House panel okays early voting for seniors, PWds
THE measure allowing early voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) was approved of the House Committee on Appropriations.
Chaired by ACTS-CIS Rep. Eric Go Yap, the committee passed the bill authored by Nueva Ecija Rep. Estrellita Suansing to let the seniors and PWDs exercise their rights to suffrage without jeopardizing their health condition.
Under the proposed law, seniors and PWDs will be given the option to cast their ballot at accessible voting centers designated by the Commission on Elections within seven working days before the actual date of elections.
“It is every Philippine right to vote. I am honored to propose this measure which ensures that the right to vote is accessible to two of the most vulnerable groups. I seek committee approval on the said measure,” the solon said.
The committee acknowledged the difficulties for the Seniors and PWDs to join other voters in the long queue and large number of people inside the voting areas during the election proper.
The measure requires seniors and PWDs to register first to make sure those who will join early voting will be eligible seniors and PWDs.
Based on the Comelec records, there are 8,586,509 senior citizens and 350,049 PWDs voters who joined the 2019 polls nationwide.
The Comelec is expecting the a little increase in the number of voters in vulnerable sectors after 2019.
