By Liezelle Soriano
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced that more than 31,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will participate in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
“The right to vote is an inherent constitutional right for all. As the DILG actively collaborates with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure peace and order during the 2023 BSKE, we are delighted to confirm that over 31,000 PDLs will exercise their voting rights in the BSKE 2023,” said DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos.
According to Comelec regulations, detainees who are formally charged, awaiting trial, and those serving terms of less than a year are eligible to vote.
The DILG has also instructed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to ensure a peaceful and orderly voting process for the 31,125 PDLs.
“The turnout of a larger number of registered PDL voters for the BSKE is indeed historic. This underscores the commitment of the DILG and the BJMP to uphold democracy and inclusivity in the electoral process,” stated the DILG chief.
Earlier this month, the Comelec, BJMP, and the Public Attorney’s Office reached an agreement regarding the implementation of PDLs’ voting in the BSKE.
On a different note, Abalos issued a warning to BSKE candidates, urging them to strictly adhere to all election laws, rules, and regulations to ensure an “orderly and clean election.”
(ai/mnm)
