What election watchdog volunteers hope for beyond elections

MANILA — On Monday, May 12, 23-year-old Ruth Junsay, volunteered for the first time to monitor the conduct of the 2025 midterm elections with election watchdog Vote Report PH. 

Junsay, also the national coordinator of Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines (YACAP), worked as an all-rounder at Vote Report PH and Kontra Daya’s shared monitoring center. In the morning, she categorized reports of election violations. By the afternoon, she was tasked to write captions for social media posts on the 2025 Election Violation Report. However, it was her first task that she found most challenging. 

Legal feasibility of a hybrid manual-automated election counting system in the Philippines

MANILA — ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) raised critical issues that they have observed during the recent midterm elections.

During the four-day visit of their delegates from Indonesia and Thailand last May 11-14, 2025, they monitored the last-minute software updates of vote-counting machines (VCMs), discrepancies in reported vote totals, and the lack of a mechanism for voters to make complaints at polling stations. In addition to these concerns, there were also reports of vote-buying, election-related violence, and even red-tagging during the campaign period.

ASEAN legislators raise concerns on credibility of 2025 PH midterm polls

MANILA — ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) raised critical issues that they have observed during the recent midterm elections.

During the four-day visit of their delegates from Indonesia and Thailand last May 11-14, 2025, they monitored the last-minute software updates of vote-counting machines (VCMs), discrepancies in reported vote totals, and the lack of a mechanism for voters to make complaints at polling stations. In addition to these concerns, there were also reports of vote-buying, election-related violence, and even red-tagging during the campaign period.

Philippine commitment to EU international observation not respected

MANILA – Despite the invitation from the Philippine government and mutual agreement, the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) was denied full access to all the polling precincts and the canvassing centers.

In a press conference on Wednesday, May 14, EU EOM’s chief observer Marta Temido said that they were informed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) four days before the elections about the decision, informing them that the necessary guarantees for adequate access to precincts will no longer be granted, which is an essential element of EU’s observation methodology.

Vote-buying during PH elections remains ‘endemic,’ EU observers say

CAGAYAN DE ORO — Vote Report PH, a monitoring initiative by clean and fair election advocates, only received 2.13 percent of suspected vote-buying and vote-selling incidents from 6,064 suspected campaign and election violations it collected from 229 cities and municipalities during the period of the 2025 midterm polls.

Fewer reports of vote-buying incidents were also observed by the group during the 2022 national and local elections, noting only 29 percent from 224 validated reports of campaign violations.

Election watchdog questions automated election transparency after poll results are in

MANILA – Election watchdog Kontra Daya questioned the integrity of this year’s elections due to the Comelec’s lack of transparency and its failure to address widespread malfunctions.

“These are not isolated cases. The problem with ACM errors was widespread, and even Chairperson George Garcia himself said that around 200 machines had to be replaced,” said Danilo Arao, convener of Kontra Daya. “We should view disenfranchisement not just as a numbers game. Whether it’s a few or many, if people are being disenfranchised, it is a problem.”

The faces of the youth in the 2025 midterm elections

MANILA – This 2025 elections saw a significant number of youth voters ready to exercise their right to vote for leaders who act on their promises, quell corruption, fight for their rights for quality education and enact system change.

OFWs in Hong Kong experience online voting glitches

HONG KONG — Overseas Filipino voters are given a month to vote in the Philippine elections. In Hong Kong, the community center Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre has been the designated polling precinct for the Philippine elections. That changed this year, when the Commission on Elections (Comelec) shifted to online voting for overseas voters.

On paper, online voting seems like a good idea; the freedom to vote anytime and anywhere, with no long lines to deal with. However, the devil, as always, is in the details.

Ballots cast exceed voters who voted, IT group raises alarm over ‘discrepancies’

“In many precincts, election returns showed that the number of ballots cast is higher than the numbers of voters who actually voted,” Computer Professionals Union (CPU) expressed alarm on the discrepancies, saying this should not be the case.

Bulatlat checked the said discrepancies from the website of the Commission on Elections. For each region, Bulatlat randomly selected clustered precincts, and found out that most of them have high turnout of ballots over those who voted; some of the ballots cast even exceed the number of registered voters in the cluster.

MAS MARAMI PA SA REGISTERED VOTERS: In this precinct in Region IV-A, the number of valid ballots is higher than both number of registered voters and voters who actually voted.

MAS MARAMING BALOTA KAYSA BUMOTO?

In many precincts, election returns showed that the number of ballots cast is higher than the numbers of voters who actually voted. Computer Professionals Union expressed alarm on the discrepancies, saying this should not be the case.

