DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos Directs BJMP to Ensure Orderly Voting for Over 31,000 Inmates in Upcoming Elections
Manila — Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos has issued a directive to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to facilitate orderly and peaceful voting for 31,125 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to a news release by Philippines News Agency, the increasing number of registered PDL voters in the local elections is “historic.” Abalos emphasized that this development highlights the DILG’s and the BJMP’s dedication to upholding democratic principles and inclusivity. As per Commission on Elections (Comelec) guidelines, inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences of less than one year are eligible to participate in the local elections.
Abalos reiterated that the ability of PDLs to vote reflects the nation’s commitment to democratic liberties as outlined in international human rights covenants and the 1987 Philippine Constitution. He also reminded candidates for the BSKE to strictly adhere to all election laws and regulations to ensure fair and lawful elections. According to Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code, candidates involved in vote-buying could face a prison sentence of up to six years and be perpetually disqualified from holding public office.
In addition to election-related directives, Abalos instructed the police and other government bodies to safeguard passengers traveling to their home provinces to vote in the BSKE. This is in line with observed All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that as of Saturday, there have been 30 verified election-related incidents, with 33 still under validation. PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. stated that the agency is actively cooperating with Comelec and other law enforcement agencies to maintain a coordinated response to any issues that may arise during the election period.
Data indicates that as of Wednesday, 361 villages have been categorized under the red alert level, 1,252 under orange, 1,210 under yellow, and 39,178 under green. Since the start of the election period on August 28, a total of 1,454 firearms have been seized from 1,992 arrested individuals in 317,596 checkpoint operations overseen by local Comelec officials. The PNP has also recorded 1,683 surrendered firearms and an additional 2,325 firearms deposited for safekeeping. The election period for the BSKE is set to conclude on November 29.