Press Release
May 10, 2019

NANCY TO COMELEC: DONT MAKE IT HARD FOR PWDs, SENIORS ON E-DAY
"Be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable voters."

This was the appeal of reelectionist Sen. Nancy Binay to election officers as persons with disabilities expressed doubt that they will be provided special precincts on Monday, May 13.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured PWDs and senior citizens that there will be Emergency Accessible Polling Places (EAPP). However, PWD groups pointed out that many polling places still do not have reasonable access to vulnerable voters specially for those with mobility issues.

"Ang lagi nating pinapakiusap ay bigyan ng special polling precinct ang ating PWDs, senior citizens, at ang mga nanay na buntis. Kung maaari, meron na agad information kiosk sa pagpasok pa lang sa polling places, at volunteers na mag-a-assist sa kanila. Papunta pa lang sa mga eskwelahan pahirapan na, kaya 'wag na po nating pahirapan sila sa araw ng eleksyon," Binay said.

Republic Act 10366 mandates the Comelec to set up separate and accessible voting precincts for PWDs and senior citizens, but the law requires those with disabilities to register with the Comelec.

"I hope election officers will comply with Comelec Resolution No. 10486 which clearly says emergency accessible polling precincts be setup at the ground floor at merong mga malinaw at nakikitang directional signs. At sana yung di nakapag-rehistro ng mga senior, buntis at PWD ay i-accommodate din. Karapatan nilang bomoto, and let's be sensitive to their needs," she pointed out.

Senior citizens and PWDs are usually given a round around and often face a number of restrictions, hurdles, and challenges on election day, particularly those whose precincts are located in the upper floors of buildings without ramps.

"Sinasabi din sa batas na hindi lang basta may special precinct, dapat ay trained ang mga election staff at volunteers para magbigay ayuda sa ating mga PWDs at seniors, at meron nakahandang assistive devices para sa kanila," Binay added.

Of the 61.8 million registered voters for 2019, there are about 342,300 PWDs and 8,076,306 senior citizens.

News Latest News Feed