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 emphasized that on election day, all citizens-regardless of wealth, power, education, or background-stand as equals, with one vote each to shape the country’s future. He likewise appealed to candidates to respect the outcome and allow the democratic process to prevail peacefully. ‘Sa ating mga kandidato na humaharap sa dambana ng balota, mapayapang bigyang galang natin ang halalan at ang boses ng taumbayan (To our candidates standing before the altar of the ballot, let us peacefully honor the elections and the voice of the people),’ he added.
His colleagues in the Senate, in turn, underscored the importance of the midterm elections in shaping the country’s legislative direction and its impact on governance and national policy. ‘This election is very crucial, lalo na sa legislative body, sa Senate (especially in the legislative body, in the Senate),’ Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said in a radio interview, noting that the outcome would determine the strength and priorities of future Senate leadership. ‘The Senate is not a school. You have to be well prepared,’ he said, addressing new contenders in the race.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino cast his vote early Monday morning in Cavite, expressing relief at the end of a demanding campaign season and reiterating his call for clean, capable leadership. ‘Nagawa na po natin ang lahat para sa ating bayan. Ang magdedesisyon na ay ang taumbayan (We have done everything for our country. The people will decide),’ Tolentino said after voting at about 7 a.m., thanking the public for their support.
In Bocaue, Bulacan, Senator Joel Villanueva said he was pleased with the orderly voting process and expressed hope that the elections would lead to stronger representation for the Filipino people. He cited the efficiency of vote-counting machines and the prioritization of senior citizens and PWDs at polling centers. ‘Napaka-convenient at satisfying ng proseso (The process is very convenient and satisfying),’ Villanueva said, adding that the system’s transparency reinforces public trust.
