DESPITE physical challenges and long waits, senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) showed determination and resilience as they cast their votes during the 2025 midterm elections in various polling precincts across Davao City on May 12.
At Don Francisco S. Dizon Sr. Elementary School, Rene, a wheelchair-bound senior citizen, was unable to enter his assigned polling room and had to vote outside the precinct. His daughter assisted him in shading his ballot, with help from a member of the electoral board.
"Medyo nahirapan ako kunti sa pagpili ng mga kandidato, pero maayos naman (I had a bit of difficulty choosing candidates, but everything went smoothly),” Rene said, noting that this was his third time voting at the same school. He observed that the process was slower compared to past elections.
It was his third time voting at the same school, but he noted that the process was slower this time. Arriving as early as 5 a.m.—when the Commission on Elections (Comelec) opens the priority period for seniors, PWDs, and pregnant women—he wasn’t accommodated until around 7:30 a.m.
“Kanina pa kami naghintay. Madami kasi nagsidagsaan na seniors at PWDs, kaya hindi na-anticipate ang linya (We had to wait for a while because many seniors and PWDs arrived early, and the lines weren’t anticipated), ” he said.
Meanwhile, 61-year-old stroke survivor John Kenneth Villamor voted at Palma Gil Elementary School. Despite a special polling area for seniors and PWDs on the ground floor, he chose to head up to the third floor where his official precinct was located.
Wearing shades due to light sensitivity and using a cane, Villamor explained that the main precinct was more efficient than waiting at the special voting area.
“Smooth sailing ako pag-adto. Nakaboto ko sa special voting period (It went smoothly when I arrived. I was able to vote during the special voting period),” he said.
He was also assisted by an electoral board member in shading his ballot, which sped up the process.
While special accommodations were available, the experiences of voters like Rene and Villamor underscore the need for improved accessibility and better preparation to ensure all eligible voters can cast their ballots with ease and dignity. Villamor suggested moving special polling stations to more accessible venues, like malls.
At Matina Aplaya Elementary School, 64-year-old Marilyn Barberona proudly raised her ink-stained finger after casting her vote during priority hours for seniors, PWDs, and pregnant women.
“Bisag wala si Tatay Digong, naa gihapon siya sa akong dughan (Even though Tatay Digong isn’t here, he’s still in my heart),” she said.
Barberona, who uses a wheelchair after a leg amputation two years ago due to diabetes complications, said she was determined to vote as a tribute to former President Rodrigo R. Duterte (FPRRD), who was leading the Davao City mayoral race as of 10 p.m. Monday.
She recalled breaking down in tears when Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague to face charges of alleged crimes against humanity.
“Nihilak gyud ko ato. Nalagot gyud ko atong ngano'ng gidakop walay hinungdan. Niabot ko aning idara, karon pa nahitabo. Gusto gyud nako makauli na siya diri (I really cried. I was so upset because he was arrested for no reason. I’ve reached this age and have never experienced something like this. I really want him to come home)," she said.
Despite not having a written list of candidates, Barberona said she had them “etched in her heart and mind.”
“Excited kaayo ko magboto. Sayo ko nimata para makaabot ko sa saktong oras para sa mga seniors ug PWDs (I was very excited to vote. I woke up early so I could arrive in time for the seniors and PWDs schedule),” she shared.
Barberona added that she has never missed an election since she started voting.
“Maski naglisod ko run kay naputlan naman ko, ana ko sa akong anak, kaya nako muanhi gyud ko (Even if I’m struggling now because I lost my leg, I told my child I could still come here to vote),” she said.
Their stories reflect the resilience and dedication of many Filipinos determined to participate in the democratic process, despite the odds. MLSA/RGL
