President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan poll results will affect the midterm and national elections.
In a media interview in Ilocos Norte where he voted, Marcos explained that the results of the barangay and SK elections will have a significant impact on the political landscape of the Philippines.
Marcos pointed out that politicians count on the barangay officials to deliver votes.
"If you're running for mayor and (most) of the barangay officials are on your side and are supporting you, it's a significant advantage," Marcos said.
"It is important to elect competent and committed leaders who will serve the people well," he added.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte cast her vote on Monday morning at Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School in Davao City.
She underscored the important role of barangay officials in addressing various problems facing the country.
"The role played by our barangay officials is very important because they are at the first level of government management who can help and give solutions to the problems we are facing at the community level," she said.
She said elections are a unique process wherein all Filipinos, regardless of their status in life, are given the opportunity to contribute to the country by choosing deserving leaders.
Duterte likewise expressed support for a clean, honest, peaceful, and orderly barangay elections. "Let us be united in walking the path to a more meaningful future for our beloved country," she said.