The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said April 25 that 393 jail facilities across the country, including 78 in Western Visayas, have been designated by the Commission on Elections as special polling precincts (SPPs) to enable eligible persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to vote on May 12.
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson, Jail Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera, in a report to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, said the SPPs will facilitate on-site voting for 31,715 registered PDL voters.
The BJMP, an attached agency of the DILG, is working closely with Comelec to ensure a secure and orderly conduct of the electoral process inside jail facilities.
The regions with the highest number of SPPs are Calabarzon with 118, Region VII with 79, and Region VI, 78.
For jail facilities with fewer than 50 registered PDL voters, the BJMP will escort them to regular polling precincts upon the issuance of a court order, the DILG said in a statement, adding that 464 registered PDL voters fall under this arrangement.
Candidates are also allowed to request access for limited campaign activities within jail facilities, subject to prior approval from both the BJMP and Comelec. In lieu of physical presence, candidates may submit pre-recorded campaign videos for presentation inside the jails.
Meanwhile, seven PDLs are themselves seeking elective office in the upcoming polls: one for senator, one for mayor, one for district representative, two for vice mayor, and two for municipal councilor, the DILG said.
It added the government is committed to inclusive electoral participation, ensuring that the right to vote is upheld regardless of circumstance. ||
