The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that 393 jail facilities across the country have been designated as Special Polling Precincts (SPPs) by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
This initiative seeks to ensure that eligible persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) can exercise their right to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.
In a report to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera confirmed that the SPPs will accommodate on-site voting for 31,715 registered PDL voters. As an attached agency of the DILG, the BJMP is working closely with Comelec to ensure that the voting process inside jails is conducted securely and orderly.
“PDLs will no longer need to leave the confines of their facilities. Voting will take place inside the jails at designated special polling precincts set up by Comelec,” Bustinera said during a media forum at the DILG Central Office.
The regions with the highest number of SPPs include CALABARZON (118), Region VII (79), and Region VI (78), reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguarding the voting rights of qualified PDLs nationwide.
For jail facilities with fewer than 50 registered PDL voters, arrangements have been made for these individuals to cast their ballots at regular polling precincts, subject to a court order. Currently, 464 registered PDL voters fall into this category.
Candidates are allowed to conduct limited campaign activities within jail facilities, provided they obtain prior approval from both the BJMP and Comelec. Alternatively, candidates may submit pre-recorded campaign materials for presentation to PDL voters.
Notably, seven PDLs themselves are running for elective positions in the upcoming elections, seeking posts such as senator, mayor, district representative, vice mayor, and municipal councilor.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “393 jail facilities designated as Special Polling Precincts for PDLs — DILG.”