Manila: The House of Representatives has approved a bill on its third and final reading, which aims to make the national election day a regular non-working holiday. The bill, House Bill (HB) No. 8392, received overwhelming support with a vote of 233 in favor, none against, and one abstention.
According to Philippines News Agency, the bill seeks to amend Executive Order (EO) No. 292, known as the Administrative Code of 1987, by adding 'National Election Day' to the list of regular holidays and nationwide special days. The bill defines a 'national election' to encompass plebiscites, referenda, people's initiatives, recall elections, special elections, and other similar nationwide voting processes.
House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos of Ilocos Norte, one of the bill's authors, emphasized the importance of this legislation in a statement. He noted that designating the national election day as a non-working holiday would allow voters to participate in the democratic process without the distraction of work-related concerns. Marcos stated, "This proposed law would free them from work-related concerns and allow them to focus on exercising their right to vote wisely."
The bill aims to incentivize the electorate by providing them the time and opportunity to exercise their democratic right of suffrage, thereby promoting active participation in national elections without the burden of balancing work commitments.
