The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that a total of 393 jail facilities across the country have been designated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as Special Polling Precincts (SPPs) to enable eligible persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

According to a report submitted to DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Spokesperson Jail Superintendent Jayrex Joseph Bustinera confirmed that the SPPs will facilitate on-site voting for 31,715 registered PDL voters. The BJMP, an attached agency of the DILG, is working closely with COMELEC to ensure a secure and orderly conduct of the electoral process inside jail facilities.

“Hindi na lalabas ng kulungan ang ating mga nakakulong na kapatid. Boboto sila mismo sa loob ng piitan, kung saan naitakda ng COMELEC ang special polling precincts,” Bustinera said during a media forum at the DILG Central Office.

The regions with the highest number of SPPs are CALABARZON (118), Region VII (79), and Region VI (78), reflecting the government’s effort to uphold the voting rights of qualified PDLs at scale.

For jail facilities with fewer than 50 registered PDL voters, the BJMP will escort them to regular polling precincts upon the issuance of a court order. Currently, 464 registered PDL voters fall under this arrangement.

Candidates are permitted to request access for limited campaign activities within jail facilities, subject to prior approval from both the BJMP and COMELEC. In lieu of physical presence, candidates may submit pre-recorded campaign videos for presentation inside the jails.

Notably, seven PDLs are themselves seeking elective office in the upcoming polls: one for senator, one for mayor, one for district representative, two for vice mayor, and two for municipal councilor.

This initiative affirms the government’s commitment to inclusive electoral participation, ensuring that the right to vote is upheld regardless of circumstance.