Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Powers of the Commission on Elections. - The Commission on Elections, which hereinafter shall be referred to as the Commission, shall, in addition to the powers and functions conferred upon it by the Constitution, have the following powers and functions:

(a) Direct and immediate supervision and control over national, provincial, city, municipal and municipal district officials required by law to perform duties relative to the conduct of elections on matters pertaining to the enforcement of the provisions of this Code, including members of any national or local law enforcement agency and instrumentality of the Government. In addition, it may authorize ROTC Cadets eighteen years of age or above to act as its deputies for the same purpose.

The Commission may relieve any officer referred to in the preceding paragraphs from the performance of his duties relating to elections who violates the election law or fails to comply with its instructions, orders, decisions or rulings consistent with the provisions of this Act; and appoint his substitute. Upon recommendation of the Commission, the President of the Philippines or the corresponding proper authority, shall suspend or remove from office any or all of such officers who may after due process be found guilty of such violation or failure.

(b) Promulgate rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Code.

Rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission to implement the provisions of this Act shall take effect on the sixteenth day after publication in at least two daily newspapers of general circulation. Special orders and directives issued pursuant to said rules and regulations shall take effect immediately upon receipt. In case of conflict between rules, regulations, special orders or directives of the Commission in the exercise of its powers granted in this Code and those issued by any other officer or agency of the Government concerning the same matter relative to the elections, the former shall prevail.

(c) To enforce and execute its decisions, directives, orders and instructions on any matter affecting the conduct of elections. For this purpose, the same decisions, directives, orders and instructions shall have precedence over those emanating from any other authority except the Supreme Court and those issued in habeas corpus proceedings.

(d) To make changes in the composition, distribution and assignment of its field offices as well as their personnel whenever the interest of free, orderly and honest elections so require: Provided, That such changes shall be effective and enforceable only for the duration of the election period concerned and shall not effect the tenure of office of the incumbents of positions affected and shall not constitute a demotion, either in rank or salary, nor result in a change of status: And provided, further, That in no case shall election supervisors be assigned to a province or registrars to a city, municipality, or municipal district, where they are related to any candidate or his spouse within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.

(e) To prescribe the use or adoption of the latest technological and electronic devices, taking into account the situation prevailing in the area and the funds available for the purpose.

(f) To carry a continuing campaign to educate the public and fully informed the electorate on election laws, procedures, decisions and other matters relative to the work and duties of the Commission and the necessity for clean, free, orderly and honest elections.