By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(May 11, 2025) – Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero on Sunday urged Filipinos to exercise their right to vote in the midterm elections as a sign of respect for the heroes who fought for freedom.
He stressed that on election day on Monday, May 12, citizens are equal regardless of wealth, status, education, or background.
“Gamitin natin ang ating karapatan na pumili ng nais nating iboto dahil walang sinumang tao ang puwede magsabi na mas alam nila kung sino ang mga karapat-dapat na manalo dahil lamang mayaman, makapangyarihan o mas nakapag-aral sila,” said Escudero in a statement.
He also emphasized that voting is the foundation of a democratic nation.
“Ang tanging nasusunod ay ang boses ng mas nakararami kaya’t bumoto tayo para sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak at sa kapakanan ng ating bayan,” added the lawmaker.
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), there are over 68 million registered voters, excluding overseas voters, which is an increase of about 1.75% from the 2022 elections. Around 4.3 million are first-time voters.
Escudero also reminded candidates to respect the polls and let Filipinos decide.
“Nawa’y maging mapayapa ang ating halalan at tanggapin nating lahat ang pasiya ng sambayanan anuman ito at kanino mang panig sila nakahanay,” said Escudero.
On Thursday, the Comelec’s Committee on Kontra Bigay received over 400 vote-buying complaints nationwide.
International election watchdog Asian Network for Free Elections described vote-buying as the “biggest flaw” of the 2022 elections.
Fake news and disinformation that could undermine the integrity of the results have also remained prevalent despite consistent warnings from the Comelec and the government.
The Philippine National Police, meanwhile, has reported 40 election-related incidents, mostly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
(With reports from Marianne Enriquez, News5)
(PM)
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