President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued a strong call to Filipino citizens to exercise their right to vote responsibly and to protect the integrity of the nation’s democratic process in today’s elections.
“Mga kababayan, ngayong halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananagutan bilang mamamayang Pilipino,” stated President Marcos. “Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan.”
Acknowledging the diverse political landscape, the President stressed that while differing opinions are fundamental to democracy, they should not lead to division, violence, or intimidation. “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.”
President Marcos called on voters to elect candidates with integrity, compassion, and a genuine capacity to serve. He also appealed to all candidates to respect the electoral process and maintain 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,” he said.
The President urged national unity to ensure an orderly and just election, in which approximately 70 million registered voters are expected to participate. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reported that 18,280 seats across 14 different positions, from senators to municipal councilors, are up for election.
In compliance with the President’s directive, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), led by Secretary Jay Ruiz, will coordinate government media efforts to provide comprehensive and accurate election updates under the banner “Hatol ng Bayan 2025.” Coverage will begin at 5:00 a.m. today and continue until 2:00 a.m. on May 13, across the television, radio, and digital platforms of PTV, IBC, Radyo Pilipinas-Radyo Publiko, PIA, and PNA.
