5ENT B9 A COURT OF CO5PETENT GURIS<ICTION. 1?.J. IF THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVE<* AN9 INTERESTE< PART9 5A9 FILE A PETITION FOR E8CLUSION NOT LATER THAN ONE HUN<RE< EIGHT9 #>?!, <A9S BEFORE THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS @ITH THE PROPER 5UNICIPAL OR 5ETROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT. THE PETITION SHALL BE <ECI<E< @ITHIN FIFTEEN #>J, <A9S AFTER ITS FILING ON THE BASIS OF THE <OCU5ENTS SUB5ITTE< IN CONNECTION THERE@ITH. SHOUL< THE COURT FAIL TO REN<ER A <ECISION @ITHIN THE PRESCRIBE< PERIO<* THE RULING OF THE RERB SHALL BE CONSI<ERE< AFFIR5E<. 1?.L. IF THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN <ISAPPROVE<* THE APPLICANT OR HERHHIS AUTHORI=E< REPRESENTATIVE SHALL* @ITHIN A PERIO< OF FIVE #J, <A9S FRO5 RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF <ISAPPROVAL* HAVE THE RIGHT TO FILE A 5OTION FOR RECONSI<ERATION BEFORE THE RERB OF THE CO55ISSION @HICH SHALL BE <ECI<E< @ITHIN FIVE #J, <A9S AFTER ITS FILING ON THE BASIS OF <OCU5ENTS SUB5ITTE< IN CONNECTION THERE@ITH. THE RESOLUTION OF THE RERB ON THE 5OTION FOR RECONSI<ERATION SHALL BE I55E<IATEL9 E8ECUTOR9 UNLESS REVERSE< OR SET ASI<E B9 THE COURT B9 FINAL AN< E8ECUTOR9 GU<G5ENT. 1THE A<VERSE PART9 5A9 FILE A PETITION FOR INCLUSION @ITHIN TEN #>!, <A9S FRO5 RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE <EN9ING THE 5OTION FOR RECONSI<ERATION @ITH THE PROPER 5UNICIPAL OR 5ETROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT. THE PETITION SHALL BE <ECI<E< @ITHIN FIFTEEN #>J, <A9S AFTER ITS FILING ON THE BASIS OF THE <OCU5ENTS SUB5ITTE< IN CONNECTION THERE@ITH. SHOUL< THE COURT FAIL TO REN<ER A <ECISION @ITHIN THE PRESCRIBE< PERIO<* THE RULING OF THE RERB SHALL BE CONSI<ERE< AFFIR5E<. 1:UALIFIE< CITI=ENS OF THE PHILIPPINES ABROA<* @HO HAVE PREVIOUSL9 REGISTERE< AS VOTERS PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. ?>?" SHALL APPL9 FOR CERTIFICATION AS ABSENTEE VOTERS AN< FOR INCLUSION IN THE NATIONAL REGISTR9 OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS. IN CASE OF APPROVAL* THE ELECTION OFFICER CONCERNE< SHALL ANNOTATE THE NA5E OF THE VOTER IN THE CERTIFIE< VOTERSM LIST AN< HIS VOTERFS REGISTRATION RECOR<S. 1APPLICANTS @HOSE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AN< CERTIFICATION AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS HAVE BEEN

APPROVE< 5UST NOTIF9 THE COAV* THROUGH ITS CHAIR5AN* IN THE EVENT OF CHANGE OF VOTING VENUE* AT LEAST ONE HUN<RE< EIGHT9 #>?!, <A9S PRIOR TO THE NE8T NATIONAL ELECTIONSE PROVI<E<* THAT THOSE @HO @OUL< EVENTUALL9 VOTE IN THE PHILIPPINES SHOUL< REGISTER IN THE 5UNICIPALIT9 @HERE THE9 INTEN< TO VOTE AN< @ITHIN THE TI5E FRA5E PROVI<E< FOR LOCAL REGISTRATIONB PROVI<E< FURTHER* THAT THE APPLICANT SHALL NOTIF9 THE COAV* THROUGH ITS CHAIR5AN* OF HIS TRANSFER IN THE PHILIPPINES AT LEAST ONE HUN<RE< EIGHT9 #>?!, <A9S PRIOR TO THE NE8T NATIONAL ELECTIONS FOR PURPOSES OF CANCELLING HIS NA5E IN THE CLOAV AN< RE5OVAL OF HIS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERFS REGISTRATION RECOR<S FRO5 THE BOOA OF VOTERS. 1THE CO55ISSION SHALL E8ERT ALL EFFORTS TO ISSUE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER I<ENTIFICATION CAR<S TO THOSE @HOSE APPLICATIONS TO VOTE HAVE BEEN APPROVE<.2 SEC. +. -ection ) of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection amen&e& to rea& as follo's* an& is

1-9C*C)D." K S-ste' o$ Continuing Registration. : 2he Commission shall ensure that the benefits of the system of continuing registration are e6ten&e& to /ualifie& o$erseas absentee $oters* 2o'ar&s this en&" the Commission IS AUTHORI=E< TO UTILI=E AN< CshallD optimize the use of e6isting facilities" personnel an& mechanisms of the $arious go$ernment agencies for purposes of &ata gathering" &ata $ali&ation" information &issemination an& facilitation of the registration process* .Pre:&eparture programs" ser$ices an& mechanisms offere& an& a&ministere& by the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs" ;epartment of <abor an& 9mployment" Philippine #$erseas 9mployment A&ministration" #$erseas +or,ersG +elfare A&ministration" Commission on Filipinos #$erseas an& other appropriate agencies of the go$ernment AN< PRIVATE AGENCIES PROVI<ING SA5E SERVICES shall be utilize& for purposes of supporting the o$erseas absentee registration an& $oting processes" sub3ect to S9STE5S limitations AN< THOSE impose& by la'*0 SEC. ?. -ection ! of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ec* 10 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C* C!D >!. Re4uire'ents $or Registration* ? 9$ery Filipino registrant shall be re/uire& to furnish the follo'ing &ocuments> a* .A $ali& Philippine passport* 7n the absence of a $ali& passport" a certification of the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs that it has re$ie'e& the appropriate &ocuments submitte& by the applicant an& foun& them sufficient to 'arrant the issuance of a passport" or that the applicant is a hol&er of a $ali& passport but is unable to pro&uce the same for a $ali& reasonA b* .Accomplishe& registration form prescribe& by the Commission Ccontaining the follo'ing man&atory information>

