Voting starts for first Philippine elections during COVID-19 pandemic

Around 65.7 million registered Filipino voters are expected to troop to polling precincts nationwide on Monday, May 9, as the Philippines conducts its first ever national and local elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Major adjustments were made in this year’s polls from the start of the campaign period to Election Day as authorities and health experts alike had to constantly remind people to follow the minimum public health standards and get vaccinated to ensure safe, clean, and honest elections despite the lingering threat of COVID-19.

Voters are however not required to present a COVID-19 vaccination card, provide a negative result of an RT-PCR or antigen test before, and wear face shields before they are allowed to cast their votes. What is necessary is the wearing of face masks at all times in polling precincts, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner George Garcia earlier said.

Voting period starts from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and voters are highly encouraged to bring a kodigo or list of candidates whom they will vote for so as to speed up their voting time.

Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan visited the Andres Bonifacio Elementary School in Pasay City past 6 a.m. to check on the conduct of voting.

"Everything went smoothly. So far, mga six voters casted their votes already. Walang hazard," Pangarungan told reporters.

"The voting now is in progress dito sa voting center na yan," he added.

Pangarungan said he was also informed that the nationwide voting has started on time.

There are 10 candidates vying for the top national posts, namely former presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, labor leader Leody de Guzman, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, former Defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Senator Panfilo Lacson, businessman Faisal Mangondato, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., physician Jose Montemayor Jr., Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo.

Meanwhile, nine candidates are running for the vice presidency, namely House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza, Professor Walden Bello, politician Rizalito David, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, economist Manny Lopez, physician Willie Ong, Senator Francis Pangilinan, lawyer Carlos Serapio, and Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Filipino voters may also choose 12 among the 63 senatorial candidates and one among the 178 party-lists groups for Eleksyon 2022.

In a press conference on Monday morning, Comelec acting spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said that “all systems go and everything’s in place” for the elections.

“Ina-assure po namin kayo na kapag kayo ay pumunta sa polling centers, kayo po ay makakaboto. On the way there, makikita niyo na naka-position ang lahat ng ating security forces to ensure na magiging safe po kayo,” he said.

(We are assuring you that if you go to polling centers, you will be able to vote. On the way there, you will be able to see all our security forces in position to ensure your safety.)

He added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and all accredited citizens' arm will be assisting for the elections.

Philippine security forces and the Comelec said on Sunday that they were on full alert and prepared for Election Day, with around 225,000 Philippine National Police and 60,000 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel that were deployed across the country for the secure conduct of the elections.

So far, the PNP has recorded 63 incidents from January 9 to May 8. Of this number, 16 were validated as election-related incidents, 41 were classified as non-election related incidents, and six were tagged as suspected election-related incidents.

Further, President Rodrigo Duterte earlier reminded voters to comply with the minimum public health standards in polling places on Election Day to prevent another COVID-19 surge in the country, considering the separate warnings of the Department of Health (DOH) and OCTA Research of a possible increase in COVID-19 infections.

Voters who have not yet completed their primary COVID-19 series or have not yet received their booster shots may also visit vaccination sites near polling areas after voting.

Laudiangco further reminded the voters to go to polling precincts early so as to avoid long queues in polling centers.

“Hinihiling po namin na lumabas po kayo at bumoto. Kayo po ay binabantayan naming lahat. Tutulungan po namin kayong makaboto at mabilang nang tama ang inyong boto,” he said.

(We are asking you to go out and vote. We are looking out for you. We will help you to be able to vote and for your votes to be counted accurately.) —KG, GMA News