House OKs on 2nd reading bill strengthening Comelec

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading the proposed measure seeking to strengthen the Commission on Elections.

In a vote of ayes and nays, House Bill 9785 or An Act Strengthening the Commission on Elections by Increasing the Manpower Complement in its Field Offices, Providing Office Spaces Separate and Independent from Local Government Units, and Appropriating Funds Therefor Amending for the Purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, as amended, otherwise known as the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines, was approved by the chamber.

The bill aims to ensure and preserve the integrity and independence of the Comelec by increasing its manpower complement in various field offices, providing office spaces separate and independent from local government units and appropriating funds therefore.

It mandates that the regional election office be led by the regional election director and assisted by the assistant regional director and such subordinate officers or employees as the Commission may appoint, in accordance with the organization, staffing, position classification, and compensation standards.

Under the proposed law, an election officer is authorized to hire contractual personnel to perform administrative and clerical work to expedite services. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News