i*

<ast ,no'n resi&ence of the applicant in the Philippines before lea$ing for abroa&A

ii* A&&ress of applicant abroa&" or for'ar&ing a&&ress in the case of seafarersA iii* +here $oting by mail is allo'e&" the applicantGs mailing a&&ress outsi&e the Philippines 'here the ballot for absentee $oters 'ill be sent" in proper casesA an& i$* 8ame an& a&&ress of applicantGs authorize& representati$e in the Philippines for purposes of -ection 4*) an& -ection 12 hereof*D Cc* .7n the case of immigrants an& permanent resi&ents not other'ise &is/ualifie& to $ote un&er this Act" an affi&a$it &eclaring the intention to resume actual physical permanent resi&ence in the Philippines not later than three C3@ years after appro$al of his1her registration as an o$erseas absentee $oter un&er this Act* -uch affi&a$it shall also state that he1she has not applie& for citizenship in another country* D C. 1IN THE CASE OF APPLICANTS @HO @ILL AVAIL OF THE CITI=ENSHIP RETENTION AN< REAC:UISITION ACT #R.A. NO. " J,* THE9 ARE RE:UIRE< TO PRESENT THE ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIE< TRUE COP9 OF THE OR<ER OF APPROVAL APPROVING HIS APPLICATION TO RETAIN OR REAC:UIRE HIS FILIPINO CITI=ENSHIP ISSUE< B9 THE POST OR HISHHER I<ENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE ISSUE< B9 THE BUREAU OF I55IGRATION. .2he Commission may also re/uire a&&itional &ata to facilitate registration an& recor&ing* 8o information other than those necessary to establish the i&entity an& /ualification of the applicant shall be re/uire&* SEC. ". -ection of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 11 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's>
1-ec.C D>>. National Registr- o$ O/erseas A(sentee Voters. ? 2he Commission shall maintain a 8ational Registry of #$erseas Absentee %oters #NROAV@* ALL CAppro$e& applications ofD o$erseas absentee registrants @HOSE APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVE< shall also be inclu&e& in the REGULAR REGISTR9 OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS #ROAV, IN THE CIT9 OR 5UNICIPALIT9 @HERE THE REGISTRANT IS <O5ICILE<. Cpermanent list of $oters of the city or municipality 'here the registrant is &omicile& H'ith the correspon&ing annotation that such person has been registere& or 'ill be $oting as an o$erseas absentee $oter* 2he registry shall also inclu&e those registere& un&er Republic Act !1! an& 'ho ha$e been issue& certifications as o$erseas absentee $oters* 2he entries in the 8ational Registry of #$erseas Absentee %oters an& the annotations as o$erseas absentee $oters in the Certifie& %oters <ist shall be permanent" an& cannot be cancelle& or amen&e& e6cept in any of the follo'ing cases>

C11*1 +hen the o$erseas absentee $oter files a letter un&er oath a&&resse& to the Commission that he 1 she 'ishes to be remo$e& from the

Registry of #$erseas Absentee %oters" or that his 1 her name to be transferre& to the regular registry of $otersA or" C11*2 +hen an o$erseas absentee $oterGs name 'as or&ere& remo$e& by the Commission from the Registry of #$erseas Absentee %oters for his1her failure to e6ercise his1her right to $ote un&er this Act for t'o C2@ consecuti$e national elections*D 1TO@AR<S THIS EN<* THE CO55ISSION SHALL PROVI<E EACH AN< EVER9 5UNICIPALIT9 OR CIT9 @ITH A REGISTR9 OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER #ROAV, FOR THEIR REFERENCE. 1THE CO55ISSION SHALL <EACTIVATE THE REGISTRATION AN< RE5OVE THE REGISTRATION RECOR<S OF THE FOLLO@ING PERSONS FRO5 THE NROAV AN< THE CORRESPON<ING ROAV AN< PLACE THE SA5E* PROPERL9 5ARAE< AN< <ATE< IN IN<ELIBLE INA* IN THE INACTIVE FILE AFTER ENTERING THE CAUSE#S, OF <EACTIVATIONB A. 1AN9 PERSON @HO HAS BEEN SENTENCE< B9 FINAL GU<G5ENT TO SUFFER I5PRISON5ENT FOR NOT LESS THAN ONE #>, 9EAR* SUCH <ISABILIT9 NOT HAVING BEEN RE5OVE< B9 PLENAR9 PAR<ON OR A5NEST9B PROVI<E<* HO@EVER* THAT AN9 PERSON <IS:UALIFIE< TO VOTE UN<ER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL AUTO5ATICALL9 REAC:UIRE THE RIGHT TO VOTE UPON E8PIRATION OF FIVE #J, 9EARS AFTER SERVICE OF SENTENCE AS CERTIFIE< B9 THE CLERAS OF COURTS OF THE 5UNICIPAL H 5UNICIPAL CIRCUIT H 5ETROPOLITAN H REGIONAL TRIAL COURTS AN< THE SAN<IGANBA9ANE B. 1AN9 PERSON @HO HAS BEEN A<GU<GE< B9 FINAL GU<G5ENT B9 A CO5PETENT COURT OR TRIBUNAL OF HAVING CAUSE<HCO55ITTE< AN9 CRI5E INVOLVING <ISLO9ALT9 TO THE <UL9 CONSTITUTE< GOVERN5ENT SUCH AS REBELLION* SE<ITION* VIOLATION OF THE ANTI3 SUBVERSION AN< FIREAR5S LA@S* OR AN9 CRI5E AGAINST NATIONAL SECURIT9* UNLESS RESTORE< TO HIS FULL CIVIL AN< POLITICAL RIGHTS IN ACCOR<ANCE @ITH LA@E PROVI<E<* THAT HE SHALL REGAIN HIS RIGHT TO VOTE AUTO5ATICALL9 UPON E8PIRATION OF FIVE #J, 9EARS AFTER SERVICE OF SENTENCEE C. 1AN9 PERSON <ECLARE< B9 CO5PETENT AUTHORIT9 TO BE INSANE OR INCO5PETENT UNLESS SUCH <IS:UALIFICATION HAS BEEN SUBSE:UENTL9 RE5OVE< B9 A <ECLARATION OF A PROPER AUTHORIT9 THAT SUCH PERSON IS NO LONGER INSANE OR INCO5PETENTE D. 1AN9 PERSON @HO <I< NOT VOTE IN THE T@O # , SUCCESSIVE PRECE<ING NATIONAL ELECTIONS AS SHO@N B9 THEIR VOTING RECOR<SE AN< E. 1AN9 PERSON @HOSE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN OR<ERE< E8CLU<E< B9 THE COURT.2

