PBBM, Family Vote in Ilocos Amid Nationwide Midterm Elections

BATAC CITY, Ilocos Norte President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. cast his vote on Monday morning at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac City, joining millions of Filipinos in choosing new leaders for the 2025 National and Local Elections.

The President, along with his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, son Rep. Sandro Marcos, and sister Irene Marcos-Araneta, arrived early at Precinct 36-A. Marcos, listed as voter no. 58, completed the process in just a few minutes. His ballot was accepted without any glitches by the vote-counting machine.

In a Facebook post, the Presicent shared a photo of him and his family voting, with the caption:

“Nakaboto na kami ng aking pamilya ngayong araw dito sa llocos. Bilang mga mamamayan, tungkulin nating makilahok sa halalan at tiyaking ito’y magiging mapayapa, maayos at tapat. Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ang demokrasya.”

The Chief Executive earlier declared May 12 a special non-working holiday nationwide through Proclamation No. 878 to allow voters to participate in the elections. The proclamation was made upon the recommendation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

According to COMELEC, over 68 million registered voters are expected to fill more than 18,000 elective positions nationwide, from senators down to municipal councilors.

Aside from voting, the President's week has been busy. He also led the graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and welcomed five new foreign ambassadors, reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to international cooperation.

“Public service goes beyond elections. The work of nation-building needs all who are ready to serve,” he said in a statement, linking his administration’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” to democratic participation.

As of writing, the elections across the country have been mostly peaceful, with minor reports of delays in some polling areas.