BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is encouraging persons with disability, senior citizens and their assistors if any, and pregnant women to take advantage of the early voting hours (EVH) allotted for them during election day on May 12, 2025.
The EVH is from 5:00 AM to 7:00AM.
Attorney Romeo Aguilar Jr., Special Task Force (STF) on EVH vice head, said that the assistors may also be allowed to vote during this time provided that they are registered voters of the same polling place.
He said that with the EVH, the vulnerable sector will be able to skip the long lines and avoid the summer heat. They can vote with ease and convenience.
Comelec-Cordillera Regional Director Attorney Julius Torres shared that the initiative started in 2023 in some polling precincts. With the positive feedback from voters, the Comelec decided to institutionalize the early voting hours.
“This is a very good program kasi at least ‘yung mga senior citizens, pregnant women and persons with disabilities will be accorded exclusive time to vote. Hindi na sila makikipag-agawan sa ating mga regular voters,” Torres stated.
“Early voting is more than convenience. It is a step forward toward empowering every Filipino voter especially those who need it most, the senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant voters. Let us continue to support efforts that uphold fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in every electoral step,” Baguio City election officer Attorney John Paul Martin added.
The Comelec, however, clarified that availing of the EVH is optional. Persons with disability, senior citizens, and pregnant voters may opt to vote during the regular voting hours from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM through the express lane or accessible polling places. They may also vote in the priority polling places from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Meanwhile, Attorney Elenita Julia Tabangin-Capuyan, STF on EVH Regional Head, said she will distribute tokens to those who will avail of the early voting hours at the polling precinct in Barangay Dominican-Mirador, Baguio City. (DEG-PIA CAR)