SEC. >!. -ection 10 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 12* SEC. >>. -ections 11 an& 12 of the same Act are hereby &elete&> C-9C* 11 ? Pro&e%ure $or A..li&ation to Vote in A(sentia. ? C11* 1* 9$ery /ualifie& citizen of the Philippines abroa& 'hose application for registration has been appro$e&" inclu&ing those pre$iously registere& un&er Republic Act 8o* !1! " shall" in e$ery national election" file 'ith the officer of the embassy" consulate or other foreign ser$ice establishment authorize& by the Commission" a s'orn 'ritten application to $ote in a form prescribe& by the Commission* 2he authorize& officer of such embassy" consulate or other Foreign -er$ice establishment shall transmit to the Commission the sai& application to $ote 'ithin fi$e C5@ &ays from receipt thereof* 2he application form shall be accomplishe& in triplicate an& submitte& together 'ith the photocopy of his1her o$erseas absentee $oter certificate of registration* C11* 2* 9$ery application to $ote in absentia may be &one personally at" or by mail to" the embassy" consulate or Foreign -er$ice establishment" 'hich has 3uris&iction o$er the country 'here he1she has in&icate& his1her a&&ress for purposes of the elections* C11* 3* Consular an& &iplomatic ser$ices ren&ere& in connection 'ith the o$erseas absentee $oting processes shall be ma&e a$ailable at no cost to the o$erseas absentee $oter* C-9C* 12 ? Veri$i&ation an% A..ro/al o$ A..li&ation to Vote ? All applications shall be acte& upon by the Commission upon receipt thereof" but in no case later than one hun&re& fifty C150@ &ays before the &ay of elections* 7n the e$ent of &isappro$al of the application" the $oter or his authorize& representati$e may file a Eotion for Reconsi&eration 'ith the Commission personally" or by registere& mail" 'ithin ten C10@ &ays from receipt of the notice of &isappro$al* 2he Commission shall act 'ithin fi$e C5@ &ays from receipt of such Eotion for Reconsi&eration an& shall imme&iately notify the $oter of its &ecision* 2he &ecision of the Commission shall be final an& e6ecutory* 2he Commission shall issue an o$erseas absentee $oter i&entification car& to those 'hose applications to $ote ha$e been appro$e&*D SEC. > . A ne' -ection 13 of the same Act is hereby inserte& to rea& as follo's> 1SEC. >3. REACTIVATION OF REGISTRATION. N AN9 OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER @HOSE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN <EACTIVATE< PURSUANT TO THE PRECE<ING SECTION 5A9 FILE @ITH THE COAV AN9 TI5E BUT NOT LATER THAN ONE HUN<RE< T@ENT9 #> !, <A9S BEFORE THE NE8T NATIONAL ELECTIONS A S@ORN APPLICATION FOR REACTIVATION OF HIS REGISTRATION IN THE FOR5 OF AN AFFI<AVIT STATING THAT THE GROUN<S FOR THE <EACTIVATION NO LONGER E8IST. FOR 1THE COAV SHALL SUB5IT SAI< APPLICATION TO THE RERB APPROPRIATE ACTION.2

SEC. >3. A ne' -ection 1( of the same Act is hereby inserte& to rea& as follo's> 1SEC.>). CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION. N THE RERB SHALL CANCEL THE REGISTRATION RECOR<S OF THOSE @HO HAVE <IE< AS CERTIFIE< B9 EITHER THE POSTS OR THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR AN< THOSE @HO HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO HAVE LOST THEIR FILIPINO CITI=ENSHIP.2 SEC. >). -ection 13 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 15 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-ec* C13D >J. Pre.aration an% Posting o$ Certi$ie% List o$ O/erseas A(sentee Voters. : 2he Commission shall prepare the CLOAV CCertifie& <ist of #$erseas Absentee %otersD 'ithin one hun&re& t'enty C120@ &ays before e$ery election" an& furnish 'ithin the same perio& ELECTRONIC AN< HAR< copies thereof to the appropriate POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishmentsD" 'hich shall post the same in their bulletin boar&s OR @EBSITES 'ithin ten C10@ &ays from receipt thereof* -ub3ect to reasonable regulation an& the payment of fees in such amounts as may" be fi6e& by the Commission" the can&i&ates" political parties" accre&ite& citizensG arms" AN< all other intereste& persons Can& all embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments D shall be furnishe& copies thereof*2 SEC. >J. -ection 1( of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 14 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C*C1(D Para.0ernalia. K
>L. Printing an% Trans'ittal o$ Ballots* Voting Instru&tions* Ele&tion For's an%

1C1(*1D >L.>. 2he Commission shall cause the printing of ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters" C$oting instructions"D an& ALL OTHER ACCOUNTABLE election forms in such number as may be necessary" but in no case shall it e6cee& the total number of appro$e& applications* -ecurity mar,ings shall be use& in the printing of ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters* 1C1(*2D >L. . 2he Commission shall present to the authorize& representati$es of the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs an& the accre&ite& ma3or political parties the ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters" $oting instructions" election forms an& other election paraphernalia for scrutiny an& inspection prior to their transmittal to the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments concerne&D* 0C1(*3D >L.3. 2he Commission shall" AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE* Cnot later than se$enty fi$e C)5@ &ays before the &ay of elections" D transmit by special pouch to the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishmentsD" the e6act number of ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters correspon&ing to the number of appro$e& applications" along 'ith such Cmaterials an& election paraphernaliaD ACCOUNTABLE FOR5S necessary to ensure the Csecrecy an&D integrity of the election* NOT LATER THAN FORT9 FIVE #)J, <A9S BEFORE THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS.

