The Commission on Election (COMELEC) has officially commenced a two-day special satellite registration today for qualified Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. The registration, which began today, August 12, 2024, will continue through August 13, 2024.
This special registration will cater to over 2,400 qualified PDLs. According to COMELEC Resolution No. 9371, PDLs are permitted to register and vote under specific conditions. These include individuals who are incarcerated or formally charged with any crime and are awaiting or undergoing trial, those serving a sentence of imprisonment of less than one year, and those whose conviction for crimes involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government—such as rebellion, sedition, violations of firearms laws, crimes against national security, or any other crime—is currently on appeal.
Conversely, PDLs are disqualified “if they have been sentenced by final judgment to suffer imprisonment of not less than one year; and those who have been adjudged by final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction or tribunal of having committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government, such as rebellion, insurrection, violation of the firearms laws, or any crime against national security” as stipulated in the Republic Act No. 8189.
The registration is being conducted in collaboration with other Law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police-Poblacion, Muntinlupa City, led by PLT EDWARD E RODRIGUEZ to streamline the process and address any challenges associated with the prison environment.
Under the direction of BuCor Director General GREGORIO PIO P CATAPANG JR., AFP (Ret), CESE, CCLH, the Bureau will ensure that eligible PDLs will have the opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to suffrage and participate in the democratic process.
