BJMP eyes list of inmates qualified to vote next year

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-7 has ordered all jail units in Central Visayas to submit the list of inmates qualified to vote in the May 2010 elections.

The order came after the directive sent to the BJMP-7 by the Commission on Election ordering the arrangement of special onsite registrations at jail units with at least 200 qualified detainees.

BJMP-7 has ordered for the submission of the list of qualified detainees in all jail units and correctional and rehabilitation centers in the region to help the Comelec determine the qualified applicant detainees.

Comelec will conduct ocular inspection in jail units on the proposed onsite registration taking into consideration the number of personnel and data capturing machines to be installed.

BJMP chief of operations Sr. Inspector Jose Rusylvi Abueva said that as long as an inmate has not been convicted - which means that there is an ongoing trial of his case - he is still qualified to vote.

Those who have been convicted are not eligible to register with the Comelec.

BJMP only expects 80 percent of the 7,882 inmates in Central Visayas who will be counted as among the qualified voters in the next elections. The special arrangement with the Comelec provides that if a jail unit has at least 200 qualified detainees, onsite registration will be conducted given that security is ensured.

If a unit does not reach the required number, detainees need to obtain court order to be allowed to go out and register before the election officer of the city or municipality.   During the onsite registration, Comelec will have a system of processing the application that will minimize queuing and will speed up the registration process. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM (THE FREEMAN)