By: Reigh John Bench Almendras
Photo Courtesy: Maverick Rhoy De Vera
Millions of Filipinos began casting their votes Monday in the 2025 national and local elections, with early voting hours implemented for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.
Voting precincts open at 5 a.m. for vulnerable sectors, while regular voting hours run nationwide from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that over 68 million Filipinos are expected to participate.
In an interview with GMA News, Comelec Chairman George Garcia highlighted the early voting initiative, a first for the country.
"At 5 a.m., voting started nationwide, especially for the elderly and those with disability. It is the first time we [have] had this early voting in the whole country," he stated.
He also noted that election personnel and poll watchers began preparations as early as 2 a.m., with voters arriving before 5 a.m.
Reports from Cebu City and Mandaue City indicated early voter turnout, with senior citizens and PWDs lining up as early as 3:30 a.m. Priority lanes and precincts are allocated for these groups during regular voting hours.
In Marikina City, voters also arrived early to cast their votes. In a quick interview with Marthy Mojar, a Letranite who resides in Marikina City, she observed changes in the number of people casting their votes early in the morning, compared to the last 2022 National Elections.
“In comparison with the 2022 elections, evident na mas maraming voters ngayon as early before 7:00 AM. Considering din siguro na mainit this time yung local elections kung saan ako botante.” Mojar shared.
A total of 69,673,655 Filipinos are registered for the midterm elections, with 68,431,965 residing in the Philippines and 1,241,690 overseas. Overseas voting concluded on May 12, while local absentee voting took place from April 28-30.
Malacañang declared May 12 a special non-working holiday to encourage voter participation. The Comelec has expressed confidence in a peaceful and orderly election. As of election eve, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported no serious threats.
Over 18,000 positions are contested, including 12 Senate seats, 63 party-list representatives, 254 House members, and various local government posts.