Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero today called on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure that Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) awaiting court’s final decision on conviction will be able to exercise their rights to vote in the May 2022 National Elections.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account @saychiz, the former senator said the rights of these PDLs should be upheld by the government.
“Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who have not been convicted by final judgment that includes the penalty of civil interdiction, have the legal right to vote,” Escudero pointed out.
He added: “The COMELEC must devise a way to allow them as they number over 200,000 all over the country.”
A PDL, as defined by Republic Act No. 10575 or The Bureau of Corrections Act of 2013, “refers to a detainee, inmate, or prisoner, or other person under confinement or custody in any other manner.”
The term PDL was adopted by the government in solidarity with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which used the more neutral phrase PDL to prevent labeling or shaming of people in prison.
The year 2010 marked two milestones in the history of Philippine elections, namely the automation of election system nationwide and the first en masse registration and voting of PDLs.
Escudero said the COMELEC should again prepare for the upcoming elections to include provisions that the right to suffrage of the PDLs will be protected and upheld.