Antique: Members of the vulnerable sector lauded the exclusive voting time set by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), allowing them to cast their votes faster on Monday. Marife Mateo, a 39-year-old person with disability (PWD), said in an interview that she did not wait long at the Mag-aba Central School in the municipality of Pandan because she was assisted by the Comelec. ‘The Comelec gave us priority so we could vote for our candidates,’ Mateo said.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mateo has an inborn orthopedic problem, and she could not endure long hours of standing. She came early to vote since polling precincts opened as early as 5 a.m. to accommodate PWDs, senior citizens, and pregnant women. Senior citizens Alpha Fernando, 78, and Violeta Guerra, 69, both residents of Barangay Mag-aba, said they came early to their polling precinct so they could vote. ‘We want to participate in this election, that is why we came early,’ Fernando said.

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda also arrived early at the Mag-aba Central School to cast her vote. In a media interview, she said she will be behind reelectionist Rep. Antonio Agapito Legarda in bringing development to Antique. ‘We will continue to serve the people of Antique, providing them with livelihood and addressing their health concerns,’ Legarda said. They will also work to divide the province into two districts.

Rep. Legarda said in a separate interview that he would push the province to become an economic zone to provide more livelihood opportunities to Antique±os.