November 01, 2023

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos said that the victory of three persons deprived of liberty (PDL) in the recent 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is a sign of an active and working Philippine democracy.

“PDLs winning in the 2023 BSKE shows na ang demokrasya ay talagang nirerespeto natin and the Filipinos’ right to vote,” Abalos said during a press conference at the DILG-Napolcom Center in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Abalos oversaw the historic casting of votes of 303 PDLs at the Manila City Jail last Monday.

It was the first time for detainees to participate in the nationwide BSKE.

BJMP Director Ruel S. Rivera said that among the eight PDL candidates in the 2023 BSKE, three are poised to be declared as winners.

Two of the winners were from CALABARZON who both won the village councilor post.

They are currently detained at Tanay and Dasmariñas City Jails.

The winner from Dasmariñas even got the highest vote.

The third winner is also a barangay councilor from Cagayan de Oro City.

“Tatlong PDLs ang nanalo pero ito ay partial at unofficial status sapagkat ang Comelec (Commission on Elections) po ang mag-a-announce noon,” Rivera said.

The jail director reported that 26,268 or around 90 percent of 29,288 voters were able to practice their right to suffrage.

“Napakaganda po, walang untoward incident,” Rivera said.

Abalos, however, clarified that the winners ability to serve depends on the outcome of their cases.

“Kung acquitted siya, makakapagsilbi siya, makakalabas eh. Pero kapag guilty ay malamang ay disqualified”.

BJMP facilities host those accused before a court, undergoing investigation, waiting for final judgment, and who are serving sentences three years and below.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-Three-PDLs-victory-in-brgy-polls-a-sign-of-active-democracy/NC-2023-1224