Makati Mayor and United Opposition (UNO) president Jejomar Binay yesterday urged Congress and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prioritize the setting up of special voting precincts for senior citizens and the disabled.
Binay expressed support for House Bill 5589 filed by Rep. Narciso Santiago Jr. III seeking to provide special precincts for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The opposition leader had previously asked Comelec to establish these special precincts, saying the lack of accessibility during election day often discourages the elderly and PWDs from casting their votes.
The result is that they are disenfranchised because of their physical condition, he added.
“We should find ways to ensure that the right to suffrage is extended and protected, especially for our fellow Filipinos whose physical conditions that affect their mobility,” he said.
The Makati City Council also recently passed a unanimous resolution urging Comelec to set up the special precincts.
According to Binay, Congress specifically should consider HB 5589 a priority over Charter Change.
“The supporters of Mrs. Arroyo in Congress should drop their Cha-cha plans and focus on meaningful legislation. HB 5589 deserves their support,” he said.
Binay had earlier written the Comelec about the special precincts for senior citizens and PWDs and was informed by Commissioner Rene Sarmiento that the poll body had ordered a study into his proposal.
“According to Commissioner Sarmiento, it is well within the powers of the Comelec to order the establishment of these special precincts. I hope that by the 2010 elections, our elderly and persons with disabilities will be able to avail themselves of these precincts,” he said.
Binay said these voting precincts should be accessible to the elderly and PWDs.
“Often, they are discouraged from voting because they either need to go up the stairs. In effect, they are being disenfranchised because of their physical condition,” he said. –Daily Tribune
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