BJMP: 47,785 inmates to cast ballots

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 47,785 inmates under the supervision of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology will vote in the May 9 elections, the BJMP said yesterday.

Superintendent Xavier Solda, spokesman for the BJMP, said they have made arrangements with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the inmates in 475 jails across the country who are qualified to vote.

For a detention facility with fewer that 50 inmates, Solda said there is a need to secure a request for authority from the court before the prisoners are brought to a polling precinct to vote.

“Doon sa polling precincts outside a prison facility ay mayroong special lane for inmates,” he said in an interview on dzBB.

For jails where there are more than 50 inmates, Solda said Comelec personnel would go to the detention facilities and hold the elections on site.

The BJMP said it has coordinated with the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police for the arrangement.

“The BJMP will supervise the movement of inmates who will vote,” Solda said.

The inmates can only vote for president, vice president, senators and a party-list group.