President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged the nation to turn to the polls to express their hopes for the future, rather than turn on one another, and for candidates to respect the election process.
“Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawa’t isa, at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan,” he said of the midterm elections. “Iba’t-iba man ang ating paniniwala, ‘yan ang diwa ng demokrasya.”
(This is an opportunity for everyone’s voice to be heard, and to share the aspirations you and your nation value. Though we have different beliefs, that is the essence of democracy.)
Despite differences in political outlook, Filipinos should refrain from conflict, the President emphasized.
“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,” he entreated.
(But differences in opinion should not lead to strife or threats. We must fight for our future with the ballot, not in the streets, not through violence.)
Marcos likewise addressed this year’s candidates, exhorting them to respect the election process.
“At sa mga kandidato, igalang natin ang proseso. Tapusin natin ang halalan ng may dangal at katahimikan,” he said.
(For the candidates, let’s respect the process. Let us end the election with dignity and peace.)
Lastly, Marcos called for cooperation to ensure smooth, peaceful, and fair elections.
The 2025 national and local elections are to take place on Monday, May 12. The Palace earlier proclaimed it a special, non-working holiday to “enable people to exercise their right to vote.”
