COMELEC Resolution No. 8669

Republic of the Philippines

COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Manila

IN THE MATTER OF REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) TO ISSUE A CIRCULAR URGING PRIVATE EMPLOYERS TO ALLOW THEIR EMPLOYEES TO CLAIM AS OFFICIAL TIME THEIR FILING OF APPLICATIONS FOR VOTER’S REGISTRATION WITH THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Jose A. R. Melo         Chairman Rene V. Sarmiento    Commissioner Nicodemo T, Ferrer   Commissioner Lucenito N. Tagle      Commissioner Armando C. Velasco Commissioner Elias T. Yusoph         Commissioner Promulgated:  September 15, 2009

RESOLUTION NO. 8669

WHEREAS, Sec, 2(1), Art. IX-C of the 1987 Constitution empowers the Commission on Elections to "enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall";

WHEREAS, Sec. 18, Art. I1 of the 1987 Constitution provides "the state affirms labor as a primary social economic force.  It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare";

WHEREAS, pursuant to R.A. 8189, otherwise known as the Continuing Voter's Registration Act of 1996, Comelec Resolution No. 8514 promulgated on November 12, 2008, as amended by Resolution No. 8585 promulgated on February 12, 2009, fixed the dates for the filing of applications for registration, transfer/ reactivation/ correction/reinstatement of name in the registration records from December 2, 2008, up to October 31, 2009;

WHEREAS, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is the agency bestowed with powers and functions for the full protection to labor, promotion of their welfare, and supervision over the relationship between employers and employees;

WHEREAS, there is the need to request the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to issue guidelines/circulars encouraging private employers to allow their employees who are qualified voters to file applications for registration, or to apply for transfer/reactivation/corrections/reinstatement/change of registration records with the Office of the Election Officer, even during working days, and that their temporary absence from their work shall be considered on official time;

NOW THEREFORE, the Commission RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to request the Department of Labor and Employment to issue the appropriate circular/guidelines urging private employers to allow their employees to file their applications for registration, transfer/ reactivation/ changes/ correction/inclusions/ reinstatement of entries of registration records even during weekdays, and to consider their temporary absence from work on official time.

Let the Executive Director implement this resolution.

SO ORDERED.