Marcos not spared from vote machine glitch

MANILA, Philippines — Even President Marcos was not spared the inconvenience – or frustration – that many Filipino voters probably experienced after a minor technical glitch prevented the automated counting machine (ACM) from taking in the ballot he fed into it.

Marcos cast his vote at the Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac City in his family’s bailiwick Ilocos Norte early yesterday.

Live feed from Radio Television Malacañang showed the President’s first attempt to feed his ballot failed after it jammed inside the ACM.

Members of the electoral board assisted the President and opened the machine to reclaim the ballot. The personnel then let the President feed it to the ACM for the second time and it was successful.

The 67-year-old Marcos, wearing a light-colored polo shirt, beige pants and a pair of black sneakers, arrived at the school located in Barangay Valdez at 7:08 a.m. The President is a registered voter of Barangay Lacub.

The four clustered precincts at the voting center covered Lacub.

Before proceeding to Precinct No. 36-A, Marcos waved to media and greeted them. He was holding what appeared to be a personalized sample ballot.

Asked by reporters about the paper, the President briefly showed it to them saying, “Wala naman surprise dito (No surprise here).” However, upon closer look, what appeared to be a computer printout list included only the names of candidates for local polls.

The President was accompanied by his eldest son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos; mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos and sister Irene Marcos-Araneta.

The 95-year-old former first lady, who was in a wheelchair, and Irene voted in the same precinct as the President.

Just like an ordinary registered voter, the President lined up and received his ballot from a teacher serving as an election officer, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

Marcos completed shading the names of his chosen candidates in about three minutes, after which he proceeded to the ACM.

Marcos was also seen approaching his mother and assisting her with her ballot after casting his vote. He was also seen chatting with Sandro while waiting for his mother and sister.

Sandro and the former first lady were in red, the campaign color of the Marcoses.

The President was also seen interacting with his fellow Ilocanos after leaving the polling precinct.

He showed his finger marked with indelible ink to the media covering the event. He did not give an interview.

After voting, the President and his family visited the Immaculate Conception Parish in Batac City.

Marcos was expected to return to Manila after voting, where he would monitor the conduct of the midterm polls.

Meanwhile, First Lady Liza, Sandro and his brothers Joseph Simon and William Vincent cast their votes at the Calayab Elementary School in Ilocos Norte.

Early voting for senior citizens and their assistors, persons with disabilities and pregnant women started at 5 a.m.

In a post on his social media account, Marcos said it is the duty of every Filipino to participate in the elections and ensure that they would be peaceful, orderly and honest.

“Let’s protect democracy together,” the Chief Executive said.

No untoward incident

Senators and members of the House of Representatives cast their votes in their respective voting precincts without any untoward incident.

Senate President Francis Escudero yesterday cast his ballot with wife, fashion influencer Heart Evangelista, at Buhatan Integrated School in Sorsogon.

Senate majority leader Francis Tolentino – who is part of the administration slate Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas – said he is leaving his fate to God after casting his ballot at Francisco P. Tolentino Integrated High School Tagaytay City. He was outside the so-called magic 12 in pre-election surveys.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada cast his ballot at Xavier School in San Juan, accompanied by his sons Julian and Jolo.

Reelectionist senators voted in their hometowns.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa arrived in a motorcycle at Apolinar Franco Sr. Elementary School, where he cast his ballot.

“Please do not wait for others to give you money and buy your vote. Go out and vote already! Vote buying is illegal,” Dela Rosa said in Filipino in an appeal to voters.

Sen. Bong Go was joined by his son – candidate for vice mayor Chrence – in casting his vote at San Jose Elementary School in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Go and Dela Rosa are candidates of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) of former president Rodrigo Duterte, whose detention in The Hague to face trial for crimes against humanity had been an election issue.

Sen. Imee Marcos, with her sons Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc, Borgy and Michael, claimed there were glitches in the ACMs, after casting their votes at the Cabeza Elementary School in Laoag.

“We have received numerous problems and complaints, about alleged ‘programmed machines’ which – no matter how you vote – come out with the name of Abalos,” Marcos said in Filipino, referring to the administration candidate, former interior secretary Benhur Abalos. She did not cite evidence.

Marcos and Abalos were outside the “magic 12,” based on surveys.

“There is also news in Davao about several defective machines. These incidents are scary,” said Marcos, a sister of the President.

Stifling heat

On Facebook live after casting her vote, administration candidate Sen. Pia Cayetano urged voters to take care of their health amid the stifling heat and humidity, and expressed gratitude to teachers and poll officials for watching over the ballots.

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., also of Alyansa, voted at Perpetual Village V covered court in Bacoor, Cavite.

Makati mayoralty contender and outgoing Sen. Nancy Binay cast her ballot at the San Antonio community complex, accompanied by her father, former vice president Jejomar Binay, and her mother and brother, former Makati mayors Elenita and Junjun.

Sen. JV Ejercito cast his ballot with his mother, former San Juan mayor Guia Gomez, at Xavier School in San Juan city.

“Despite her age, she continues to fulfill her civic duty and sets a good example for all of us. I encourage everyone to do the same. Please exercise your right to vote. Every vote matters,” Ejercito wrote on Facebook, referring to his mother.

Sen. Joel Villanueva – who cast his vote at Bunlo Elementary School in Bocaue, Bulacan along with his father Bro. Eddie Villanueva of Jesus Is Lord Church – said there should be more voting precincts to accommodate the increasing number of voters, including those needing assistance like senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Former Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri voted with his wife Audrey at San Miguel Elementary School in Maramag, Bukidnon.

“Our vote is a symbol of our love for the nation. It is our voice: let’s use it wisely, with integrity and hope,” Zubiri said.

‘Power to shape future’

In Tacloban City, Speaker Martin Romualdez reminded Filipinos of their “power to shape the future of the Republic,” after voting at the V&G Dela Cruz Memorial Elementary School in Tacloban City.

“When you cast your vote, you are not merely fulfilling a civic duty but taking part in a solemn act of democracy,” Romualdez said.

“Your ballot is a declaration of conscience, a quiet but resolute affirmation of your role in building our nation,” the Speaker said.

In a statement, the administration stalwart and president of the ruling Lakas-CMD political party highlighted the significance of unity and active participation in keeping democracy strong. “With each vote, we renew our shared responsibility for the direction of our nation.”

“Together, through unity, vigilance and participation, we uphold our democracy and strengthen our future,” he added. — Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano, Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Jun Elias