VP Binay disappointed over report of Comelec’s failure to see to needs of elderly, PWDs

By OVP Media
May 23, 2013

MANILA – Vice President Jejomar C. Binay today expressed disappointment over reports that the Commission on Elections’ failed to address the needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the recently held midterm polls.

Binay was reacting to National Council on Disability Affairs executive director Carmen Zubiaga’s claim that only two out of the 36,778 polling centers in the country were designated as pilot Accessible Polling Places for PWDs and the elderly.

“The Comelec should have been more proactive in ensuring that they are not disenfranchised simply because our polling centers cannot accommodate their needs,” the Vice President said.

“This is clearly something that requires an explanation from the Comelec, considering that the poll body itself had issued resolutions that require polling centers to be more friendly to senior citizens and PWDs,” he added.

Binay said he personally saw how some senior citizens had to walk up three to four flights of stairs to reach their precincts. He also cited media reports of senior citizens suffering accidents on election day.

According to the Vice President, the Comelec should now use the time leading to the next elections in 2016 to make the voting process for the disabled and the elderly easier and more efficient.

Binay also said that the growing number of PWDs interested in practicing their right to vote should not be neglected. From 300,000 registered voters in 2010, the PWD sector grew to 362,113 this year.

The Vice President also praised Filipinos who volunteered to help the elderly and PWDs vote on May 13.