BREAKING: International observers from European Union (EU) are not given full access to polling precincts on election day, despite the official invitation by the Philippine government.

“Following COMELEC’s recent letters and instructions, the EU EOM found that it was no longer granted the necessary guarantees for adequate access to polling precincts, which is an essential element of the EU’s observation methodology,” the EU Election Observation Mission to the Philippines 2025 said in a statement.

“As a result, the EU EOM could not ensure meaningful observation of the voting phase in polling precincts,” the observers added.

Some precincts in Alapan I Elementary School in Imus, Cavite are now transmitting the votes to the municipality, witnessed by poll watchers and observers. Some of the precincts remain open to accommodate the remaining voters.

After the transmission to municipality, the canvassing of votes will commence.

Photos and report by Kevin Ortiz

WATCH: Voting officially ends at Barasoain Memorial Integrated School in Malolos City, Bulacan, as barangay patrols close the gates of the voting center at exactly 7 p.m. Almost thirty minutes before the end of voting hours, a sudden downpour was caused by a thunderstorm.

Video and report by Alex Culla/Bulatlat

Voters frustrated over accidental ‘overvote’ cases

Numerous cases of accidental ‘overvotes’ were reported since the morning of the 2025 midterm elections today, May 12.

Based on Vote Report PH’s report released at 2:30 p.m., Automated Counting Machine (ACM) errors accounted for 54 percent of overall electoral irregularities. This includes overvote cases often resulting from smudged ink and machine misreading.

NEWS UPDATE: Amirah “Mek” Lidasan has successfully voted in Krislamville Elementary School in Cotabato, after two hours of waiting in the queue.

Initially, Bulatlat reported that she was not able to find her name in the polling precinct in Matanog Elementary School, Brgy. Bugasan Norte, Maguindanao, where she voted last 2022 national elections.

Photo by Amirah “Mek” Lidasan
Report by Dominic Gutoman

Long lines are still visible in two clustered precincts at Tabaco South Central Elementary School in Tabaco City, Albay. A support staff said to Bulatlat that voters will be accommodated as long as they’re already in queue before 7 p.m.

Photos and report by Mavic Conde

A mock funeral display featuring the names and faces of revolutionary martyrs and progressive partylist leaders — labeled as “enemies of the state”— was spotted in front of the old White Gold House on G. Gaisano Street, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City.

According to Kabataan Partylist’s second nominee, Pao Echavez, the display had reportedly been in place since Friday, May 9, and remained visible throughout the election period. He described the setup as a form of political harassment aimed at intimidating progressive groups.

Targeted attacks against the progressive partylist groups and senatorial candidates have intensified in the past days leading to the election day.

Photo from Kabataan Partylist Cebu
Report by Marjuice Destinado

Malolenyos are chasing the last hour of voting in Barasoain Memorial Integrated School at Malolos City, Bulacan before it ends at 7 p.m. tonight.

Last 2022 national elections, Malolos City logged its highest voter turnout at 88.16 percent.

Photos and report by Alex Culla

Voters in Muzon High School, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan continue to line-up before the 7:00 p.m cut-off, as of 5:30 p.m. There is a total of 310,314 registered voters in the city.

Photos and report by Justin Boncodin

Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) San Mateo Rizal volunteer Averyl Doria, 20, shares that the most common concern they encountered from voters is the difficulty in finding their precinct.

“Minsan po kasi mayroong mga pagkakataon na mahirap hanapin ang pangalan nila sa nirelease [na precinct finder] ng COMELEC. May mga pagkakataon din po na wala ang pangalan nila sa barangay kung saan sila nagparehistro,” Doria said.

Since PPCRV has a limited manpower in this matter, they simply advised voters to coordinate directly with COMELEC.

Photos and report by Donavie Gud

With only an hour left before the polling center closes, two police officers are still stationed at the gates of Pitalo Elementary School in San Fernando, Cebu.

Report and photos by Marjuice Destinado

With only an hour left before the polling center closes, two police officers are still stationed at the gates of Pitalo Elementary School in San Fernando, Cebu.

Report and photos by Marjuice Destinado

EARLIER: Kabataan Partylist First Nominee Atty. Renee Co cast her vote at Tinajeros National High School around 11 a.m.

EARLIER: Kabataan Partylist third nominee John Peter Angelo “Jpeg” Garcia cast his vote around 3 PM at Balanga Elementary School, Batangas City.

Last night, Garcia reported the presence of red-tagging flyers outside his place of residence, which Kabataan Partylist Southern Tagalog condemned as widespread and coordinated state attacks.

Photo by John Peter Angelo Garcia/Facebook

A cluster precinct in City of Malolos Integrated School (CMIS) in Brgy. Sto. Rosario, Bulacan, which has the most voters in the area, has long lines today as people kept coming to vote.

