Pangasinan: Elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Pangasinan commended the Commission on Election’s (Comelec) early voting hours on Monday, allowing them to cast their ballots comfortably before the intense heat of the day.
According to Philippines News Agency, among them was Susan Joaquin from Barangay Poblacion, Malasiqui, who suffers from cataracts. She expressed gratitude for the 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. voting window, saying the softer morning light helped minimize discomfort. “I’m really thankful to the government. Bright light is painful for people like me with cataracts,” she said.
Marcela Salinas, 78, also from Malasiqui, appreciated the early hours, citing the cooler morning air. “It helps protect us from the heat. I still want to vote so that I won’t lose my identity,” she said.
Jake Fernandez, 69, echoed the same sentiment about the heat. “Mas okay to baka kasi may magcollapse pa. Saka tama yong hindi isinasabay sa mga regular voters (This is way better since some might collapse. And this is right that they don’t join it together with the regular voters),” he said.
At Barangay Bolosan in Dagupan City, Juan Maramba, 77, who walks with a limp, voted later in the day but still benefited from the priority lane for seniors, PWDs, and pregnant voters. “I still want to vote so I could help the government,” he said in Filipino when asked why he continued to vote despite the physical hurdle.
Reelectionist Pangasinan Fourth District Rep. Gina de Venecia, 76, availed of the early voting hours while her son, incumbent Rep. Christopher de Venecia, joined the queue of regular voters at Barangay Bolasi San Fabian, Pangasinan. Gina said she was able to cast her vote within five minutes as the process was orderly and swift.
A 25-year-old PWD also availed of early voting hours in Barangay Poblacion, Malasiqui town, Pangasinan. His mother said her son insisted on voting despite his disability, which he acquired due to a tumor in recent years.
Regular voting hours are between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pangasinan is the country’s fourth vote-rich province, with over 2.1 million voters.
