A total of 31,125 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will cast their votes in the Oct. 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), according to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

In a news briefing on Thursday, Oct. 26, BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera stated that roughly 28,000 PDLs will vote inside the special polling centers within the BJMP-run jails while 1,909 inmates or six percent of the inmate will cast their votes in the barangays where they are registered.

He explained that the registered PDL voters whose cases are still pending and have not been resolved by the courts are allowed under the law to vote in the coming elections.

Further, Bustnera told the public not to be surprised in the event PDLs escorted by the BJMP jail personnel are seen casting their votes in the barangay polling places on Oct. 30, reiterating that the lawful PDL voters “include those who are formally charged and awaiting trial, as well as individuals serving prison sentences of less than a year.’’

“They can cast their votes at special voting centers within the jail facilities (onsite voting) or, if their registered hometowns are in the same city or municipality as the jail, at their designated voting precincts (offsite/escorted voting),’’ Bustinera noted.

In preparation for the BSKE 2023, Bustinera pointed out that on Oct. 3, the BJMP, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) signed a tripartite memorandum of agreement (MOA) that allows the said PDLs to vote.

To ensure an orderly elections process among the PDLs, Bustinera added that the BJMP has closely coordination with Office of the Court Administrator, PAO and COMELEC, created the national and regional monitoring teams that will look closely in the conduct of the PDL voting, conducted OPLAN safety measures inside the BJMP jails and dry run of the real time monitoring scheme.

“The BJMP's commitment to ensuring the democratic rights of PDLs is of paramount importance. We invite you to join us during this remarkable event, shedding light on our dedicated efforts to uphold the democratic principles that form the foundation of our society,’’ the BJMP stated.

The BJMP described the tripartite agreement as a ‘historic move’ that underscores the commitment of these government agencies to uphold democracy and inclusivity in the electoral process, ensuring that even those in detention can have a say in shaping their communities.

In the said agreement, the COMELEC has committed to provide essential support, guidance, and resources to facilitate the PDL voting and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

On the other hand, the PAO will assist in filing motions to the respective executive judges to allow the PDL to be escorted outside the jail for escorted voting.

The BJMP “will ensure a secure and conducive voting environment within the jail facilities as special polling precinct or in escorted voting at designated polling precinct, safeguarding the safety and privacy of PDL voters.’’

"This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also sets a promising precedent for future endeavors aimed at expanding access to voting for vulnerable and underrepresented groups," BJMP Director Ruel Rivera said. 

The BJMP maintained that the signing ceremony of the ‘Tripartite MOA marks a significant milestone in promoting democracy and ensuring that the voices of PDL are heard in our democratic system.’