General

Manila: Lawmakers across the country cast their votes on Monday with an appeal to Filipinos to participate in shaping the country’s future. Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is running unopposed as Leyte’s 1st district representative, emphasized the significance of each vote as a declaration of hope and a stand for good governance, unity, and a better Philippines. He urged Filipinos to vote with conviction and with the future in mind. According to Philippines News Agency, the 2025 midterm elections represent a crucial moment for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) agenda. Romualdez highlighted the elections as a balance

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday called on Filipinos to honor the May 12 elections as a solemn expression of democracy, urging all voters to participate peacefully and candidates to respect the people’s will. ‘Ngayong ika-12 ng Mayo, gamitin po natin ang karapatang bumoto bilang patunay na tayo’y malayang mamamayan, bilang paggalang sa ating mga bayani na ipinaglaban ito (This May 12, let us exercise our right to vote as a testament to our freedom as citizens and as a tribute to the heroes who fought for it),’ he said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero

Buluan: Police arrested 60 suspected flying voters and confiscated a grenade, iron rods, and fake registration documents in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur during Monday’s elections, officials said. According to Philippines News Agency, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao police spokesperson, Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, stated that the men were allegedly transported from Bukidnon, Sultan Kudarat, and Gen. Santos City. They were intercepted at checkpoints near Buluan Poblacion. Congressional candidate Esmael Mangudadatu claimed that “they were hired to vote and create disturbances using weapons.” The suspects remain detained as authorities continue to investigate potential election fraud. The seizure also included newly

Iloilo: The Commission on Elections in Western Visayas (Comelec VI) has urged voters to cast their votes early and avoid waiting until the last hour. Comelec VI Regional Election Director Lawyer Dennis Ausan emphasized the importance of early voting to ensure a smooth and efficient election process. According to Philippines News Agency, Ausan expressed their aim for a 100 percent voter turnout, even though historical trends indicate that only 70 to 75 percent of registered voters participate in midterm elections. Western Visayas, excluding Negros Occidental, boasts 3,128,562 registered voters distributed across 3,389 barangays. The region’s voting population is led by

Manila: On the eve of election day, Liset Taylo, 53, prepares a list of candidates she will vote for — from senators down to the municipal councilors. Taylo isn’t new to elections. She’s seen presidents and senators come and go. But each election, she said it still feels like being stuck on crossroads. Taylo is one of the 68.4 million registered Filipino voters heading to the polls this Monday, aside from some 1.3 million overseas. Across the country, more than 18,000 positions are up for grabs — from senators and congressional representatives to governors, provincial board members, mayors, and councilors.