4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos on Sunday appealed to fellow lawmakers and the public to support House Bill No. 8187 or the Election Holiday Act that seeks to establish a National Election Day as a regular non-working holiday.
Recognizing the fundamental value of electoral integrity and citizens’ voices, he underscored the significance of House Bill No. 8187 as a proactive step toward strengthening democracy.
To grant a national holiday on Election Day would eliminate barriers that often deter individuals from casting their votes, particularly those faced with work or time constraints, he said
“That in the minds of every voter, they should never have to make a choice between the future of our nation and their ability to earn a day’s wage to support their family,” he said.
Currently, the national election is designated as a special non-working holiday through a presidential proclamation issued shortly before each national election.
This classification means that workers who choose not to work on that day will not receive compensation due to the “no work, no pay” policy, he cited.
“Consider the potential impact if we were to establish an election day that eliminates the constraints of work or other obligations, thereby creating a day that is more convenient and enables citizens to regard themselves as an integral part of the electoral process,” he said.