The vote counting machines in the said school had problems starting at 6:30 a.m. The latest election-related anomaly happened around 3 p.m., when the machine malfunctioned.

Photos and report by Shaney Hernandez

EARLIER: Sample ballots are distributed by a group of people claiming to be Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officials, assisting voters by writing their precinct numbers on the sample ballots in Isias Tapeles Elementary School, Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City, 9:30 a.m.

Christopher Star, the concerned citizen who happened to see the incident, called Atty. Vega of COMELEC, spoke to Principal Martin of the said school, and eventually went to the police station.

Unfortunately, the police did not accommodate the incident, and instead asked him to file a report in the COMELEC. The reporting of this incident took more than two hours.

Similar reports of illegal campaigning are reported from other parts of Rizal and precincts of Antipolo City.

Agimat Partylist, Bong Revilla and the Ynareses are written in the ballot. Andrea “Andeng” Ynares is the sister of Bong Revilla while the Agimat Partylist is first nominee is a Revilla.

Report by Christopher Star

EARLIER: Sample ballots are distributed by a group of people claiming to be Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officials, assisting voters by writing their precinct numbers on the sample ballots in Isias Tapeles Elementary School, Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City, 9:30 a.m.

Christopher Star, the concerned citizen who happened to see the incident, called Atty. Vega of COMELEC, spoke to Principal Martin of the said school, and eventually went to the police station.

Unfortunately, the police did not accommodate the incident, and instead asked him to file a report in the COMELEC. The reporting of this incident took more than two hours.

Similar reports of illegal campaigning are reported from other parts of Rizal and precincts of Antipolo City.

Agimat Partylist, Bong Revilla and the Ynareses are written in the ballot. Andrea “Andeng” Ynares is the sister of Bong Revilla while the Agimat Partylist is first nominee is a Revilla.

Reported by Christopher Star

“A foreign object has been detected in the scanner,” is the error message in the automated counting machine (ACM) that caused delay for voters in Libjo Elementary School, Barangay Libjo, Tiwi, Albay. The photo was shown to the reporter by the poll watcher.

Photo by Mavic Conde

‘Vote straight po tayo, ah?,’ says group of people distributing sample ballots just outside General Emilio Aguinaldo National High School in Imus, Cavite. Two policemen were also sighted in the polling precinct.

Photos and report by Kaizzer Angela Marie Manuba/Bulatlat

Holding politicians accountable to their promises and commitment is the main reason for voting of some senior citizens in a rural barangay in San Fernando, Cebu.
“Naa may ilang gisulti, maghinaut ko nga matuman kay abi nimo, maayo lang sila og nawng og mangatubang namo, ig abot sa panahon, dili nami nila mailhan,” said 66-year-old Concordia Pansoy in an interview with Bulatlat.

(They said something, and I hope it happens because they only seem kind when they need our vote but when the time comes, they won’t even remember us.)

Report and photos by Marjuice Destinado

EARLIER: In her Facebook page, Makabayan senatorial candidate Amirah “Mek” Lidasan released a statement regarding her missing name in the polling precinct, prompting her inability to vote.
Lidasan is registered to vote at the Matanog Central Elementary School in Barangay Bugasan Norte, Matanog, Maguindanao, where she last voted successfully on 2022 national election.

Currently, her team is investigating the incident, together with the other voters who experienced the same concerns.

“Nakakabahala itong pangyayari sa lugar namin. Dapat ay makapagpaliwanag agad ang COMELEC. Ang boto ko at bawat boto ng mamamayang Pilipino ay dapat na protektado at pinahahalagahan,” said Lidasan.

Photo by Amirah “Mek” Lidasan/Facebook
Report by Aaron Ernest Cruz

Two automated counting machines (ACMs) malfunctioned earlier at Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School in Barangay 185, Caloocan City.

According to a Patrolman Staff Sergeant (PSSg) who filed a report, one vote-counting machine initially encountered intermittent errors, which were temporarily addressed before returning to normal operation. Shortly after, a second machine began malfunctioning in another cluster.

The school coordinator alerted police officers on-site, and authorities had waited for IT support to resolve the issue.

Photos and report by Erika Sinaking

Only two precincts are designated for barangays Sta. Maria and Imelda in San Jacinto, Pangasinan. Voters have been lining up for hours under extreme heat since morning, according to the report by poll watches of senatoriables Danilo Ramos and Ronnel Arambulo.

Contributed video by Tanggol Magsasaka

EARLIER: Vote Report PH published a status report as of 2:30 PM today confirming 566 verified cases of election violations out of the 4,566 reports received nationwide.

