Marcos Jr. declares May 12 special holiday for midterms

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 878 on Tuesday, May 6, declaring May 12 as a special non-working holiday nationwide to facilitate voter participation in the upcoming midterm elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had previously requested Malacañang to declare May 12 a national holiday to ensure all registered voters can cast their ballots and has extended the pre-enrollment period for overseas internet voting until May 10 from May 7.

There are approximately 68 million registered voters who will elect senators, House members, party-list representatives, and local officials including governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, and members of their respective local councils on May 12.

Voting hours on election day will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with early voting available from 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters.

The Comelec started distributing ballots for National Capital Region precincts on Tuesday.

Midterm polls are expected to test public sentiment toward the current administration halfway through Marcos's six-year term.