31,750 PDLs set to vote in May elections, including 7 PDL candidates

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) announced on Friday that 31,750 out of the 115,791 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will vote in the May 12 national and local elections.

Of these voters, 31,286 PDLs will cast their ballots in special polling centers within BJMP-run jails, while 464 others will be escorted to barangays where they are registered.

BJMP spokesman Supt. Jayrex Joseph Bustinera noted that seven PDL candidates have been approved by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to run for various positions including senator and mayor, with two each seeking vice mayor and municipal councilor roles.

Most notably, detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy is running for senator from Pasig City Male Dormitory.

In a press briefing, Bustinera clarified that PDL voters will vote inside their detention facilities unless there are fewer than 50 registered voters, who will be escorted to outside polling precincts.