1C1(*(D >L.). 2he authorize& representati$es of accre&ite& ma3or political parties shall ha$e the right to be present in all phases of printing" transmittal" an& casting of maile& ballots abroa&* CFnclaime& ballots properly mar,e& as such" shall be cancelle& an& shippe& to the Commission by the least costly metho&*D2 SEC. >L. -ection 15 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 1) an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's>
.-9C*C15D >+. Regulation on Ca'.aigning A(roa%. ? 2he use of campaign materials" as 'ell as the limits on campaign spen&ing shall be go$erne& by the la's an& regulations applicable in the Philippines AN< TO THE E8TENT ALLO@ABLE B9 THE LA@S OF HOST COUNTRIES.2

SEC. >+. A ne' -ection 1! of the same Act is hereby inserte& to rea& as follo's> 1SEC. >?. VOTING. K VOTING 5A9 <E <ONE EITHER PERSONALL9 OR B9 5AIL* AT THE OPTION OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER* OR B9 AN9 OTHER 5EANS AS 5A9 BE ALLO@E< UN<ER SECTION J #I, OF BATAS PA5BANSA BLG. ??> AS A5EN<E<. THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER OPTING FOR POSTAL VOTING SHALL FILE HIS RE:UEST @ITH THE POST THAT HAS GURIS<ICTION OVER THE COUNTR9 @HERE HEHSHE TE5PORARIL9 RESI<ES AT LEAST ONE HUN<RE< T@ENT9 #> !, <A9S BEFORE THE <A9 OF THE ELECTION. ONL9 THOSE @HO APPLIE< FOR A POSTAL VOTE SHALL BE GIVEN 5AILE< BALLOTS. THE9 5A9 5AIL OR PERSONALL9 <ELIVER THEIR <UL9 ACCO5PLISHE< BALLOTS TO THE POST CONCERNE< ENSURING THAT THE SA5E @ILL BE RECEIVE< B9 THE SBRCG CONCERNE< ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF VOTING ON THE <A9 OF THE ELECTIONS. SEC. >?. -ection 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 1 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C* C14D >". PERSONAL VOTING* ? Casting an& -ubmission of Ballots* .C14*1D >".>. Fpon receipt Cby the &esignate& officer of the embassy" consulate an& other foreign ser$ice establishmentsD of the ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters C" $oting instructions" election forms an& other paraphernaliaD AN< SUCH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE FOR5S* B9 THE <ESIGNATE< OFFICER OF THE POST* he1she shall ma,e them a$ailable on the premises to the /ualifie& o$erseas absentee $oters in their respecti$e 3uris&ictions &uring the thirty C30@ &ays before AN< ON the &ay of elections 'hen o$erseas absentee $oters may cast their $ote* 7mme&iately upon recei$ing it" the o$erseas absentee $oter must fill:out his1her ballot personally" in secret" 'ithout lea$ing the premises of the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishments concerne&D* .C14*2D >". . 2he o$erseas absentee $oter shall personally accomplish his1her ballot at the POSTS C embassy" consulate or other foreign ser$ice establishmentD that has 3uris&iction o$er the country 'here he1she temporarily resi&es or at any polling place &esignate& an& accre&ite& by the Commission*

.H14*3D >".3. VOTING SHALL BE FOR A 5A8I5U5 PERIO< OF THIRT9 #3!, <A9S INCLU<ING THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS* ESTABLISHE< HOLI<A9S IN THE PHILIPPINES AN< SUCH OTHER HOLI<A9S IN THE HOST COUNTRIES.

.2he o$erseas absentee $oter shall cast his1her ballot" upon presentation of the absentee $oter i&entification car& issue& by the Commission OR SUCH OTHER <OCU5ENTS ACCEPTABLE TO THE SBEI AT THE POST SUFFICIENT TO ESTABLISH HISHHER I<ENTIT9. C +ithin the thirty C30@ &ays before the &ay of elections* 7n the case of seafarers" they shall cast their ballots anytime 'ithin si6ty C40@ &ays before the &ay of elections as prescribe& in the 7mplementing Rules an& Iui&elines.D 1UPON @RITTEN RE:UESTS FRO5 THE POSTS AN< FAVORABLE RECO55EN<ATION OF THE <FA* THE CO55ISSION 5A9 PRESCRIBE A LESSER NU5BER OF <A9S OF VOTING @HEN ALL REGISTERE< OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS THEREAT HAVE ALREA<9 CAST THEIR VOTES. 1C14*(D >".). All accomplishe& ballots recei$e& shall be place& Cunopene&D insi&e seale& containers an& ,ept in a secure place &esignate& by the Commission* .C14*5D >".J. 2he POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments concerne&D shall ,eep a complete recor& of the ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters" specifically in&icating the number of ballots they actually recei$e& C" an& in cases 'here $oting by mail is allo'e& un&er -ection 1) hereof" the names an& a&&resses of the $oters to 'hom these ballots 'ere sent" inclu&ing proof of receipt thereof D* 7n a&&ition" the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishmentsD shall submit a formal report to the Commission an& the Joint Congressional #$ersight Committee create& un&er this Act 'ithin thirty C30@ &ays from the &ay of elections* -uch report shall contain &ata on the number of ballots cast an& recei$e& by the offices" the number of in$ali& an& unclaime& ballots an& other pertinent &ata* 1>".L. BEFORE THE START OF COUNTING* ALL UNUSE< BALLOTS SHALL BE APPROPRIATEL9 <ISPOSE< OF B9 THE CONCERNE< POSTS AFTER ACCOUNTING FOR THE SA5E @ITH THE FOR5AL REPORT TRANS5ITTE< TO THE CO55ISSION OF SUCH FACT. .C14*4* 2he o$erseas absentee $oter shall be instructe& that his1her ballot shall not be counte& if it is not insi&e the special en$elope furnishe& him1her 'hen it is cast* .C14*)* Ballots not claime& by the o$erseas absentee $oters at the embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments" in case of personal $oting" an& ballots returne& to the embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments concerne&" in the case of $oting by mail" shall be cancelle& an& shippe& to the Commission by the least costly metho& 'ithin si6 C4@ months from the &ay of elections*D .C14*!*D >".+. #nly ballots cast" ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF VOTING ON THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS SHALL BE COUNTE< AFTER THE PRESCRIBE< PERIO<. Can& maile& ballots recei$e& by the Philippine

embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments concerne& in accor&ance 'ith -ection 1) hereof before the close of $oting on the &ay of elections shall be counte& in accor&ance 'ith -ection 1! hereof* All en$elopes containing the ballots recei$e& by the embassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishments after the prescribe& perio& shall not be opene&" an& shall be cancelle& an& shippe& to the Commission by the least costly metho& 'ithin si6 C4@ months from the &ay of elections*D 1C14* *D>".?. A -pecial Ballot Reception an& Custo&y Iroup #SBRCG, compose& of three C3@ members shall be constitute& by the Commission from among the staff of the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishmentsD concerne&" inclu&ing their attache& agencies" an& citizens of the Philippines abroa&" 'ho 'ill be &eputize& to recei$e ballots an& ALL OTHER ELECTION FOR5S AN< ta,e custo&y of the same preparatory to their transmittal to the -pecial Boar&s of 9lection 7nspectors* .C14*10*D>".". ;uring this phase of the election process" the authorize& representati$es of political parties" can&i&ates" an& accre&ite& citizensG arms of the Commission shall be notifie& in 'riting thereof an& shall ha$e the right to 'itness the procee&ings* .C14*11*D>".>!. 2he Commission shall CONTINUOUSL9 stu&y* EVALUATE AN< RECO55EN< THE A<OPTION OR the use of Celectronic mail"D internet or other secure& net'or,s in the casting of $otes* C" an& submitD IT SHALL LIAE@ISE EVALUATE AN< RECO55EN< THE APPROPRIATE SOFT@ARE AN< HAR<@ARE TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUCH PURPOSE FOR SUB5ISSION OF a report thereon to the Joint Congressional #$ersight Committee*0 SEC. >". -ection 1) of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 20 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's>
.-9C* C1)D !. Voting (- 5ail*

? 5AILING AN< SUB5ISSION OF BALLOTS.

.C1)*1 For the Eay 200( elections" the Commission shall authorize $oting by mail in not more than three C3@ countries" sub3ect to the appro$al of the Congressional #$ersight Committee* %oting by mail may be allo'e& in countries that satisfy the follo'ing con&itions> a* +here the mailing system is fairly 'ell:&e$elope& an& secure to pre$ent occasion for frau&A b* +here there e6ists a technically establishe& i&entification system that 'oul& preclu&e multiple or pro6y $otingA an&" c* +here the system of reception an& custo&y of maile& ballots in the embassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishments concerne& are a&e/uate an& 'ell secure&* .2hereafter" $oting by mail in any country shall be allo'e& only upon re$ie' an& appro$al of the Joint Congressional #$ersight Committee*D 1 !.>. THE CO55ISSION SHALL TAAE CUSTO<9 OF ALL OUTGOING BALLOTS PREPARATOR9 TO THEIR 5AILING TO THE VOTERS.

1THE BALLOTS SHALL BE SENT B9 THE CO55ISSION <IRECTL9 TO THE REGISTERE< VOTERS B9 5AIL THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINE POSTAL CORPORATION #PHILPOST,. 1THE PHILPOST SHALL GIVE PREFERENCE TO THE 5AILE< BALLOTS OVER ALL OTHER 5AIL 5ATTERS AN< ENSURE THAT THEIR SANCTIT9 IS PRESERVE<. 1 !. . THE POSTS A<OPTING VOTING B9 5AIL SHALL CONSTITUTE ITS SBRCGs TO RECOR<* VERIF9* RECEIVE AN< TAAE CUSTO<9 OF ACCO5PLISHE< 5AILE< BALLOTS. .C1)*2*D !.3. 2he o$erseas absentee $oter shall sen& his1her accomplishe& ballot AT AN9 TI5E UPON RECEIPT THEREOF* AN< ENSURE THAT THE SA5E BALLOT IS RECEIVE< B9 THE POST ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF VOTING ON THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS A PROVI<E<* HO@EVER* THAT 5AILE< BALLOTS THAT BEAR THE STA5P5ARA OF THE LOCAL POSTAL SERVICE SHO@ING THAT THE9 @ERE 5AILE< BEFORE SAI< CLOSE OF VOTING* SHALL BE COUNTE<. C2o the correspon&ing embassy" consular or foreign ser$ice establishment that has 3uris&iction o$er the country 'here he1she temporarily resi&es* Ke1she shall be entitle& to cast his1her ballot at any time upon his1her receipt thereof" pro$i&e& that the same is recei$e& before the close of $oting on the &ay of elections*D 2he o$erseas absentee $oter shall be instructe& that his1her ballot shall not be counte& if not transmitte& in the special en$elope furnishe& him1her* .C1)*3*D !.). #nly maile& ballots recei$e& by the POSTS CPhilippine embassy" consulate an& other foreign ser$ice establishments D ON OR before the close of $oting on the &ay of elections shall be counte&" E8CEPT AS PROVI<E< IN THE PRECE<ING SECTION. Cin accor&ance 'ith -ection 1! hereof*D SUBGECT TO SAI< E8CEPTION* all en$elopes containing the ACCO5PLISHE< ballots recei$e& Cby the embassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishmentsD after the prescribe& perio& shall not be opene&" an& Cshall be cancelle& an& &ispose& ofD SHALL BE FILE< AN< AEPT appropriately FOR PURPOSES OF <OCU5ENTATION" 'ith a correspon&ing INVENTOR9 report thereon* ACCRE<ITE< 5AGOR POLITICAL PARTIES SHALL BE FURNISHE< COPIES OF THE SAI< REPORT Csubmitte& to the CommissionD not later than thirty C30@ &ays from the &ay of elections* 1 !.J. A CO5PLETE REPORT OF THE NA5ES AN< A<<RESSES OF THE VOTERS TO @HO5 THESE BALLOTS @ERE SENT SHALL BE 5AINTAINE< B9 THE CO55ISSION. IN A<<ITION* IT SHALL SUB5IT A FOR5AL REPORT TO THE GOINT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT CO55ITTEE CREATE< UN<ER THIS ACT @ITHIN THIRT9 #3!, <A9S FRO5 THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS. SUCH REPORT SHALL CONTAIN <ATA ON THE NU5BER OF BALLOTS CAST AN< RECEIVE< B9 THE OFFICES* THE NU5BER OF INVALI< AN< UNCLAI5E< BALLOTS AN< OTHER PERTINENT <ATA. 1 !.L. ALL 1RETURN TO SEN<ER2 5AILE< BALLOTS RETURNE< TO CO55ISSION SHALL NOT BE OPENE<* AN< SHALL BE CANCELLE< AN< <ISPOSE< OF APPROPRIATEL9* @ITH A CORRESPON<ING

