The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has lauded the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) for assisting more than 28,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) cast their votes during the May 9 national and local elections.
The PDLs cast their votes in special polling precincts which were similar to those done for Filipinos overseas, the CHR said.
"CHR recognizes the immense efforts of BuCor and BJMP to uphold and secure the safe electoral participation of incarcerated individuals ...,” said CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
"The Commission also notes the agencies’ rigorous coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for reaching remote confinement facilities and conducting orientations with PDLs on election rules and the voting process," she added.
The PDLs were given radio and television access prior to election day to ensure that they make informed individual decisions. During election day itself, the BuCor and BJMP assigned medical personnel, equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE), to the special polling precincts to maintain adherence to Covid-19 health and safety protocols.
"The Commission believes that providing PDLs the full respect of their rights, such as the right to suffrage, helps us fashion their effective rehabilitation and reintegration back to society," said de Guia.
"PDLs’ voting rights affirms their inclusion in our country’s democracy. Casting their ballot not only brings them hope, but also gives them a sense of social responsibility," she added.