Manila Bulletin
Philippines
Senate bill seeks to establish exclusive polling places for PWDs, senior citizens
Philippines
Senate bill seeks to establish exclusive polling places for PWDs, senior citizens
Senate bill seeks to establish exclusive polling places for PWDs, senior citizens
Published Mar 13, 2023 06:08 am
A bill mandating the establishment of polling precincts exclusively for senior citizens and accessible for persons with disabilities (PWDs) has been filed in the Senate.
Senate Bill No. 1642, filed by Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada specifically seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10366, mandating the “Commission on Elections (Comelec) to Establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for PWDs and Senior Citizens.”
Although there is already a law that ensures such benefits to PWDs and senior citizens, Estrada said there is a need for “clearer language” in RA 10366 regarding the necessary infrastructure, additional features, and special venues of precincts to address their mobility, convenience, and general accessibility concerns.
“Even with the existence of this law, many senior citizens were still disenfranchised come Election Day,” Estrada said in the explanatory note of the bill.
“In the 2019 elections, only three percent or 200,000 of the eight million senior citizen registered voters actually voted. The unfortunate low turnout for the sector underscores the importance and the urgency to strengthen the law ensuring accessibility of our polling places,” he pointed out.
The bill proposed to specifically state in Section 2 (j) of RA 10366 otherwise known as “An Act Authorizing the Comelec to Establish Precincts Assigned to Accessible Polling Places Exclusively for PWDs and Senior Citizens" that the special polling places be readily accessible to public transportation, free of any physical barriers and provided with necessary infrastructure and services such as “ramps, railings, sidewalks, adequate lighting, ventilation and other features for PWDs and senior citizens.”
Estrada said these special polling precincts be put up in public schools, town halls or plazas, civic centers, community centers, or other similarly designated special venues or areas and preferably those designed with special features to ensure their safety and comfort.
“Ultimately, this legislation aims to protect every voter's constitutional right to suffrage and to promote a more inclusive participation in the important democratic exercise,” Estrada said.
“Ultimately, this legislation aims to protect every voter's constitutional right to suffrage and to promote a more inclusive participation in the important democratic exercise,” he emphasized.
Estrada further noted that the House of Representatives already approved a similar measure on third and final reading during the 18th Congress.
“Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.adding that the intent of the law is to ensure that those in the vulnerable sector will be able to exercise their right to political participation without discrimination or restrictions,” the lawmaker said.