Manila, Jan. 29 -- A total of 927 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) detained in various jail facilities across Negros Oriental have been cleared to vote in the May 12 midterm elections, according to the Commission on Elections-Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR).

Regional election director Lionel Marco Castillano said Wednesday that, unlike in previous elections, PDLs can now vote for both national and local candidates, provided they are registered in the areas where they are detained.

On election day, a special board of election inspectors will be deployed to jail facilities to oversee the voting process.

"PDLs will use official ballots just like regular voters, but no automated counting machines will be placed inside jails," Castilla...