Manila: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is advocating for the passage of a legislative measure aimed at including Filipinos in vulnerable situations in local absentee voting. Senate Bill No. 1075 seeks to allow senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), pregnant women, health workers on duty, and repatriated overseas workers to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day or in specially designated accessible venues.
According to Philippines News Agency, while Republic Act 10366 already permits the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to establish accessible polling places for senior citizens and PWDs, many voters from vulnerable sectors remain disenfranchised. Sen. Estrada emphasized that the right to vote should not be hindered by age, health, or situational challenges, stating, "It is the right of every Filipino, except those barred by law, to cast their vote."
Under the proposed Senate Bill 1075, qualified voters from vulnerable sectors would be allowed to participate in local absentee voting for at least two days in the week preceding Election Day at accessible establishments designated by the Comelec. The bill also proposes the creation of Emergency Accessible Polling Places in locations such as residences, hospitals, quarantine facilities, jails, and IDP areas to accommodate voters facing difficulties accessing regular polling centers.
The bill outlines comprehensive standards for accessible polling places, including ramps, railings, wheelchairs, adequate lighting and ventilation, lists of candidates in Braille, and sign language interpreters. It also proposes transportation or shuttle services to assist vulnerable voters in reaching polling sites.
To ensure the effective implementation of these measures, the bill authorizes the establishment of a Vulnerable Sectors Office within the Comelec to oversee programs and services for these groups. Sen. Estrada highlighted the importance of this initiative by stating, "This is about dignity and equal participation. Voting is a right, not a privilege. No Filipino should be denied a voice in choosing our leaders simply because voting was made physically or logistically difficult for them."
