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NO matter how divided the Filipinos have been over the campaign period, the nation was one on Monday, May 9, to exercise their right to vote
An overwhelming 55 million (partial voter turnout) of the 67 million registered Filipino voters formed winding lines at polling precincts across the country, and these included celebrities who, like the rest of the public, had to endure quite a wait to choose their favored leaders.
Through election day The Manila Times kept an eye on the stars who fulfilled their duty to country.
First-time voters, early birds
According to Commission on Elections (Comelec), there are 7 million new voters in the recent elections. Some celebrities proudly shared how it felt after casting their first ever ballot.
“Proud first time voter here and I can say that I am very happy with my choices,” actress Barbie Forteza said.
“First time voter! Para sa bayan!” 20-year-old Darren Espanto echoed.
Young actress Francine Diaz, 18, had a message for other youth voters like her, “Tayong kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, pumili tayo ng leader na may malasakit sa lahat ng pilipino, yung may pagmamahal sa bawat tao, hindi umaatras sa anumang laban, hindi sa una lang magaling, may pagmamahal sa bayan.”
Meanwhile, Gary Valenciano at 57, shared that it was actually his first time to participate in Philippine elections, “It was my first time to vote and I must say it felt quite patriotic. How I wish people would truly truly grasp the depth of importance a vote means.”
Other first-time voters included Maris Racal, Liza Soberano, Catriona Gray, and Klea Pineda.
Some celebrities also made sure to cast their voters early in the morning, one of them is Kapamilya actress Kathryn Bernardo who is among the earliest stars to share their post-voting selfie on social media.
“Good morning Pilipinas [national flag emoji]” she simply wrote via Instagram.
Host-actress Bea Binene was another early voter who shared, “One of the firsts to vote! In line before 6am and was among the first 10 people to file their ballots.”
Worthy sacrifice
Celebrities weren't spared from experiencing long lines in their respective precincts.
“Mahaba pila pero sulit ang pagod dahil ang boses nating Pilipino ay mahalaga para sa pagbangon ng Pilipinas. Mahalin natin ang Pilipinas,” comedienne Giselle Sanchez wrote.
“It's worth the 2-hour line wait…For my countrymen, sacrifice is a #smallthingtoadiamond,” rapper and comedian Andrew E. echoed.
Kapuso actress Joyce Ching wrote, “Two hours and 30 minutes in line. Sulit! Let's continue to pray for our nation.”
Lastly another Kapuso actress Kris Bernal shared, “Tumindig, lumaban, bumoto para sa bayan. Almost 3 hours in line pero sulit ang pagod.”
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Credit belongs to : www.manilatimes.net
