Marcos Jr. tells public: Vote responsibly

CEBU, Philippines — As more than 4.3 million voters across Cebu and Bohol head to the polls today, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos  urged Filipinos to uphold the country’s democratic values by exercising their right to vote in the 2025 National and Local Elections.

In a video message released Sunday, Marcos urged the public to participate responsibly in the elections, describing it as both a right and a civic duty.

“My fellow countrymen, in this elections, let us exercise our rights and fulfill our responsibilities as Filipino citizens,” the President said. “This is an opportunity to hear everyone’s voice and express the dreams that are important to you and the nation.”

He emphasized that while differing views are a cornerstone of democracy, these should not lead to discord or fear.

“We fight for our future through the ballots—not in the streets, not through violence,” he added, calling on voters to choose leaders with “integrity, compassion, and genuine capacity to serve.”

The President also reminded candidates to honor the process and show dignity, noting that the elections are not just about winning but ensuring peace and respect for the people’s will.

To support this democratic exercise, the government has declared May 12 a special non-working holiday through Proclamation 878. Marcos is expected to vote in his home province of Ilocos Norte.

In Central Visayas, over 4.3 million registered voters are expected to vote today—3,407,780 in Cebu and 981,564 in Bohol—according to Commission on Elections (COMELEC)-7 Regional Director Atty. Francisco Pobe.

Pobe expressed hope that voting would conclude early to allow for the prompt proclamation of winning candidates.

When asked about winning candidates with pending disqualification complaints, he said they would have to wait for a resolution from their head office in Manila.

Nonetheless, Pobe extended his well wishes to both candidates and voters.

“To the candidates—good luck. May the best and most fortunate candidate win, in the interest of community development and progress. Let us respect the will of the people as it prevails over the electoral process,” he said.

“To the voters—vote wisely. Your vote counts and can bring about meaningful change for a better future. Say no to vote selling and vote buying. Go to your polling places and take part in shaping our democracy,” Pobe added.

Security forces have also been mobilized across the Visayas to ensure a peaceful and orderly election.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Visayas Command (VISCOM) deployed over 7,700 personnel across the region. Of this, more than 4,000 under Joint Task Force Spear were sent to Regions 6, 7, and the Negros Island Region, while 3,000 under Joint Task Force Storm were stationed in Region 8.

In Cebu, the Naval Forces Central (NFC) also conducted personnel and equipment readiness inspections ahead of deployment, ensuring all troops are mission-capable and well-prepared.

VISCOM has activated its Election Monitoring Cell to coordinate real-time security efforts and swiftly respond to potential threats. The AFP, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, is focusing on areas identified as immediate and grave concerns.

“We stand vigilan t in ensuring that every Filipino can exercise their right to vote freely, without fear or intimidation,” said Lt. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg, VISCOM commander.

Meanwhile, voters in Cebu can expect generally fair but hot weather throughout the day, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Mactan station.

Engineer Al Quiblat, PAGASA-Mactan chief, said the temperature will range between 27°C and 33°C, with a heat index of up to 39°C—classified under the “Extreme Caution” category. This level of heat may cause heat cramps and exhaustion, and prolonged exposure could lead to heat stroke.

“Advisable nga mo-vote before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., kay kana nga mga orasa, dili na kaayo init,” Quiblat advised.

He encouraged voters to wear light-colored, breathable clothing, bring umbrellas or hats, and stay hydrated by carrying water and a damp towel.

The Presidential Communications Office also launched “Hatol ng Bayan 2025,” an election day media coverage beginning at 5 a.m., with live updates from state media outlets including PTV, IBC, Radyo Pilipinas, and the Philippine News Agency.

Additionally, the government opened the “Task Force KKK sa Halalan” Threat Monitoring Center last Friday in Quezon City to counter misinformation and disinformation online.

“We will be the vanguards of truth during the elections—that is our commitment to the people,” said PCO Secretary Jay Ruiz.

ARNIS STICKS

Further, the Naval Forces Central (NFC) has also dispatched its security contingents yesterday to reinforce security and law enforcement forces in Cebu, particularly in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, and the municipalities of Cordova and Consolacion.

The deployed personnel were equipped with non-lethal tools as their primary weapons and were placed under the operational control (OPCON) of Joint Task Force Cebu in connection with the 2025 National and Local Elections.

Commodore Joselito E. de Guzman PN, Commander of Naval Forces Central (CNFC), ensured that all personnel were equipped with arnis sticks as their primary tool in carrying out their duties while augmented to Philippine National Police (PNP) security forces.

CNFC emphasized that the initiative reflects the Command’s commitment to discipline, cultural heritage, and operational readiness.

Arnis, recognized as the national martial art of the Philippines, emphasizes control and discipline—principles that align closely with the core values required in election security operations.

The NFC personnel, having undergone intensive training since March 2025, are now fully mission-capable in stick-based techniques, threat assessment, disarmament procedures, and non-lethal engagement, in accordance with established Rules of Engagement (ROE) for elections.

While standard firearms remain issued, the use of rifles is strictly reserved for last-resort scenarios and critical emergency engagements for self-defense. In case of civil unrest, arnis can be utilized as the primary means of de-escalation and maintaining public order through non-lethal force.

The NFC likewise conducted a Personnel and Equipment Readiness Inspection prior to deployment to augment security forces in Cebu.

It said that the readiness inspection is an essential pre-deployment activity conducted to ensure the preparedness, safety, and mission capability of Naval Forces Central personnel.

It also guarantees that all personnel and equipment are adequately prepared, thereby reducing potential risks and improving operational efficiency.

Further, it upholds safety protocols, reinforces discipline, and ensures adherence to established standards, while also strengthening accountability and unity within the unit.

With security, weather preparedness, and information efforts in place, Filipinos across the country are urged to cast their votes wisely and peacefully.(CEBU NEWS)