House OKs bill declaring national polls as non-working holiday

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill declaring national election days as a regular non-working holiday, aimed at allowing voters to cast ballots without sacrificing a day’s wage.

In a voice vote, lawmakers approved House Bill No. 8392, which seeks to hold national elections and special “electoral activities” like plebiscites, referendums, people’s initiatives, recall elections and special elections as a holiday.

“Voter’s shouldn’t have to rush through the process,” 4Ps Rep. JC Abalos told the House floor in his sponsorship speech. 

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“They would be able to give thoughtful considerations to their choices and to have ample time for the undecided to study the qualifications of all candidates,” he added.

National elections, held every three years, are traditionally declared as special non-working holidays to allow Filipinos to participate in the polls despite their work schedules.

“The current policy is ‘no work, no pay’. It is easy to tell workers to set aside a day to vote,” Kamanggagawa Rep. Elijah San Fernando told lawmakers. “But for a minimum wage earner with three children and bills for electricity, water, and rent, missing a day’s work has a major impact on daily life.” /mr