INVENTOR9 REPORT THEREON <UL9 FURNISHE< THE 5AGOR POLITICAL PARTIES NOT LATER THAN THIRT9 #3!, <A9S FRO5 THE <A9 OF ELECTIONS.2 SEC. !. A ne' -ection 21 of the same Act is hereby inserte& to rea& as follo's>
.-9C* 21* VOTING B9 SEAFARERS. K SEAFARERS 5A9 VOTE IN ACCOR<ANCE @ITH SECTION >? OF THIS ACT. FOR THIS PURPOSE* THE CO55ISSION SHALL PREPARE A SEPARATE CLOAV FOR SEAFARERS.2

SEC. >. -ection 1! of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 22 an& amen&e& to rea& as follo's> .-9C* C1!D . ? On3site Counting an% Can/assing ?

C1!*1D .>. 2he counting an& can$assing of $otes shall be con&ucte& on:site in the country 'here the $otes 'ere actually cast* 2he opening of the specially:mar,e& en$elopes containing the ballots an& the counting an& can$assing of $otes shall be con&ucte& 'ithin the premises of the embassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishments" or in such other places as may be &esignate& by the Commission pursuant to the 7mplementing Rules an& Regulations* 2he CCommission shall ensure that theD start of counting in CallD polling places abroa& shall" AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE* COINCI<E Cbe synchronize&D 'ith the start of counting in the Philippines TAAING INTO CONSI<ERATION THE RESPECTIVE TI5E =ONES OF THE <IFFERENT POSTS* C1!*2*D . . For these purposes" the Commission shall constitute as many -pecial Boar&s of 9lection 7nspectors #SBEIs, as may be necessary to con&uct an& super$ise the counting of $otes as pro$i&e& in -ection 1!*1 hereof* IN THE POSTS* THE SBEIs C2he -pecial Boar&s of 9lection 7nspectorsD to be constitute& Therein shall be compose& of a Chairman an& t'o C2@ members" one C1@ of 'hom shall be &esignate& as poll cler,* 2he ambassa&or" CorD consul:general" HEA< OF POST* or any career public officer poste& abroa& &esignate& by the Commission" as the case may be" shall act as the chairmanA in the absence of other go$ernment officers" the t'o C2@ other members shall be citizens of the Philippines 'ho are /ualifie& to $ote un&er this Act an& &eputize& by the Commission not later than si6ty C40@ &ays before the &ay of elections* All resolutions of the C-pecial Boar&s of 9lection 7nspectorsD SBEIs on issues brought before it &uring the con&uct of its procee&ings shall be $ali& only 'hen they carry the appro$al of the chairman* 7mme&iately upon the completion of the counting" the C-pecial Boar&s of 9lection 7nspectorsD SBEIs shall transmit $ia facsimile an&1or electronic mail the results to the Commission in Eanila an& the accre&ite& ma3or political parties* C1!*3*D .3. IN POSTS @HERE VOTING B9 5AIL IS A<OPTE<* CODonly ballots cast on" or recei$e& by the embassies" consulates an& other foreign ser$ice establishments before the close of $oting on the &ay of elections shall be inclu&e& in the counting of $otes" E8CEPT AS PROVI<E< IN SECTION !.3* 2hose recei$e& after'ar&s shall not be counte&*

C1!*(*D .). A -pecial Boar& of Can$assers #SBOC, compose& of THE HIGHEST RANAING OFFICER FRO5 THE POST C a la'yer preferably of the CommissionD as chairman" a senior career officer from any of the go$ernment agencies maintaining a post abroa& an&" in the absence of another go$ernment officer" a citizen of the Philippines /ualifie& to $ote un&er this Act &eputize& by the Commission" as $ice:chairman an& member: secretary" respecti$ely" shall be constitute& to can$ass the election returns submitte& to it by the C-pecial Boar&s of 9lection 7nspectorsD SBEIs* 7mme&iately upon the completion of the can$ass" the chairman of the C-pecial Boar& of Can$assersD SBOC shall transmit $ia facsimile" electronic mail" or any other means of transmission e/ually safe an& reliable the Certificates of Can$ass an& the -tatements of %otes to the Commission" an& shall cause to preser$e the same imme&iately after the conclusion of the can$ass" an& ma,e it a$ailable upon the instructions of the Commission* 2he C-pecial Boar& of Can$assersD SBOC shall also furnish the accre&ite& ma3or political parties an& accre&ite& citizensG arms 'ith copies thereof $ia facsimile" electronic mail an& any other means of transmission e/ually safe" secure an& reliable* 2he Certificates of Can$ass an& the accompanying -tatements of %otes as transmitte& $ia facsimile" electronic mail an& any other means of transmission e/ually safe" secure an& reliable shall be the primary basis for the national can$ass* C1!*5D .J. 2he can$ass of $otes shall not cause the &elay of the proclamation of a 'inning can&i&ate if the outcome of the election 'ill not be affecte& by the results thereof* 8ot'ithstan&ing the foregoing" the Commission is empo'ere& to or&er the proclamation of 'inning can&i&ates &espite the fact that the sche&ule& election has not ta,en place in a particular country or countries" if the hol&ing of elections therein has been ren&ere& impossible by e$ents" factors an& circumstances peculiar to such country or countries" an& 'hich e$ents" factors an& circumstances are beyon& the control or influence of the Commission* C1!*4*D .L. 7n the preparation of the final tally of $otes on the results of the national elections" the Commission shall ensure that the $otes can$asse& by each an& e$ery country shall be reflecte& as a separate item from the tally of national $otes* For purposes of this Act" the returns of e$ery election for presi&ent an& $ice:presi&ent prepare& by the special boar& of can$assers shall be &eeme& a certificate of can$ass of a city or a pro$ince* C1!*)*D .+. +here feasible" the counting an& can$assing of $otes shall be automate&* 2o'ar&s this en&" the Commission is hereby authorize& to borro'" rent" lease or ac/uire automate& $oting machines for purposes of can$assing an& counting of $otes pursuant to the pro$isions of this Act" an& in accor&ance 'ith the 7mplementing Rules an& Regulations promulgate& by the Commission2 Se&. . -ec* 1 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 23 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C*C1 D 3. Aut0orit- o$ t0e Co''ission to Pro'ulgate Rules * : 2he Commission shall issue the necessary rules an& regulations to effecti$ely implement the pro$isions of this Act 'ithin si6ty C40@ &ays from the effecti$ity

