Thousands of Inmates Ready to Vote in May Elections
A total of 4,125 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from prisons and penal farms across the Philippines are qualified to cast their ballots on May 12. According to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), these inmates meet the criteria to participate in the upcoming elections.
Among them, 2,135 are at New Bilibid Prison, while 924 are detained at the Davao Prison and Penal Farm. Leyte Regional Prison holds 421 qualified voters, San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm has 290, and Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm houses 140 eligible inmates.
Women’s Correctional Institutions Also Included
Meanwhile, 123 inmates at the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) in Mandaluyong City and 92 at CIW-Mindanao are also qualified to vote. This marks a significant inclusion of female PDLs in the electoral process.
Who Qualifies to Vote?
BuCor clarified that qualified voters among inmates include those currently detained in jail or formally charged and undergoing trial. Those serving imprisonment sentences of less than a year are also allowed to vote. Moreover, inmates convicted of offenses involving disloyalty, such as rebellion or sedition, or crimes against national security, remain eligible. Lastly, PDLs who are on appeal can participate in the elections.
Ensuring Peaceful Elections Behind Bars
To guarantee a smooth voting process, BuCor’s Director General has instructed all prison superintendents to maintain order and peace during the elections. This move aims to uphold the democratic rights of inmates while ensuring security within correctional facilities.
With election day approaching, the inclusion of thousands of inmates highlights the country’s commitment to inclusive democracy, even behind bars.