By Liza Soriano
Senator Sonny Angara has called on his colleague at the Upper House for the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. (SBN) 777 which seeks to implement early voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Under SBN 777 that he filed, the senator emphasized the importance of giving priority to the elderly and the disabled in voting precincts as they no longer keep up with regular voters who can stand longer in queues to vote.
Angara stressed this law must be implemented before the next election comes around in 2025.
“Tayo po ay natutuwa sa naging resulta ng pilot implementation na ito ng Comelec na nagpatupad ng mas maagang pagboto sa seniors at PWDs sa dalawang pilot cities. Malinaw na sa kabila ng kanilang kalagayang pisikal, naroon ang kanilang paghahangad na makaboto, kaya’t nararapat lamang na bigyan natin sila ng pribilehiyo,” he said.
In his proposed bill, the senator said it would be better if seniors and PWDs were given two days of voting within 15 days before the actual election day.
This is to make voting more comfortable for them and safe from any harm.
“Nakalulungkot ang mga balita na marami pa rin sa mga seniors natin ang pumila ng matagal sa mga presinto at kinailangan pa umakyat ng ilang palapag para lamang bumoto,” Angara said.
(ai/mnm)
