On the eve of the May 12 national and local elections, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to exercise their right to vote responsibly and protect the integrity of the country’s democratic process.
In a one-minute video message posted on his official social media account, President Marcos emphasized that elections are both a right and a duty of every Filipino citizen and an opportunity for every voice to be heard and for aspirations for a better nation.
“Mga kababayan, ngayong halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananagutan bilang mamamayang Pilipino,” the President added.
“Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan.”
Acknowledging the diversity of political beliefs, President Marcos noted that differing opinions are at the heart of democracy, but these must not lead to division, violence, or fear.
“Iba’t iba man ang ating paniniwala, ‘yan ang diwa ng demokrasya. Pero ang pagkakaiba ng opinyon ay hindi dapat mauwi sa gulo o pananakot. Ipinaglalaban natin ang kinabukasan sa balota. Hindi sa lansangan. Hindi sa karahasan.”
The Chief Executive urged voters to choose candidates with integrity, compassion, and genuine capacity to serve, while calling on all candidates to respect the electoral process and uphold dignity throughout the campaign and beyond.
“Kaya bumoto po tayo. Piliin ang tapat, may malasakit, at may kakayahang magsilbi. At sa mga kandidato, igalang natin ang proseso. Tapusin natin ang halalan ng may dangal at katahimikan,” the President said.
President Marcos appealed for unity in ensuring an orderly and just election, where close to 70 million registered voters are expected to cast their votes.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported that a total of 18,280 seats covering 14 different posts from senators to municipal councilors are up for grabs.
“Magtulungan po tayo upang mapanatili ang isang maayos, mapayapa, at makatarungang halalan. Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino. Mabuhay ang ating demokrasya,” President Marcos said.
The President’s statement comes amid nationwide preparations for the May 12 vote, in which millions of Filipinos are expected to choose their next leaders.
In compliance with President Marcos’ directive, government media will collaborate closely to provide the public with accurate and complete election updates on May 12, 2025, dubbed “Hatol ng Bayan 2025.”
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jay Ruiz said the PCO will lead this effort, ensuring government-run TV, radio, and online platforms report timely and trustworthy news throughout election day.
The “Hatol ng Bayan 2025” coverage will begin on Monday, May 12, at 5:00 a.m. and continue until May 13, at 2:00 a.m. The coverage will be available on the television, radio, and digital platforms of PTV, IBC, Radyo Pilipinas-Radyo Publiko, PIA, and PNA. | PND
