President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio led the nation in casting their vote in their respective polling places during yesterday’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
Mr. Marcos arrived early at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, where he urged Filipinos not to waste their right to suffrage by voting wisely.
“My advice to our fellow citizens is not to waste your right to choose your barangay officials because these officials are the ones you face every day,” he said.
“Barangay officials are the first line of service and help to our fellow citizens. If you just sell your vote, you will lose your voice and you will not be able to choose who should really lead in your barangay,” the President added.
Mr. Marcos disclosed that even in his province, there were attempts to buy votes.
“Unfortunately, last night there were some reports, even here in Ilocos Norte, that there were some people buying votes for the barangay election,” he said.
Duterte-Carpio, for her part, cast her vote at the Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Davao City.
“The election is the one process where all Filipinos, regardless of standing in life, are given the chance to contribute to nation-building by choosing to vote wisely. We show our unity as a country through our vote,” she added.
Other national officials also underscored the importance of participating in the BSKE.
“While some may belittle the nature of barangay elections, the role of village officials is significant. Our barangay officials – they are the first persons we run to whenever there is a problem in our community. They are the so-called first line of defense when it comes to public safety,” said Senator Raffy Tulfo, who cast his vote at the Quezon City High School.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for his part, lamented receiving several complaints of vote-buying and flying voters.
“A lot of people received money – about P500 in one barangay,” Estrada said.
The BSKE has been postponed three times since 2018.
Interior Secretary Behur Abalos urged the public to report fraud and cheating incidents in polling precincts, adding that this is the greater responsibility of voters other than casting their votes.
“The greater effort is from every one of us who will vote. If you see cheating, report it immediately. Let us show the world that elections in our country are peaceful and orderly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Monday that local treasurers all over the country play a crucial role in the success of the BSKE.
He said local treasurers, together with teachers and policemen, are among the unsung heroes during elections.
“Our local treasurers will be at the forefront, diligently performing their duties to ensure the seamless execution of election-related tasks. I have full confidence that, as they have done in previous elections, our local treasurers will serve with competence, dedication, and unwavering integrity, despite the challenges they may face,” Diokno said. With Julito Rada