Automated Counting Machine (ACM) errors are most prevalent with 305 incidents identified, making up 54% of all verified reports. Along with 44 accounts of illegal campaigning (7.8.%) and 41 cases of disenfranchisement (7.2%), these are the top three categories of electoral irregularities.
Other categories reported are red-tagging cases (6.2%), Board of Electoral Inspectors (BEI) or Electoral Board (EB) non-compliance (6.0%), election violence (2.7%), black propaganda and disinformation (1.9%), tampered ballots (1.8%), and election harassment (1.6%). The remaining 8% are on other election violations.

Photos from Vote Report PH

EARLIER: Makabayan coalition senatorial candidate and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) chairperson Danilo “Ka daning Ramos cast his vote around 10 am in Dakila Elementary School, Malolos, Bulacan.

Photo courtesy of Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos Facebook page

Almost three hours before the poll closes, voters are still arriving at Barasoain Memorial Integrated School in Mojon, Malolos City, Bulacan.

A total of 8,232 Malolenyos are expected to cast their votes here, making it the barangay with the largest number of voters in the city.

Photos and report by Alex Culla/Bulatlat

In the entry and exit points of Kasiglahan Village National High School in Brgy. San Jose, Montalban, Rizal, sample ballots were being distributed at around 2:50 p.m., as per report submitted by a voter.

Contributed video

Manual counting urged amid ACM anomalies

Progressive coalition Makabayan is calling for manual counting amid reports of uncounted votes—due to “undervoting and overvoting”— that surfaced today on election day, and the reported change in software version of automated counting machines (ACM).

ACM errors troubled voters the most in #Halalan2025

Election watchdogs Vote Report PH and Kontra Daya reported that 42.11 percent of the 79 verified incidents received today, May 12, are related to Automated Counting Machine (ACM) errors.

Voters in some precincts encountered issues since the early voting hours for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD). One of the first few reports came from the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance and Movement for Accountability, Truth, Change, and Human Dignity (MATCH), who shared how PWD and senior citizens faced delays in a clustered precinct in Loakan Elementary School, Baguio due to ACM malfunctions that took over 40 minutes to resolve.

Bicol transport leader and ex-detainee Ramon Rescovilla cast his vote at a polling precinct in Tagas Elementary School in Daraga, Albay earlier today, not in the assigned polling center of his barangay.
While in jail, Rescovilla reactivated his voter’s registration since he missed the previous two consecutive elections. According to him, Tagas Elementary School is the nearest polling center for the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) in Albay Provincial Jail.

Rescovilla is the current Deputy Secretary General of CONDOR-PISTON Bicol and the National Vice President of PISTON (United Association of Drivers and Operators Nationwide). He was arrested on Sept. 7, 2020 over trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
He was released on Dec. 4, 2024 after Presiding Judge Alym Almayda of 5th Judicial Region, Branch 7, Legazpi City issued the court order on Nov. 27 dismissing the charges against him.

“It is the right of Filipinos to vote in these elections for the genuine change we deserve,” said Rescovilla, affirming that his votes were counted by the automated counting machine (ACM).

Meanwhile, the PDL of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Region 5 also cast their votes today. There are 15 special polling precincts for onsite PDL voting, while PDL who voted offsite were escorted by jail officers.

Report and photo by Reynard Magtoto

George Gumahad, a taxi driver, told Bulatlat the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should formulate plans to address long queues during elections. It took him 7 hours just to cast his vote at West City Central School, one of the polling centers in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City. He arrived at 7 a.m. and ended around 2 p.m due to the influx of voters in his precinct.
He said the several hours he waited could have been used to take passengers and make an income.

via Franck Dick Rosete, Bulatlat

Police presence reported in polling places

Despite regulations prohibiting their presence in voting areas, policemen were spotted in several precincts in the country.

Former Bayan Muna Congressman Carlos Isagani Zarate cast his vote at 11:28 AM in Matina Central Elementary School, Davao City.

Photo courtesy of Bayan Muna

Despite the intense afternoon heat, voters continue to line up and head to their respective polling precincts at Valencia Elementary School in Carcar City, Cebu.

Report and photos by Marjuice Destinado

Policemen are stationed inside the Can-asujan Elementary School in the City of Carcar, Cebu, a designated polling center, observing the movement of voters as they entered to cast their ballots.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 8786, police are generally barred from staying inside or near polling places unless authorized or responding to an emergency, to prevent voter intimidation.

Report and photos by Marjuice Destinado

Former Kabataan Partylist Representative and now Gabriela Partylist first nominee Sarah Elago cast her vote in Las Piñas City around 11 AM.

