Voters told to keep ballot’s intgerity
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. called on the public to exercise their right to vote while helping ensure peaceful elections and preserving the integrity of the ballot despite the diversity in political beliefs.
In a video message posted yesterday, Mr. Marcos reminded the public that voting is both a right and a responsibility of every Filipino.
“This is an opportunity to hear the voices of each other and to express the aspirations that are important to you and the nation,” he said in Filipino.
The chief executive urged voters to choose from the senatorial and local candidates with integrity, compassion, and genuine capacity to serve the public.
“So let’s vote. Choose the honest, the caring, and the capable. And for the candidates, let’s respect the process. Let’s conclude the election with dignity and peace,” Mr. Marcos said.
While he acknowledged differing political opinions, he said these differences must not lead to conflict or intimidation.
While having different [political] beliefs is an integral part of democracy, such differences should not lead to violence or intimidation,” he pointed out.
Let’s fight for our future through the ballot. Not in the streets. Not through violence,” he added.
Mr. Marcos urged voters to choose leaders who are honest, compassionate and capable of serving the public.
He also appealed to candidates to respect the electoral process and let the election process take place “with dignity and calm.”
“Long live the Filipino people. Long live our democracy,” the President said in conclusion.
Meanwhile, eight more towns in Batangas province have been added to the list of election areas of concern due to escalating political tensions, bringing the total to 11 towns and one city now under close watch by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and law enforcement authorities.
The new additions to the list include Bauan, San Pascual, Mabini, Lobo, San Nicolas, Taysan, Ibaan, and Nasugbu, Batangas police public information officer Maj. Eduardo Timbol II said.
“We are concerned because the ground is heating up. The rivalry of political candidates is becoming more intense,” he noted.
The towns of San Jose, Mataasnakahoy, Taal, and Tanauan City were earlier classified as areas of concern.
On Saturday, police barely stopped a melee when supporters of two rival candidates running for mayor and congressman crossed paths while both groups were holding their motorcades in Bauan, Batangas.
Nearly 2,800 police officers were deployed to provide security in voting precincts and to man Comelec checkpoints across the province.
As this developed, the Comelec reminded voters that today, registered Filipino voters will be selecting 12 senators, one member of the House of Representatives, one provincial governor, one provincial vice-governor, one member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, one mayor, one vice mayor, one member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and one party list.
Early voting hours have been set aside for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., while regular voting begins at 7 a.m. and ends at 7 p.m.
Voters are advised to approach the electoral board (EB) and give their names, precinct, and sequence numbers.
The EB will verify their name on the Election Day Computerized Voters List and check their fingernail for indelible ink.
The voter will then receive your ballot, secrecy folder, and marking pen, then proceed to the voting area.
Before leaving, the voter will have their right index finger marked with indelible ink.
The poll body also advised voters to wear comfortable clothes, drinking water, and their “kodigos” (cheat sheets).
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos to voters: Make responsible choices on Election Day”