85 inmates at Talisay jail allowed to vote

CEBU, Philippines - At least 85 inmates at the Talisay City Jail in barangay Maghaway will participate in the May 2013 midterm national and local elections.

Jail Officer 1 Rona Espinosa said that out of 262 inmates, 85 detainees can vote.

The Commission on Elections has promulgated Comelec Resolution No. 9371 on March 6, 2012 entitled Rules and Regulation on Detainee Registration and Voting in connection with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections to serve as guide to the conduct of elections inside jails. 

Comelec Resolution 9371 states that “detainees who shall be eighteen years of age on the day of election and/or are committed inside the detention centers for at least six months immediately preceding the election day may be registered as a voter.”

As for detainees, who will be 18 years of age on the day of the election or are committed inside the detention centers for at least six months immediately preceding Election Day, the resolution states that they can also register as voters.

According to the resolution, the voter registration for inmates is open only to those who still await court judgment and excludes those who have already been convicted.

City jail warden chief inspector Gil Inopia Jr., in his letter addressed to Comelec officer Corazon Moran, made an inquiry whether there will be an on-site or off-site voting for the inmates. 

“As of this period, our office is not aware of whatever would be the final set-up for the casting of votes by our clients inmates,” Inopia said. 

Inopia said they want to be made aware so that they can make preparations relative to the May elections. 

Moran, in a separate interview, said Inopia’s request was sent to the Comelec-regional office for action. 

For May 13 next year, the resolution of the Comelec further states that a special polling place will be set up by Comelec for the inmates.  (FREEMAN)