'Laban lang': These senior citizens braved the heat and long lines to vote in the 2025 elections
Exercising the right to vote is an important part of democracy, which is why these senior citizens made sure to brave the hot weather and long lines just so they can vote for the next leaders who will shape the future of their communities and the nation.
The 2025 midterm elections took place on Monday, May 12, and Filipinos began flocking to their respective polling centers as early as the crack of dawn.
While majority of the voters were comprised of millennials and Gen Zs, there were also senior citizens who showed up at their assigned precincts to vote, facing the heat and the chaos of the overcrowded polling stations.
Romeo Santana, 101 years old, was among those who woke up early to line up at the San Miguel Elementary School in Pasig City, according to a report by 24 Oras.
When asked about his experience, he said, "Mabuti naman. Asikasong-asikaso. Tinulungan kaming maghanap ng presinto, mayroon kaming guide papunta dito."
He explained that he went out of his way to vote because he wanted to support his desired candidates.
Even older than him is 103-year-old Onofre Buan Bugay Sr., who is a World War II veteran. He was assisted by his wife in completing the ballots as his eyesight is no longer as good as it used to be.
A desire for good governance was the fuel that 90-year-old Nenita Estanislao needed to line up in her assigned cluster at Legarda Elementary School in Sampaloc, Manila.
She shared that she has been exercising her right to vote ever since she was old enough to do so at 18 years old, and she has never missed an election even once.
"Gusto ko magkaroon naman ng pagbabago," Estanislao told ABS-CBN News.
She called out those who were wasting their votes on the belief that nothing would change.
"Kung mananatili ka na hindi ka boboto, paano magkakaroon ng changes sa ating gobyerno? Kung hindi ka boboto, 'yun at 'yun pa rin from now hanggang sa mamatay tayo. Magsubok naman tayo," she stressed. "Laban lang. Laban nang laban up to the end."
All in all, they showed an unwavering commitment to their right to participate in shaping the future, even if it meant pushing through physical discomfort and long waits.
The 2025 midterm polls took place on Monday, May 12. Check out PhilSTAR L!fe's coverage of this year's elections here.
