FINALLY, the long-awaited 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE), also known as the #BotoNgKabataan2025, began today, May 12, 2025, marking another pivotal moment in the country’s democratic history.
Following months of rigorous preparation, public expectation, political campaigning, and institutional readiness, millions of voters are now flocking to polling stations across the country to vote.
The Commission on Election (Comelec) opened the voting centers to the general public at exactly 7:00 a.m., after allocating the prior two hours for the senior citizens and PWDs to vote earlier.
This electoral activity exemplifies the enduring spirit of democracy and the people’s right to shape their own future through the ballot. Meanwhile, big names have already begun voting early in the morning.
Early Birds
One of the notable personalities who attended to a precinct early was Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who voted before 7:15 a.m. at Mariano Marcos Elementary School in Batac, Ilocos Norte.
Meanwhile, before 9:00 a.m., current Vice President Sara Duterte cast her vote at Daniel R. Aguinaldo High School in Davao City.
A few known senatorial candidates from different parties were also spotted in precincts across the country, including Benhur Abalos, Bam Aquino, Ben Tulfo, Manny Pacquiao, Francis Tolentino, Liza Maza, and many others.
Words from the Chairman
Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, who was also one of the early voters, released a statement urging the 68.43 million Filipinos to choose their candidates wisely.
Moreover, Garcia highlighted in the statement that if there is one day throughout the year this year, it is election day, on which every Filipino is equal.
“Naniniwala ako na kaya nating pumili ng tama, lagpasan ang panlilinlang at pangalagaan ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng isang makapangyarihang kilos: ang pagboto,” Garcia said.
“Panahon na para itaas ang antas ng politika. Simulan natin ito sa pagboto nang may dangal at paninindigan. Sa araw ng halalan, lahat tayo pantay-pantay. Ang bawat boto ay may parehong bigat at kapangyarihan,” he added.
A Safe Voting Day
Given the significant risk of election-related violence in numerous hotspots across the country, the Philippine National Police have pledged to do their part in protecting the lives of voters and candidates on election day.
“The Philippine National Police is fully committed to ensuring clean, honest, and orderly elections. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the democratic process,” PNP Chief, Police General Marbil said.
“Anyone who dares to manipulate the vote through threats, violence, or fraud will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. Peace, order, and fairness are our absolute priorities-and we will enforce them without fear, without favor, and without backing down,” he added.
Meanwhile, the main election period began at 7:00 a.m. and will last until 7:00 p.m. Given the importance of the ongoing midterm elections, all Filipinos are encouraged to exercise their right to vote.
