Philippines Opens 2025 Midterm Elections

The Philippines officially opened polls Monday morning, May 12, for the 2025 midterm elections. Over 68 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots in an election being closely watched as a key moment for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Polling centers welcomed senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant voters at 5 AM, ahead of the 7 AM general opening for the public. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) emphasized the importance of voter participation in shaping the country’s future.

Comelec Urges Voters to Choose Wisely

Comelec chairman George Garcia released a late-night message encouraging Filipinos to vote with purpose and integrity. He said that each vote carries equal weight and called on voters to rise above political deception.

“It’s time to raise the level of our politics. Let’s vote with dignity and conviction,” Garcia said. He reminded the public that during election day, all Filipinos are equal — regardless of background or status.

Tight Security and Watchdog Warnings

The elections are taking place under tight monitoring. The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), which deployed observers in the country, raised concerns about reported red-tagging and isolated violence in some areas. They urged Comelec to stay alert, especially in regions historically prone to election-related issues.

“Filipinos deserve to vote without fear, fraud, or force,” said IOM Commissioner Colleen Moore.

Vote Buying and Political Dynasties in the Spotlight

Comelec also confirmed over 600 reported cases of vote buying across the country. Meanwhile, many young voters are pushing back against long-standing political dynasties — a sentiment that could impact results and shift power dynamics ahead of the 2028 elections.

As the rivalry between the Marcos and Duterte camps continues to grow, this midterm election may serve as a preview of the political battles ahead.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here