The early voting hours for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women officially began at 5 a.m. Monday nationwide for Eleksyon 2025. This special schedule aims to give priority sectors a smoother voting experience ahead of the regular hours.
By the time the polls opened, many from these groups were already present at polling precincts across the country, including those at Silang Central Elementary School in Silang, Cavite. To assist voters, precincts posted voters’ lists with colored photos outside, helping everyone find where to cast their ballots quickly.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia shared, “Alas-singko ng umaga ito po ay pagpapahayag na sa buong bansa na simula na ang pagboto ng ating mga kababayan lalong-lalo na ang mga nakatatanda at may kapansanan. First time natin itong inilatag sa buong bansa.” He expressed excitement about this historic first nationwide early voting.
Early voting hours: A nationwide first for Eleksyon 2025
Garcia explained that preparations started as early as 2 a.m., with electoral board members and poll watchers arriving to set up voting materials. By 5 a.m., senior citizens and other priority voters had already begun arriving, making the start of the early voting hours smooth and organized.
The early voting window runs from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., followed by regular voting hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Comelec expects at least 12 million senior citizens and 530,000 persons with disabilities to participate during these early hours.
Importantly, companions of the priority sectors are also allowed to vote during this time. For those in the priority groups who choose to vote during regular hours, express lanes and priority precincts will be ready to assist them.
“Pwede pa rin naman silang bumoto. Meron din tayong priority lane para sa kanila. Hindi naman obligado na bumoto ang mga nakatatanda ng 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. Nasa sa kanila ‘yan pero meron pa rin tayong priority polling precinct,” Garcia added.
Free rides for priority voters during early voting hours
To further support the priority sectors, Grab Philippines is providing free rides for senior citizens and PWDs who vote during the early voting hours. This service runs from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., helping voters reach their assigned precincts faster and with less hassle.
Garcia highlighted, “Lahat ng mag-a-avail ngayon na nakatatanda at may kapansanan ng 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. sa lahat ng Grab, ‘yung transport ay libre. ‘Yan ay isa sa ating mga nilagdaan para lahat paano mas mabilis ang kanilang pagdating sa mga paaralan.” This initiative comes from a recent agreement between Comelec and Grab to promote voter education and provide transportation support.
On Monday, over 68 million Filipinos nationwide are expected to head to their respective precincts for Eleksyon 2025, exercising their right to vote in this landmark election.