RA 10367 - Mandatory Biometrics Voter Registration (2013)

Key provisions

• Policy Goal. The law’s purpose is to build a clean, complete, permanent and up‑to‑date list of voters using biometric technology. [Sec. 1]
• Definitions. Key terms are defined: COMELEC is the Commission; biometrics include fingerprint, iris, voice, photo, signature, etc.; a Data Capture Machine records biometrics; validation is capturing biometrics of voters who lack them; deactivation removes a voter’s record for non‑compliance; reactivation restores a deactivated voter. [Sec. 2]
• Who Must Submit Biometrics. Any registered voter whose biometrics have not yet been captured must present themselves for validation. [Sec. 3]
• Who Conducts Validation. The City or Municipal Election Officer is responsible for carrying out the validation process. [Sec. 4]
• Start of Validation. Validation began on July 1, 2013 and follows the continuing registration rules of RA 8189. [Sec. 5]
• Notice Requirements. COMELEC must publish the start of validation in two newspapers; local election officers must mail written notices to voters, post the list on the municipal bulletin board and at the COMELEC office. [Sec. 6]
• Deactivation for Non‑Compliance. Voters who do not submit their biometrics by the last day of filing registration applications for the May 2016 elections will be deactivated. [Sec. 7]
• Reactivation Process. Deactivated voters may apply for reactivation after the May 2016 elections following the procedure in Section 28 of RA 8189. [Sec. 8]
• Database Use Restriction. The biometric database is secured by COMELEC and cannot be used for any purpose other than electoral activities. [Sec. 9]
• Mandatory Registration for New Voters. All new voters must undergo mandatory biometric registration. [Sec. 10]
• Prohibited Acts. It is an election offense to force, intimidate, or pay a voter to avoid biometrics capture, or for any official to deactivate/reactivate a voter without due process. [Sec. 11]
• Implementation Rules. COMELEC must issue the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days after the law takes effect. [Sec. 12]

Common questions

What is considered biometrics under this law?

Biometrics are quantitative identifiers such as voice, photograph, fingerprint, signature, iris and other identifiable features. [Sec. 2(b)]

Who is required to submit biometric data?

All registered voters whose biometrics have not yet been captured must submit themselves for validation. [Sec. 3]

When did the validation of biometrics start?

Validation started on July 1, 2013, in line with the continuing registration under RA 8189. [Sec. 5]

What happens if I do not submit my biometrics before the deadline?

If you fail to submit by the last day of filing registration applications for the May 2016 elections, your voter record will be deactivated. [Sec. 7]

Can I have my voter registration reactivated after being deactivated?

Yes. Deactivated voters may apply for reactivation after the May 2016 elections following the procedure in Section 28 of RA 8189. [Sec. 8]

Will my biometric data be used for non‑election purposes?

No. The biometric database is secured by COMELEC and may only be used for electoral exercises. [Sec. 9]

Who conducts the validation process in my city or municipality?

The City or Municipal Election Officer is tasked with conducting the validation. [Sec. 4]

What actions are considered election offenses related to biometrics?

It is an offense to prevent a voter from submitting biometrics by force, intimidation, or money, and to deactivate or reactivate a voter without due process. [Sec. 11]