Photo by Gabriela Partylist

Voting was temporarily disrupted in one precinct at Tikay Elementary School in Malolos City, Bulacan after the Automated Counting Machine (ACM) malfunctioned earlier today from 7:30 am to 11:40 am, according to poll watcher Flordeliza Arellano.

Due to the glitch, the precinct became crowded as several voters refused to leave their ballots while others were forced to leave them on the table.

As of now, the machine is working again and has started counting the ballots. Only 5 have been fed into the machine so far, out of the 150 that piled up during the breakdown.

Report by Shaney Hernandez

Well past noon at Pardo Elementary School, Cebu City on election day, voters expressed frustration over long queues and congested holding areas. Sample ballots from political groups such as Bando Osmeña – Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) were being distributed to voters on site.

Report and photos by Mavy Avila

Former Bayan Muna Congressman Ferdie Gaite cast his vote in Pasig City around 6 AM. Photo courtesy of VR/Altermidya

A voter from Dau Homesite Elementary School, Mabalacat, Pampanga reported sample ballots scattered around the precinct area this morning, May 12.

Contributed photos

Sample ballots with shades on names of congressman candidate Marvyn Maristela and vice mayor candidate Nick Navia spotted in Imus Pilot Elementary School.

Report and photos by Kaizzer Manuba

Voters line up at Sta. Cruz Elementary School, Antipolo City. This is one of the voting centers with the most number of registered voters.

A senior citizen can take more than an hour just to line up and vote. Zenaida Barnuevo took about 3 hours with all her confusion just to find her precinct.

Video and report by Martha Teodoro/Bulatlat

Long queues and afternoon heat are what voters at Lawang Bato Elementary School at Valenzuela City endured to cast their vote around 11:30 a.m.

Police are also seen stationed outside and inside near the gate of the voting precinct.

Report and photos by Jian Zharese Joeis Sanz/Bulatlat

Maria Camua, Margarita Dela Cruz and Corazon Rivera are barangay health workers (BHWs) volunteering for today’s polls in Bulihan, Malolos City.

They voted early so they may serve voters who have medical concerns such as high blood pressure due to intense heat.

When asked about what issues must be addressed, they hope that winning candidates will prioritize the health sector.

Report by Alex Culla

Election violations, uncounted votes monitored on election day

As the national and local midterm elections start as early as 5 in the morning today, May 12, complaints of problems and violations also flood, with many claiming that some of their votes were voided because of “over-voting.”

Police are deployed in front of Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School in North Caloocan after some poll watchers reportedly sought their help over an irate female voter who was complaining about the precinct having only one functioning vote counting machine. She allegedly refused to listen to those trying to calm her down, causing minor disturbance inside the school premises.

Report by Erika Sinaking

In Roxas City, Capiz almost 1000 voters from Brgy. 10 are privileged to cast their vote inside an airconditioned mall. Voting started as early as 5 a.m. and will be closed at 7 p.m. As of this time, no problems have been recorded.

Report and photos by Ritche T. Salgado

Agimat partylist pollwatchers distributing sample ballots from a tent stationed near Taguete Elementary School in Antipolo City, Rizal. Report by Aizel Mae Tugalon

Sample ballots, campaign flyers and paraphernalia have been distributed by supporters just outside the San Jose Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal. Report and photos by Aaron Ernest Cruz

As of 9:30 AM today, Vote Report PH received 79 verified reports of election violations.

Records show that out of the 79 cases, 42.11% are related to Automated Counting Machine (ACM) errors, followed by reports of red-tagging (22.37%) and Board of Electoral Inspectors (BEI) or Electoral Board (EB) non-compliance (13.16%).
Reported irregularities also include disenfranchisement (6.56%), illegal campaigning (5.26%), vote buying and selling (5.26%), tampered ballots (2.63%), black propaganda (1.32%), and other election-related problems (1.32%).

In response to various cases of ballots with votes nullified because of oversensitive ACMs and delays experienced in precincts, convenor of Kontra Daya Prof. Danilo Arao said, “The Comelec should immediately come up with a resolution for these incidents because this clearly disenfranchises votes. It’s unfair for voters who made the effort to go to their precincts early only for their votes to be nullified.”

Report by Ruth Nacional/Photos from Vote Report PH

Policemen are also deployed just outside the Bagong Siilang High School in Caloocan City. Report by Dominic Gutoman

In Bagong Silang High School, Caloocan City, voters are still lined up in long queues outside the waiting rooms amid the scorching heat.

Helen Faustino, a senior citizen voter, waited for two hours to vote in her designated precinct. “Sobrang init sa loob at labas, walang electric fan. Mahirap pong makaboto,” she said.

