President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attends the Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly Promoted Generals and Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Ceremonial Hall inside Malacañan Palace on December 4, 2024. Santi San Juan, PPA pool
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday encouraged the public to exercise their right to vote and choose candidates who can serve the country.
"Ngayong halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananagutan bilang mamamayang Pilipino. Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan," Maroc said in a video message.
"Kaya bumoto po tayo. Piliin ang tapat, may malasakit, at may kakayahang magsilbi," he added.
The president said that difference in beliefs was the essence of democracy and opinions should not be expressed through violence, but through votes.
He urged candidates to respect the process and end the elections with "integrity and peace."
"Magtulungan po tayo upang mapanatili ang isang maayos, mapayapa, at makatarungang halalan," Marcos added.
The Palace declared election day, May 12, a non-working holiday.
May 12, 2025 a special, non-working day for midterm elections: Palace
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