Reelectionist Sen. Nancy Binay has appealed to election officers to be sensitive to the needs of “vulnerable voters” after persons with disabilities expressed doubt they will be provided special precincts on Monday.
“We are always appealing to give special polling precinct to our PWDs, senior citizens and pregnant women,” she said.
If it’s possible, she said there should be an information kiosk the moment they entered polling places and volunteers to assist them.
The Commission on Elections assured PWDs and senior citizens that there would be Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPP).
However, PWD groups pointed out that many polling places still did not have reasonable access to vulnerable voters specially for those with mobility issues.
Republic Act 10366 mandates the Comelec to set up separate and accessible voting precincts for PWDs and senior citizens, but the law requires those with disabilities to register with the Comelec.
“I hope election officers will comply with Comelec Resolution No. 10486 which clearly says emergency accessible polling precincts be setup at the ground floor at merong mga malinaw at nakikitang directional signs,” said Binay
Senior citizens and PWDs are usually given a run around and often face a number of restrictions, hurdles, and challenges on election day, particularly those whose precincts are located in the upper floors of buildings without ramps.