President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on Filipinos to protect the democratic process and elect capable leaders as the nation prepares to vote in the midterm elections.
In a video message posted on his official social media account, Marcos stressed that voting is both a right and a responsibility.
“Mga kababayan, ngayong halalan, gamitin natin ang ating karapatan at gampanan ang ating pananagutan bilang mamamayang Pilipino,” he said.
“Isang pagkakataon ito para marinig ang boses ng bawat isa at maipahayag ang mga pangarap na mahalaga sa inyo at sa bayan,” he added.
While recognizing political differences, the President reminded the public that democracy should not lead to division or violence.
“Iba’t iba man ang ating paniniwala, ‘yan ang diwa ng demokrasya. 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.”
Marcos urged voters to choose leaders who are honest, compassionate, and capable of true public service. He also reminded candidates to accept the outcome of the elections respectfully.
“Tapusin natin ang halalan ng may dangal at katahimikan,” he said.
More than 68 million registered voters are expected to cast their votes to fill over 18,000 national and local positions, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
To encourage full participation, the President has declared Monday, May 12, a nationwide non-working holiday.
“Magtulungan po tayo upang mapanatili ang isang maayos, mapayapa, at makatarungang halalan,” Marcos said.
