LIVE UPDATES: Halalan2025, the Philippines votes

PPCRV reports 27% of election results from Central Luzon have been transmitted to Comelec's transparency server.

The first transmitted votes came from Brgy. Tabunok in Talisay City, Cebu. Results are expected to be available soon.

By 7 p.m., polls were officially closed. The counting of votes has begun as the 2025 elections are brought to a close.

As of 5 p.m. on May 12, Election Day, 12 election-related injuries and four election-related deaths have been reported across the country by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

ABBY CASTED HER VOTE

A vote was cast in Makati by Abby Binay. Naturally. The air conditioning was felt to be colder than her stare. A public classroom was turned into a spa-like experience. Not a single fly was seen—likely driven out for being poor.

Makati is known to be overflowing with wealth. It is counted as the second-richest city, with businesses thriving and cash flowing endlessly.

VOTE BUYING AND VOTE SELLING

A total of 28 vote-buying and vote-selling incidents involving 68 individuals from various regions nationwide were reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday.

According to PNP Public Information Chief Colonel Randulf Tuaño, 19 individuals have been arrested, while 22 remain at large.

Among the cases, five have yet to be formally submitted, bail has been posted by one suspect, eight are set for filing, eight have been dismissed, and six are still under investigation.

2:42 PM — The Commission on Elections begins counting votes for local absentee voting

Election incidents

1:30 PM — The Department of Education (DepEd) has so far received reports from its field offices as mostly concerning malfunctioning vote counting machines (VCMs), missing names in voter lists, and health-related issues involving teachers and election personnel.

According to the agency’s Election Task Force (ETF) efforts are underway to resolve the incidents in coordination with the Commission on Elections, the Philippine National Police, and partner agencies.

According to DepEd, the ETF, led by Undersecretary Malcolm Garma, is in coordination with regional and division task force teams to ensure immediate response to all incidents affecting the safety and welfare of teachers and staff on election duty.

In Albay, A 65-year-old man, Nestor Rensales, collapsed shortly after casting his vote at Oas South Central School in Brgy. Ilaor Sur, Albay. He was later pronounced dead, according to PNP-Region V Director BGen. Andre Dizon.

1:01 PM — According to Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia, several vote counting machines reportedly ejected ballots due to extreme heat.

In Abra, police personnel from the Abra Provincial Police Office are responding to reports of an alleged incident inside a polling place in Barangay Sagap, Bangued, Abra on the morning of 12 May 2025.

A video circulating online shows voters fleeing the area as gunshots are heard in the background. Authorities have yet to identify the individuals involved, and an investigation is currently underway.

Also in Abra, a video posted on Facebook by Joy Bernos, incumbent Vice Governor of Abra, senior citizens are allegedly being “assisted” by poll watchers by shading the ballots themselves, which is not allowed per Comelec rules. It was also noted that the ballot secrecy folders are not being used.

9:52 AM — Another public figure snapped casting their vote: Health Secretary Ted Herbosa voted at P. Bernardo High School in Cubao, Quezon City, during the 2025 midterm elections. Herbosa urged Filipinos to vote wisely, emphasizing that their choices will impact the future of the healthcare system and public health initiatives. | Gabriela Baron

Meanwhile, DAILY TRIBUNE's Raffy Ayeng spotted an interesting site at his polling precinct: Halo-halo being handed out around Paltok Elementary School in Quezon, reportedly sponsored by a candidate for councilor, right in front of the Philippine National Police kiosk. How's that for a thirst quencher?

8:19 AM — Sen. Cynthia Villar arrives at the Las Piñas National Science High School to cast her vote, joined by her husband, former Senate President Manny Villar.

The couple, longtime fixtures in Philippine politics, appeared together at the polling station in their home city. | Vernon Velasco

8:12 AM — Filipinos began heading to precincts before sunrise today, 12 May 2025, as the nation holds its high-stakes midterm elections that will decide the 20th Congress and, potentially, the fate of Vice-President Sara Duterte in an expected impeachment trial. Polls opened as early as 5 AM for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, with the general electorate following at 7 AM.

Throughout the morning, prominent figures — from the President to business leaders — set the pace with early votes, underscoring both the urgency and the significance of Halalan 2025.

President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. set the tone for Halalan 2025 by casting his ballot a little after 7 AM at Mariano Marcos Memorial Elementary School in Batac, Ilocos Norte. He was joined by his mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, and sister Irene, underscoring the day’s importance for the first family as millions of Filipinos headed to the polls.

Marcos votes early

Early birds at the polls

Re-electionist Senator Lito Lapid arrived before dawn at Porac Elementary School in Pampanga, urging voters to choose candidates with proven track records. Business magnate Manny V. Pangilinan voted at 5:10 AM and posted “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” on social media, while former senator Panfilo Ping Lacson filled out his ballot in Imus, Cavite under the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas slate.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and his wife, actress and fashion enthusiast Heart Evangelista, also cast their ballots at Buhatan Integrated School in Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda casts her ballot at Magaba Elementary School in Antique during the 2025 midterm elections. Legarda, who woke up at 5 AM, voted at 6:30 AM alongside her brother, Congressman Aa Legarda.

High-stakes midterms

Nearly 69 million registered voters are expected to decide the makeup of the 20th Congress. The winning senators will not only craft laws but could also serve as judges in the expected July impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte. Latest pre-election surveys list ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo and Senator Bong Go at the top of the Magic 12, while members of the Binay, Villar, Cayetano, and Tulfo clans remain strong contenders — Electoiraising the prospect of another dynasty-dominated chamber.

Special voting hours

Polling stations opened at 5 AM for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, an hour earlier than the nationwide start for the general electorate. The Commission on Elections reminded voters to bring a valid ID and avoid marking ballots with anything other than the official pen provided.