Comelec, BJMP to thresh out voter registration for 'high-risk' inmates

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will discuss with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) how “high-risk” inmates at the Metro Manila Rehabilitation Center in Bicutan, Taguig City can register for the 2010 local and national polls.

Comelec commissioner Rene Sarmiento said there are 700 inmates at the center considered high-risk and “high-profile,” noting that some of them have been charged with heinous crimes while others are facing cases as alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group.

“There are security concerns that we have to consider so we have to discuss this with the BJMP,” he said.

Under the country’s laws, an inmate has the right to vote so long as he is not convicted. To be able to vote in next year’s polls, inmates must apply for “escorted voting” with the court.

The Comelec cannot set up poll precincts in detention centers as the Omnibus Election Code provides that voting could be done only in schools and consulate offices.

According to Sarmiento, election officers conducted satellite registration at the Sta. Rosa, Laguna jail for 332 inmates and eight jail personnel.

Sarmiento said that satellite registration would also be done in the Manila City Jail, which has 4,736 inmates; and the Quezon City Jail, with 2,808 inmates.

“This is the first time that we are doing this. We are hopeful that this will be successful,” he said. – Sheila Crisostomo