of this Act* C2he 7mplementing Rules an& Regulations shall be submitte& to the Joint Congressional #$ersight Committee create& by $irtue of this Act for prior appro$al*D 1SUBGECT TO THE SPECIFIC GUI<ELINES HEREIN PROVI<E<* THE CO55ISSION IS HEREB9 AUTHORI=E< TO PRESCRIBE INNOVATIVE AN< A<<ITIONAL PROCE<URES FOR OVERSEAS ABSENTEE REGISTRATION AN< A<OPT SUCH OTHER A<VANCE< TECHNOLOGICAL S9STE5S ASI<E FRO5 THE S9STE5 BEING USE< B9 THE CO55ISSION IN THE LOCAL REGISTRATION* TAAING INTO CONSI<ERATION* AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE* THE TI5E =ONES OF THE COUNTRIES AN< THE VARIOUS PERIO<S AN< PROCESSES HEREIN PROVI<E< FOR THE PROPER I5PLE5ENTATION OF THIS ACT AN< THE OTHER PECULIARITIES ATTEN<ANT TO THE I5PLE5ENTATION OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING. .C7n the formulation of the rules an& regulations" the Commission shall coor&inate 'ith the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs" ;epartment of <abor an& 9mployment" Philippine #$erseas 9mployment A&ministration" #$erseas +or,ers +elfare A&ministration" an& the Commission on Filipinos #$erseas* 8on:go$ernment organizations an& accre&ite& Filipino organizations or associations abroa& shall be consulte&*D0 Se&. 3. -ection 20 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 2( an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C* C20D ). ? In$or'ation Ca'.aign : 2he Commission" in coor&ination 'ith agencies concerne&" shall un&erta,e an information campaign to e&ucate the public on the manner of absentee $oting for /ualifie& o$erseas absentee $oters* 7t may re/uire the support an& assistance of the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs" through the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishmentsD" ;epartment of <abor an& 9mployment" ;epartment of 2ransportation an& Communications" Philippine Postal Corporation" Philippine #$erseas 9mployment A&ministration" #$erseas +or,ersG +elfare A&ministration an& the Commission on Filipinos #$erseas* 2he Commission may &eputize Filipino organizations1associations o$erseas for the same purpose> Pro$i&e&" 2hat any such <EPUTI=E< organization1association shall be prohibite& from participating in the elections by campaigning for or fiel&ing can&i&atesA Pro$i&e& further" that if any such &eputize& organization1association is &isco$ere& to ha$e a member 'ho is not a /ualifie& o$erseas absentee $oter as herein &efine&" such &eputize& organization1association shall be banne& from participating in any manner" an& at any stage" in the Philippine political process abroa&* 1IN A<<ITION* THE CO55ISSION SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORIT9 TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS @ITH ENTITIES* PUBLIC OR PRIVATE* TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE INFOR5ATION <ISSE5INATION. .-uch information campaign shall e&ucate the Filipino public" 'ithin an& outsi&e the Philippines" on the PHILIPPINE ELECTORAL S9STE5* THEIR rights AS CofD o$erseas absentee $oters" absentee $oting processes" an& other relate& concerns* 7nformation materials shall be &e$elope& by the Commission for &istribution" through the sai& go$ernment agencies an& pri$ate organizations* 8o go$ernment agency or accre&ite& pri$ate

organizations shall prepare" print" &istribute or post in 'ebsites any information material 'ithout the prior appro$al of the Commission* 1THE CO55ISSION IS AUTHORI=E< TO APPROPRIATE NOT LESS THAN TEN PER CENT #>!O, OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING BU<GET TO <EFRA9 THE E8PENSES THAT @ILL BE INCURRE< TO EFFECTIVEL9 CARR9 OUT THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS INFOR5ATION AN< E<UCATION CA5PAIGN. 1TRAINING OF THE 5E5BERS OF FOREIGN SERVICE CORPS ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING PROCESSES* RULES AN< PROCE<URES SHALL FOR5 PART AN< PARCEL OF THEIR BRIEFING AN< ORIENTATION PRIOR TO THEIR POSTING ABROA< TO BE UN<ERTAAEN B9 THE CO55ISSION* IN COOR<INATION @ITH THE <FA3OAVS. THE COAV* THROUGH ITS CHAIR5AN* 5A9 ALSO AUTHORI=E THE CON<UCT OF TRAININGS OF THE 5E5BERS OF THE <EPUTI=E< BO<IES CONCERNING THE PROCESSES* RULES AN< PROCE<URES ON REGISTRATION AN< ELECTION BOTH HERE AN< ABROA< AT LEAST ONE HUN<RE< T@ENT9 #> !, <A9S BEFORE EACH SCHE<ULE< REGISTRATION OR NATIONAL ELECTION.2 Se&. ). -ection 21 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 25* Se&. J. -ection 22 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 24 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> .-9C* C20D L ? Assistan&e $ro' Go/ern'ent Agen&ies. : All go$ernment officers" particularly from the ;epartment of Foreign Affairs" ;epartment of <abor an& 9mployment" ;epartment of 2ransportation an& Communications" Philippine Postal Corporation" Philippine #$erseas 9mployment A&ministration" #$erseas +or,ersG +elfare A&ministration" Commission on Filipinos #$erseas an& other go$ernment offices concerne& 'ith the 'elfare of the Filipinos o$erseas shall" to the e6tent compatible 'ith their primary responsibilities" assist the Commission in carrying out the pro$isions of this Act* All such agencies or officers thereof shall ta,e reasonable measures to e6pe&ite all election acti$ities" 'hich the Commission shall re/uire of them* +hen necessary" the Commission may sen& super$isory teams hea&e& by career officers to assist the POSTS Cembassies" consulates an& other Foreign -er$ice establishments concerne&D* 1LIAE@ISE* CONSULAR AN< <IPLO5ATIC SERVICES REN<ERE< IN CONNECTION @ITH THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING PROCESSES SHALL BE 5A<E AVAILABLE AT NO COSTS TO THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER.2 Se&. L. -ection 23 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 2)* Se&. +. -ection 2( of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 2! an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> .-9C* C2(D ?. Pro0i(ite% A&ts. 7n a&&ition to the prohibite& acts pro$i&e& by la'" it shall be unla'ful>

