Senior citizens arrive at the New Capitol Estates-1 basketball court, one of the polling precincts in Barangay Batasan Hills, to cast their votes during the early voting period of the 2025 midterm elections on May 12, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippines opened its polling centers Monday morning for a midterm elections that analysts said was a “referendum” on the popularity of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s administration amid its feud with the Duterte clan and their looming battle for power in 2028.  

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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) opened the voting centers to the general public at 7 a.m. about two hours after allowing senior citizens and PWDs to vote early.

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Before midnight, Comelec chairman George Garcia issued a statement urging some 68.43 million Filipino voters to choose wisely.

"Naniniwala ako na kaya nating pumili nang tama, lagpasan ang panlilinlang at pangalagaan ang kinabukasan ng ating bayan sa pamamagitan ng isang makapangyarihang kilos: ang pagboto,” Garcia said.

(I believe that we know how to pick the right leaders for the future of our country.)

"Panahon na para itaas ang antas ng politika. Simulan natin ito sa pagboto nang may dangal at paninindigan,” he added.

(It's time that we elevate the level of politics in our country by voting with pride and dignity.)

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He emphasized that during election day, every Filipino is “equal.”

“Sa araw ng halalan, lahat tayo pantay-pantay. Ang bawat boto ay may parehong bigat at kapangyarihan.”

(On this day, all of us are equal. Each of our votes have the same weight and power.)

The Comelec chief thanked all the poll workers, police, armed forces, civil society groups, journalists, election observers who worked tirelessly to ensure clean and safe elections. 

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The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), which sent international observers to monitor the midterm elections, urged Comelec to remain vigilant as the group reported intensified red tagging and violence in some areas.

"Filipinos deserve to vote free from fear, fraud, or force... We call on the Commission on Elections to remain vigilant in the critical hours ahead, especially in areas historically vulnerable to violence and fraud," IOM Commissioner Colleen Moore said. 

More details to follow. 

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