The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has a filed a bill that seeks to reorganize and strengthen Commission on Elections (Comelec) field offices by upgrading positions and creating new specialized roles to enhance electoral administration nationwide.

House Deputy Minority Leader ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, and Kabataan Party-list. Renee Louise Co, filed for this purpose House Bill (HB) No.3923.

It intends to amend Section 53 of Batas Pambansa (BP) 881, or the Omnibus Election Code, in a bid to establish a more robust organizational structure for Comelec's regional, provincial, and city/municipal offices with clearly defined salary grades and specialized positions.

The militant solons noted that the current organizational structure has remained largely unchanged despite the evolving complexities of electoral administration, including technological advances, increased voter registration, and expanded electoral processes.

"Ang modernong halalan ay nangangailangan ng modernong organisasyon (A modern election requires a modern organization). We cannot expect 21st-century electoral performance from offices operating with outdated structures and inadequate personnel," Tinio said.

The bill provides for proper funding mechanisms, requiring initial implementation costs to be charged against current Comelec appropriations, with subsequent funding to be included in annual General Appropriations Acts (GAAs).

"Ang aming panukalang batas ay naglalayong palakasin ang kakayahan ng Comelec na magbigay ng mas mabisang serbisyo sa lahat ng sulok ng bansa (Our proposed bill aims to strengthen the capability of the Comelec to provide more effective service in all corners of the country)," Tinio explained.

"We need a Comelec that is properly staffed, adequately compensated, and equipped with the right personnel to ensure credible and peaceful elections," he noted.

The bill proposes significant upgrades including the creation of Regional Election Attorney positions, Human Resource Management Officers, Budget and Finance Officers, and Computer Maintenance Technologists to address the growing technological demands of modern electoral processes.

"For too long, our election offices have been understaffed and under-resourced. This has compromised the quality of electoral services and made our democratic processes vulnerable to irregularities," Tinio stated.

"Kailangan natin ng mga election officers na may tamang training, tamang sahod, at tamang suporta para magampanan nila ang kanilang mahalagang tungkulin (We need election officers with proper training, fair wages, and adequate support so they can fulfill their important duties," he added.

The proposed reorganization establishes three tiers of field offices: Regional Election Director Offices (Salary Grade 28), Provincial Election Director Offices (Salary Grade 25/26), and City/Municipal Election Director Offices with varying grades depending on the classification of the locality.

Co emphasized the democratic importance of the measure: "Strong electoral institutions are the foundation of our democracy. Ang mga Pilipinong bumoboto ay nararapat na makatanggap ng pinakamataas na kalidad ng serbisyong electoral (Filipino voters deserve to receive the highest quality of electoral service)."

"This bill recognizes that credible elections require not just good laws but also competent and well-supported election personnel at every level of government," added the neophyte congresswoman.

"We are not just creating positions—we are investing in the integrity of democratic institutions," Tinio concluded.