Election supervisor from Bagong Silang High School said that there are 13 precincts allocated for voting. Each precinct expects 900 voters. Report and photos by Dominic Gutoman

Vote PH spokesperson Ian Aragoza discussed the initial election irregularities.
Aragoza said there have been reports of delayed voting and issues with the new automated counting machines (ACMs).

Voters reported that their ballots were misread as being overvotes due to ink smudges or outright not being accepted by the ACMs.

Vote PH also received reports of red-tagging posters, and sample ballots being distributed in various precincts. Report by Francessca Abalos

As of 10:30 a.m., May 12, voters in Bamban, Tarlac are having difficulty accessing public jeepney transportation.

Tricycle driver Eduardo Ramos told Bulatlat in an interview that the limited availability of jeepneys may be attributed to local government unit (LGU) candidates allegedly renting jeepneys to transport their supporters to voting precincts.

“Public jeepneys are rare during elections because candidates rent them out to mobilize their voters,” Ramos said.

He further said that as many as five jeepneys are being hired by each candidate for this purpose, leaving regular commuters with fewer options for public transport. Report and photos by Joellyn Ocampo

Minutes before the regular voting hours commenced, a long queue of voters is already visible at Daraga North Central School in Daraga, Albay. In each cluster precinct, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are prioritized.

Precincts in the said polling center offer the voters the option to check their scanned ballots and their ballot receipts before they leave room. Report by Reynard Magtoto

Sample ballots are being distributed outside the Marikina High School, showing the names of national and local candidates running under mayoral candidate Stella Quimbo’s Team Bagong Marikina. Report by Donavie Gud

Policemen roam inside the Longos Elementary School in Malolos City, Bulacan.  Report and photos by Alex Culla

Other than long queues and heavy traffic, voters at Sta. Cruz Elementary School of Dasmariñas, Cavite also experience machine paper jams since 7:00 a.m.

The Electoral Board of the precinct resorted to opening and cleaning the internal of the machines, which resulted in voters entrusting their ballots to the EB due to the lengthy period of the cleaning. Report by Jian Zharese Joies Sanz, contributed photos

Seniors and persons with disabilities line up at the covered court of Brookside Hills in Brgy. San Isidro, Cainta, Rizal as early as 5a.m.

Election supervisor Dolores Berna noted that seniors and their companions mostly come before the precincts open. She said that she was able to accommodate a voter earlier than the designated time as she had to accompany a patient scheduled for chemotherapy early today.

Precincts will be open until 7pm but Berna said that they are expected to work beyond that to ensure that everything are properly done. Report by Martha Teodoro

Voters line up to cast their votes at General Mascardo National High School in Imus, Cavite for the midterm elections, May 12.

Senior Citizens, PWDs, and other priority voters were given seats and were provided electric fans for comfort.

Despite the heat, some precincts have defective fans. Report by Kaizzer Manuba

Long queu of voters here at Bamban Central Elementary School. Photos taken aroun 9:05 a.m.  (Report by Joellyn Ocampo)

Minutes after the regular voting hours commenced, voters are now in line to cast their votes at Longos Elementary School in Malolos City, Bulacan.

In each cluster precinct, senior citizens and persons with disabilities are prioritized. (Photos by Alex Culla)

A voter from Kamuning, Quezon City claims that his ballot was not read properly. His ballot receipt read that he overvoted for Congressman, but he claims that he carefully shaded the ballot and was sure that he only voted for one candidate.
“Common sense na isa lang ang iboboto, ingat na ingat akong hindi magsmudge sa balota at mag-overvote pero ganun ang lumabas sa resibo,” the voter said.

Carla Pia Gonzales, Electoral Board Chairperson of the precinct at the Tomas Morato Elementary School said that they will try to check it later but admitted that it will be difficult for them since the ballots have no serial numbers and there are over 700 voters in their precinct.

Precincts in the said polling center do not offer voters the option to check their scanned ballots on the automatic counting machine’s screen unless a voter insists to see their scanned ballot. (Photos by Chantal Eco)

Felicidad Yazar, 59, rented a tricycle so she can vote today in Longos Elementary School at Malolos City, Bulacan.

She was assisted and prioritized in her cluster precinct since she is a person with disability.

When we asked election officers if there are Emergency Accessibility Polling Places (EAPP) in the voting center, they said there were none. (Photos by Alex Culla)

Voters queue outside their polling precincts here at Malagasang III Elementary School in Imus Cavite.