.C2(*1D ?.>. For any officer or employee of the Philippine go$ernment to influence or attempt to influence any person co$ere& by this Act to $ote" or not to $ote" for a particular can&i&ate* 8othing in this Act shall be &eeme& to prohibit free &iscussion regar&ing politics or can&i&ates for public office* .C2(*2D ?. . For any person to &epri$e any person of any right secure& in this Act" or to gi$e false information as to his1her name" a&&ress" or perio& of resi&ence for the purposes of establishing his1her eligibility or ineligibility to register or $ote un&er this ActA or to conspire 'ith another person for the purpose of encouraging the gi$ing of false information in or&er to establish the eligibility or ineligibility of any in&i$i&ual to register or $ote un&er this ActA or to pay" or offer to pay" or to accept payment either for application to $ote in a(sentia or for $otingA .C2(*3D ?.3. For any person to tamper 'ith the ballot" the mail containing the ballots for o$erseas absentee $oters" the election returns" inclu&ing the &estruction" mutilation an& manipulation thereofA C2(*(D ?.). For any person to steal" &estroy" conceal" mutilate or alter any recor&" &ocument or paper as re/uire& for purposes of this ActA C2(*5D ?.J. For any &eputize& agent to refuse 'ithout 3ustifiable groun&" to ser$e or continue ser$ing" or to comply 'ith his1her s'orn &uties after acceptance of his1her appointmentA C2(*4D ?.L. For any public officer or employee 'ho shall cause the preparation" printing" &istribution of information material" or post the same in 'ebsites 'ithout the prior appro$al of the CommissionA C2(*)D ?.+. For any public officer or employee to cause the transfer" promotion" e6tension" recall of any member of the foreign ser$ice corps" inclu&ing members of the attache& agencies" or other'ise cause the mo$ement of any such member from his current post or position one C1@ year before an& three C3@ months after the &ay of elections" 'ithout securing the prior appro$al of the CommissionA C2(*!D ?.?. For any person 'ho" after being &eputize& by the Commission to un&erta,e acti$ities in connection 'ith the implementation of this Act" shall campaign for or assist" in 'hate$er manner" can&i&ates in the electionsA C2(* D ?.". For any participate" by 'or& or organizations1associations" political process abroa&" elections* person 'ho is not a citizen of the Philippines to &ee&" &irectly or in&irectly through /ualifie& in any manner an& at any stage of the Philippine inclu&ing participation in the campaign an&

2he pro$ision of e6isting la's to the contrary not'ithstan&ing" an& 'ith &ue regar& to the Principle of ;ouble Criminality" the prohibite& acts &escribe& in this section are electoral offenses an& punishable in the Philippines* 2he penalties impose& un&er -ection 24( of the #mnibus 9lection Co&e" as amen&e&" shall be impose& on any person foun& guilty of committing any of the prohibite& acts as &efine& in this section> Pro$i&e&" 2hat the penalty of prision mayor in its minimum perio& shall be impose& upon any person foun& guilty un&er -ection

2!*3 hereof 'ithout the benefit of the operation of the 7n&eterminate -entence <a'* 7f the offen&er is a public officer or a can&i&ate" the penalty shall be prision mayor in its ma6imum perio&* 7n a&&ition" the offen&er shall be sentence& to suffer perpetual &is/ualification to hol& public office an& &epri$ation of the right to $ote* C7mmigrants an& permanent resi&ents 'ho &o not resume resi&ence in the Philippines as stipulate& in their affi&a$it un&er -ection 5C&@ 'ithin three C3@ years after appro$al of his1her registration un&er this Act an& yet $ote in the ne6t elections contrary to the sai& section" shall be penalize& by imprisonment of not less than one C1@ year" an& shall be &eeme& &is/ualifie& as pro$i&e& in -ection 5Cc@ of this Act* Kis1her passport shall be stampe& .not allo'e& to $ote0*D Se&. ?. -ection 25 of the same Act is hereby renumbere& as -ection 2 an& is amen&e& to rea& as follo's> 1-9C* C25D ". Goint Congressional O/ersig0t Co''ittee* : A Joint Congressional #$ersight Committee is hereby create&" compose& of the Chairman of the -enate Committee on Constitutional Amen&ments" Re$ision of Co&es an& <a's" an& se$en C)@ other -enators &esignate& by the -enate Presi&ent" an& the Chairman of the Kouse Committee on -uffrage an& 9lectoral Reforms an& se$en C)@ other Eembers of the Kouse of Representati$es &esignate& by the -pea,er of the Kouse of Representati$es> Pro$i&e&" 2hat" of the se$en C)@ members to be &esignate& by each Kouse of Congress" four C(@ shoul& come from the ma3ority an& the remaining three C3@ from the minority* .C2he Joint Congressional #$ersight Committee shall ha$e the po'er to monitor an& e$aluate the implementation of this Act* 7t shall re$ie'" re$ise" amen& an& appro$e the 7mplementing Rules an& Regulations promulgate& by the CommissionD2 Se&. ". -ections 24" 2)" 2!" 2 " 30" 31 an& 32 of the same Act are hereby renumbere& as -ections 30" 31" 32" 33" 3(" 35 an& 34 respecti$ely* Se&. 3!. Se.ara(ilit- Clause ? 7f any part or pro$ision of this Act shall be &eclare& unconstitutional or in$ali&" other pro$isions hereof 'hich are not affecte& thereby shall continue to be in full force an& effect* Se&. 3>. Re.ealing Clause ? All la's" presi&ential &ecrees" e6ecuti$e or&ers" rules an& regulations" other issuances" an& parts thereof" 'hich are inconsistent 'ith the pro$isions of this Act" are hereby repeale& or mo&ifie& accor&ingly* Se&. 3 . E$$e&ti/it- ? 2his Act shall ta,e effect fifteen C15@ &ays follo'ing its publication in three ne'spapers of general circulation* Appro$e&"