LENTE 6th, 7th, and 8th Radio Programs

On April 23, April 30 and May 7, Legal Network for Truthful Elections Inc (LENTE) organized the sixth, seventh and eighth radio talk shows. The sixth talk show discusses good practices from the experiences of disability rights advocates in their fight for a more inclusive Philippines society to empower other persons with disabilities and organizations. LENTE invited three guests from different organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) including the Philippines Blind Union, Philippines Federation for the Deaf and AKAP to share their thoughts on the importance of engaging a variety of stakeholders for disability rights advocacy. The seventh talk show included a representative from two different government institutions to discuss the do’s and don’ts for voters with disabilities on Election Day. Speakers discussed the last-minute preparations and reminders for an inclusive election day such as ensuring that health protocols are followed by voters wearing masks, disinfecting frequently and bringing their ballpoint pens to avoid sharing with others. Voters with disabilities were also reminded that they could use accessible polling places, emergency accessible polling places, or the express lanes found in regular polling places. Persons with disabilities can also use assistants to help them with their ballots and guide them to and from the polling place. The eighth talk show discussed the candidate’s commitment to fulfilling disability rights from the perspective of persons with disabilities. LENTE invited three representatives from different OPDs to share their thoughts. Speakers recommended for there to be a suitable mechanism for candidates, government officials and persons with disabilities to discuss elections accessibility and what reforms and changes still need to be actualized. They also suggested for candidates provide information that can be easily accessed and understood by all voters.