By VERA Files
SENIOR citizens and persons with disabilities became the darlings of the press when they cast their ballots for the first time in SM malls on Monday.
In Batangas, the media fussed over Reymundo Chica and his wife Melanie, both with visual impairment, as they entered SM Lipa, one of the four pilot areas chosen by the Commission on Elections as accessible polling places for this elections.
“Nakakatuwa na para kaming artista kahit isang araw lang (We enjoy being treated like a celebrity even for just a day),” the 37-year-old Reymundo said in jest.
The media reported similar stories nationwide. To PWDs like Melanie, she was happy that for the first time she did not have to force her way through a crowd to vote.
Both have consistently participated in past elections. “Siyempre gusto naming maihalal yung mga kandidato na gusto namin (We want to be able to vote for our choice of leaders).”
Wanting to prepare for the full implementation of the poll accessibility law in the 2016 elections, Comelec chose one barangay in each of the four pilot areas and partnered with SM to use the malls’ facilities for 205 senior citizens and PWDs.
Comelec reported a high turnout rate. In SM Manila, 36 of the 37 voters cast their ballots; in SM Lipa, 37 of 44; in SM Cebu, 73 of 75; and in SM General Santos, 59 of 68 voters, or an average turnout rate of 91 percent.
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