MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked barangay officials to provide transportation to persons with disabilities (PWDs) so they could participate in today’s special voter’s registration in all local poll offices.
In his Twitter account @jabjimenez, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez posted that the poll body is holding the “First National Registration Day for Voter’s with Disabilities” today to enable PWDs to vote in 2016.
Around 120,000 PWDs are either not registered as voters or have not had their biometrics data taken by the Comelec.
“The Comelec is reaching out to PWDs as part of its commitment to the concept of inclusive elections and as provided under the Constitution, giving all Filipinos the right to vote,” Jimenez said.
He said the Comelec has instructed barangay officials to extend all assistance to their PWD constituents by providing them with motor vehicles in going to the registration centers.
The poll body noted that most PWDs are not keen to register, as Comelec offices are located above several flights of stairs and there are no ramps for them to pass through.
Many PWDs do not have the means to go to Comelec offices, particularly in cities where travel involves taking several bus or jeepney rides to reach one’s destination.
Jimenez said for today’s event, Comelec field officials have been instructed to set up registration desks at the ground floors and to provide other means to make the process easy for PWDs.