CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is urging voters in Central Luzon to carefully evaluate candidates in the 2025 midterm elections, prioritizing qualifications and leadership over personal interests.
During the second episode of the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency for 2025, Comelec Assistant Regional Director Elmo Duque highlighted the importance of voter education.
He stressed that debates and similar activities provide a crucial platform for voters to assess candidates and their proposed solutions to societal issues.
“Suriin natin mabuti ang ating mga kandidato at mamili tayo base sa kanilang kakayahan at kahandaan sa panunungkulan,” he urged, reminding the public that voting should be for the country’s progress rather than personal gain.
To ensure inclusivity on election day, May 12, he outlined voting schedules, emphasizing priority hours for vulnerable groups. Pregnant women, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities can vote early from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, while persons deprived of liberty have until 3:00 PM to cast their votes.
Regular voting hours will be from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with Emergency Accessible Polling Centers also operating from 7:00 AM onward.
Duque advised voters to prepare for potential long lines since each precinct can accommodate up to 1,000 individuals and encouraged them to bring food and water to stay comfortable while waiting.
Highlighting the importance of the party-list system, he urged voters not to overlook this segment of the ballot, reminding them that party-list voting takes place at the back of the ballot and requires only one selection.
“Napakalaki ng botong nawawala dahil maraming hindi bumoboto sa party list,” he said, emphasizing the importance of representation.
He also warned against over-voting in multi-contested positions, such as the senatorial race, where voters can select up to 12 candidates but must not exceed the limit to avoid nullifying their vote.
For single-contested positions like governor, he reminded voters to mark only one choice, as selecting multiple candidates would result in a voided vote.
He also urged voters to handle ballots with care to ensure vote-counting machines can properly read them.
Issuing a strong reminder to candidates, Duque emphasized the need to comply with election laws, especially as the official campaign period for candidates for the House of Representatives, and for parliamentary, provincial, city, and municipal officials, approaches on March 28.
“Huwag po nating bigyan ng kadahilanan na tayo po ay ma-disqualify. Kung winnable na po tayo dapat i-maintain natin ‘yan. Let’s keep ourselves model in following the laws,” he added.
Calling for responsible voting, he urged Filipinos to reject vote-buying and uphold the integrity of the elections.
“Don’t sell our votes because our land, future, and our own good is at stake. Let’s vote for the deserving leaders who will lead us,” he said.
With preparations underway, Comelec continues to implement measures to ensure fair, orderly, and inclusive elections, encouraging voters to take part responsibly. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)