MANILA, Philippines — The voting period for the 2022 Philippine national and local elections started Monday, with over 65 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots to elect the next leaders of the country.
The Philippines is holding its national and local elections unlike any other election year as the government tries to pull it off while ensuring public safety from the coronavirus pandemic.
Right before the opening of voting precincts, Commission on Elections (Comelec) acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said it is “all systems go.”
“Sa part ng Comelec, it’s all systems go. Ina-assure namin kayo na kapag kayo ay pumunta sa mga polling centers, kayo ay makakaboto,” Laudiangco said.
The voting period will run from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 9. Due to the pandemic, safety protocols will be implemented in schools and voting areas such as temperature checks, physical distancing, wearing of face masks at all times, and frequent disinfection of the hands.
READ: VOTE PH: Step-by-step guide to voting, do’s and don’ts
At the national level, the voting public will elect one president, vice president, and 12 senators and several partylist groups.
Locally, voters will also elect a congressman, governor, vice governor, board member/s, mayor, vice mayor, and councilors in their respective areas.