Passage of bill allowing early voting for seniors, PWDs sought

INCLUSIVE JOB MARKET Vincent Cruz (in a wheelchair), a human resource management graduate, joins the line to register at the job fair held for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the Quezon City Hall on Wednesday. Behind him is his mother, Monette. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has urged the Senate to pass a bill enabling senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and persons from vulnerable sectors to vote earlier than scheduled.

Cagayan de Oro second district representative Rufus Rodriguez said it would be of big help if the measure is signed into law once the second regular session opens on July 24.

Rodriguez also hopes the measure will be passed before the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on October 30.

“I suggest that our beloved senators make the approval of our House Bill No. 7576 allowing early voting for senior citizens, persons with disability, pregnant women, and other vulnerable sector members their top priority shortly after we reconvene (in) July,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

“It is important that Congress approves the bill soon so it could be sent to the President for signing into law ahead of the October grassroots elections,” he added.

The measure was approved on the third and final reading last May 8 at the House of Representatives.

It was forwarded to the Senate on the same day.

If enacted, the bill will allow seniors, PWDs, healthcare workers, and others who may need to vote earlier due to health considerations to cast their ballots before Election Day.

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APL/abc