A total of 3,550 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) at the prison facilities of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) nationwide voted last May 12.
In a statement, the BuCor said that the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City had the highest turnout with 1,373 voters.
Those who also cast their votes included 1,065 PDLs from the Davao Prison and Penal Farm; 425 from the Leyte Regional Prison; 293 from the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm; 270 from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandalung City; and 124 from the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm.
Qualified to vote were PDLs who awaiting or undergoing trial, those serving prison terms of less than one year, and those convicted of crimes such as rebellion or violations of national security laws whose cases are still under appeal.
“The successful turnout of this year’s PDL voting reflects the government’s continuing commitment to inclusive and participatory governance, even for those on the margins of society,” said BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr.
Earlier, the Bureau had said there were 4,125 PDLs who are qualified to vote. It did not provide details why others who are qualified to vote did not participate in the May 12 elections.