CPDRC inmates register as voters

EVEN detainees have the right to vote.

Election Commissioner Rene Sarmiento led the poll body yesterday in conducting   the first satellite voters registration for detainees of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.

Around 1,200 inmates signed up.

This means they can vote in the 2013 elections even if they are not residents or original voters of Cebu City.

Detainees will indicate  barangay Kalunasan as their temporary address with at least six months residency before the May 2013 elections.

There are three types  of detainees who are qualified to vote, said Sarmiento.

Those who are not yet convicted, those who have been convicted but the sentence is less than one year and those who have been convicted but their cases are under appeal.

Inmate  Felicidad Indangan, 72,  was among the first to register.  Detained on drug charges eight years ago, she was never able to cast her ballot.

Yesterday she filled up a registration form, had her photo taken and other biometrics data registered.

A special polling precinct will be set up in CPDRC on May 13, 2013.

To show their gratitude,  CPDRC’s famous “dancing inmates” performed for their special guests from the Commission on Elections. /Correspondent Katreena Bisnar