A special voters’ registration for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) is currently taking place at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), as announced by Bureau of Corrections Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed approximately 2,431 PDLs to participate in this special registration, considering that their cases are still under appeal.
Director General Catapang emphasized the importance of upholding the constitutional right to suffrage for PDLs, even if they are incarcerated but not yet convicted with finality. This initiative is in accordance with Comelec’s Resolution No. 9371, which outlines the eligibility criteria for detainee voting.
The security arrangements for this special registration have been put in place to ensure a smooth process. In a related development, 500 PDLs from NBP were recently transferred to San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, with specific numbers coming from different compounds within the prison facility.
Director General Catapang also mentioned that a total of 5,770 PDLs have been transferred from NBP to various operating prisons and penal farms since January this year. This transfer is part of the Bureau of Corrections’ decongestion program and preparation for the planned closure of NBP by 2028.
Photo Courtesy: Alamy