Yahya Ibrahim G. Yusop

Malacañang Palace has declared May 12 as a special non-working holiday for national and local elections, according to Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro on Tuesday, May 6.

Photo Courtesy of Rappler.

In accordance with Proclamation No. 878, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a special non-working holiday to enable Filipinos to exercise their rights to vote.

“[T]here is a need to declare Monday, 12 May 2025 as a special (non-working) holiday to enable the people to properly exercise their right to vote”, stated in the proclamation.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the said proclamation, following the request of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Over 68 million registered voters will elect 12 senators, members of the House of Representatives, and local government officials in this year’s midterm election.

Voting will be held from 7:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the evening across all precinct centers throughout the country, with early voting at 5:00 in the morning for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and senior citizens voters.

COMELEC, on the other hand, reminded the voters of the liquor ban and no campaigning during the election day.

They also prohibited opening stalls or booths for merchandise or refreshments near the polling places, soliciting or undertaking votes, and doubling or substituting votes.

Winners of the midterm election will serve during the second half of President Marcos Jr.’s term.