MANILA, Philippines—The Makati City Council has echoed calls for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to create special voting precincts for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens.

Through City Resolution No. 2009-035, the councilors said Comelec should ensure that PWDs and the elderly would not be deprived of their right to vote simply because of their physical condition.

“Given the circumstances and the special needs of the elderly and persons with disabilities, we believe that we have to make special arrangements so they will not be unduly deprived of their right to vote,” said Councilor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who authored the resolution.

The Makati city council stressed that Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento earlier said that the poll body was inclined to implement the proposal which was first suggested by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

“We are optimistic that the Comelec will open these precincts in time for the 2010 elections,” the councilor said.

The city council noted that under electoral laws, physically disabled voters are allowed to have a relative, a person they trust, or a member of the board of election inspectors assist them in filling up their ballots.