Some of the senior citizens, pregnant and PWDs who went here early morning were given seats but complained of the extreme heat. (Photos by Kevin Ortiz)

A Bulatlat reporter’s vote for the partylist is declared void. BEI claims it’s a case of “overvoting” although the voter shaded only one partylist candidate. The incident took place in Silanganan Elementary School in Caloocan City.

Hoping to cast his vote quickly during early voting hours for seniors, Ernie Ramos, 66, arrived at the polling place in San Mateo at 6 a.m. But an hour and a half later, he is still stuck in the queue. He stepped out of the waiting room due to the heat. Report by Donavie Gud/Bulatlat

In Silanganan Elementary School in Caloocan City, some waiting rooms for regular voters, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities do not have fully-functioning electric fans for proper ventilation. #Halalan2025

Hoping to cast his vote quickly during early voting hours for seniors, Ernie Ramos, 66, arrived at the polling place in San Mateo at 6 a.m. But an hour and a half later, he is still stuck in the queue. He stepped out of the waiting room due to the heat. #Halalan2025 | Report by Donavie Gud/Bulatlat

Groups raise alarm over ‘uncertified’ automated counting machines software update

MANILA – Election watchdogs Kontra Daya and Computer Professionals Union (CPU) are demanding an explanation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for using an updated version of the software used in the automated counting machines (ACMs). 

This comes after a video of a candidate circulated online, saying that the source code in the ACMs was not audited because it does not match the hash code in the audit report posted on Comelec’s website. The Comelec meanwhile, denied this claim.  

Targeted attacks against progressive candidates intensify

MANILA – On the last day of the campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections, May 10, multiple reports have surfaced attacking progressive candidates. These include threats in the form of mock coffins, death threats, and red-tagging of progressive partylist and senatorial candidates of Makabayan. Online disinformation, like fake government documents and news reports, is rampant.

Bulatlat initially reported on May 10 that mock coffins were installed in Quezon City (Tomas Morato and Quezon Avenue); Daraga, Albay; San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and San Isidro, Tarlac. Some caskets contained graphic photos of dead bodies.

REALITY CHECK: Kasinungalingan na disqualified ang Bayan Muna sa 2025 elections

Pahayag: Disqualified daw ang Bayan Muna Partylist sa 2025 elections sa bisa ng isang resolusyon ng Commission on Election (Comelec), ayon sa isang Facebook post ng “Terror Watch”

Marka: Hindi totoo

Konteksto at katotohanan mula sa komunidad: Kagyat na pinasinungalingan ng former Bayan Muna Partylist representative at second nominee Carlos Zarate ang ipinakakalat sa social media na disqualified ang kanilang party-list. 

Paalala sa Eleksyon 2025

Starting today, campaigning by candidates is prohibited until tomorrow, May 12, the day of the election itself. Here are some reminders about the strict prohibitions in place for #Halalan2025.

Asian parliamentarians to monitor midterm elections

MANILA – To study the integrity of the midterm elections on May 12, a delegation of policymakers from Indonesia and Cambodia will be coming to Manila.

Organized by the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), the delegation will arrive today, May 11, and will stay until May 14 to engage in conversations with sectoral groups, government agencies, academic institutions, and journalists to get a real grasp of how elections are taking place in the country.

Int’l observers warn of vote-buying surge 2 days ahead of elections

CAVITE – The International Observers Mission (IOM) has raised alarm over a troubling surge in vote-buying and election-related violence two days before the Philippines 2025 midterm elections on May 12, Monday.

“We’re gravely concerned about the reported number of red-tagging, vote-buying and especially, killings.” said IOM Commissioner Colleen Moore.

Commissioners and international observers have been monitoring the situation closely since the campaign period started. Several reported violations have been directly witnessed and documented by IOM observers stationed in various regions throughout the country.

Kabataan Partylist vows to continue ‘walking the talk’ for the youth’s interests

CEBU CITY – Kabataan Partylist (KPL) 2nd Nominee Jose Paolo Echavez, along with KPL Cebu chapter and its supporters, concluded their campaign trail in Cebu through a Youth Covenant and Parade for Kabataan Partylist on May 9, 2025.

“What sets us apart, not just KPL, but the entire Makabayan bloc, is that we walk the talk. We don’t just pass laws, we campaign with our constituents and lobby at both national and local levels,” said Echavez.

Jeepney driver Mody Floranda bids for Senate seat with a call for better transport system

MANILA — As transport groups continue to face uncertainties with issues ranging from unregulated oil price hikes to jeepney phaseout, a jeepney driver has decided to amplify the voice of the marginalized sector by gunning for a seat in the Senate this midterm elections.

Mody Floranda, 65, president of Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereyter Nationwide (PISTON), is running with the Makabayan Coalition hoping to give voice to a sector whose livelihood is threatened and could affect the common Filipino who depends on public transport for their day-to-day livelihood.

