The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology announced on Thursday that a total of 31,125 persons deprived of liberty will cast their votes in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections slated on 30 October.

BJMP director Ruel Rivera directed all the BJMP manned facilities nationwide to ensure a secure a conducive voting environment within the jail facilities as special polling precincts or in escorted voting at Commission on Elections-designated polling precinct.

To recall, the BJMP, Comelec and the Public Attorney's Office signed a tripartite memorandum of agreement last 3 October 2023 that will allow PDLs to vote.

"This initiative not only promotes inclusivity but also sets a promising precedent for future endeavors aimed at expanding access to voting for vulnerable and underrepresented groups," Rivera said.

The BJMP maintained that the signing ceremony of the Tripartite MoA marks a significant milestone in promoting democracy and ensuring that the voices of PDL are heard in our democratic system.

It also described the tripartite agreement as a "historic move" that underscores the commitment of these government agencies to uphold democracy and inclusivity in the electoral process, ensuring that even those in detention can have a say in shaping their communities.

Meantime, BJMP spokesperson Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera stated that roughly 28,000 PDLs will vote inside the special polling centers within the BJMP-run jails while 1,909 inmates or six percent of the inmates will cast their votes in the barangays where they are registered.

He explained that the registered PDL voters whose cases are still pending and have not been resolved by the courts are allowed under the law to vote in the coming elections.

Bustinera also reminded the public not to be surprised in the event. PDLs escorted by the BJMP jail personnel are seen casting their votes in the barangay polling places, reiterating that the lawful PDL voters "include those who are formally charged and awaiting trial, as well as individuals serving prison sentences of less than a year.''

"They can cast their votes at special voting centers within the jail facilities (onsite voting) or, if their registered hometowns are in the same city or municipality as the jail, at their designated voting precincts (offsite/escorted voting),'' Bustinera said.