May 12 was declared a national holiday to allow people to exercise their right to vote. Under Proclamation 878, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed this order to assist voters in their participation in the elections.
According to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), an estimated 68 million voters will participate in the midterm elections that will hold elections for 12 Senators, more than 300 positions in the Lower House, and thousands of positions in local government. Voting hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but there is early voting from 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.
The May 12 elections will be held midway through President Marcos' six-year term and are expected to be a test of public opinion regarding the current administration
