Persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with pending cases were allowed to vote in the 2025 national and local elections, reaffirming their constitutional right, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Of the 4,125 registered PDL voters nationwide, 2,135 were from New Bilibid Prison, though 473 were disqualified due to legal or documentation issues.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized that only inmates without final convictions could participate, with voting conducted in phases based on security level and ending strictly at 2 p.m.
Garcia highlighted that no special deadlines or absentee voting occurred and underscored the significance of each ballot cast behind bars.
“Each vote is a form of expression,” he said, calling it a reminder that democracy must not forget the incarcerated.
Source: PhilNews24 | May 13, 2025