#TaumbayanNaman | Makabayan coalition puts up a fight against political dynasties

MANILA — Teachers, drivers, nurses, farmers, and youth filled the streets of Tomas Morato for the National Miting de Avance of the Makabayan coalition, May 9. Unlike traditional campaign rallies, the participants brought with them placards which reflect their sentiments and aspirations.

With just three days left before the 2025 midterm elections, the Makabayan Coalition reintroduced its full slate of candidates for the Senate, for Congress, and the local posts. Since its founding on April 16, 2009, this is the first time that the coalition fielded 11 candidates for the Senate.

EU deploys observers for the PH 2025 midterm elections

CAVITE — The European Union Election Observers Mission (EU EOM) has deployed 104 short-term observers across the Philippines, starting May 7, 2025.

Marta Temido, EU EOM chief observer, said that the team aims to contribute to the integrity of the elections, without interfering nor validating its results.

This marks the deployment of the third group of EU EOM observers, following the arrival of a core team of analysts at the end of March, and the deployment of 72 long-term observers in mid-April.

Some ‘farmers’ partylists misrepresent farmers, group says

MANILA – Peasant rights watchdog Tanggol Magsasaka issued a stern warning against partylist groups and nominees who “exploit the struggles and aspirations of farmers.”

“This is not just electoral fraud. This is political identity theft on a national scale,” said Ronnie Manalo, spokesperson of Tanggol Magsasaka. “When dynasties and landlords pose as defenders of rural-based sectors, they rob farmers not just of their votes, but of their rightful voice in shaping policies — perpetuating a cycle of oppression and exclusion.”

Bayan Muna holds Miting de Avance

Women’s group welcomes disqualification case vs poll bets over lewd remarks

CAGAYAN DE ORO — A progressive women’s group welcomed the disqualification case against incumbent Misamis Oriental Governor and reelectionist Peter Unabia and Pasig congressional bet Christian Sia over lewd jokes they made during their respective campaign sorties.

The motu proprio petitions against the two candidates were filed by Comelec’s Task Force on Safeguarding Against Fear and Exclusion in Election (SAFE) on April 16 and April 28, respectively.

International observers to monitor 2025 midterm elections, raise concerns on electoral violence

CAVITE – The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) has officially launched its International Observers Mission (IOM) for the 2025 midterm elections, April 23 via online press conference, vowing to monitor the polls amid rising concerns over electoral violence.

“The Philippines has long been a hotspot for election-related violence, particularly in rural areas,” said ICHRP Vice Chairperson Patricia Lisson.

Youth groups call on candidates to address education woes

MANILA – For the youth, what the country needs now are leaders that would forward the interest of the poor, especially of the youth.

“The issue the youth face regarding their rights is the bleak future ahead, particularly in education, where we are being deprived of our right to learn,” Kej Andres told Bulatlat after the ‘Pasyon ng Taumbayan’ last April 16.

Kontra Daya pushes for disqualification of Vendors Party-list

MANILA – On April 15, election watchdog Kontra Daya filed a disqualification case against Vendors Samahan ng mga Maniningang Pilipino (Vendors) Party-list with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) because allegedly, its nominees do not belong to the marginalized groups.

Brownout-free polls can avert elex fraud, protect teachers, groups assert

ALBAY — The election watchdog Kontra Brownout, Iwas Daya!, formed by multi-sectoral groups, is calling on the government and power sector to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the 2025 midterm polls to safeguard their integrity.

In a statement, the group warned that persistent power outages could jeopardize the elections, as the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines announced possible yellow and red alerts starting late April. Both need careful monitoring and energy conservation to prevent outages.

Red-taggers, rights violators vying for 2025 elections flagged

MANILA — A human rights group and an election watchdog warned the public to be wary of candidates with records of red-tagging and rights violations.

“The common denominator of these candidates is their direct hand in the atrocities committed against the Filipino people. We appeal to the people not to vote for these human rights violators,” said Cristina Palabay, human rights group Karapatan’s secretary general.

More than half of party-lists linked to political dynasties, big businesses and corruption cases

MANILA — The original intent of the party-list law is to give the marginalized and underserved sectors of society a chance to participate in the elections and lawmaking. But a recent study by election watchdog Kontra Daya flagged 55 percent of the party-list groups participating in the 2025 elections for their links to political dynasties, big businesses, police/military connection, corruption, and dubious advocacy.

“The party-list system, which is supposed to protect the marginalized, ends up marginalizing the already marginalized,” said Kontra Daya convener Danilo Arao.

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