Manila: Malaca±ang has declared Monday, May 12, as a special non-working holiday across the country to facilitate the 2025 national and local elections. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, acting on the authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation 878 on Tuesday to ensure that citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote without the interference of work obligations.

According to Philippines News Agency, the decision to declare May 12 as a holiday came after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) recommended that the date be set aside to encourage voter participation. The holiday aims to provide registered voters with the necessary time to head to the polls and cast their votes in the upcoming elections.

Filipinos will be heading to the polls to elect a range of officials, including senators, House members, party-list representatives, and various local officials such as governors, vice governors, mayors, vice mayors, and local council members. The special non-working holiday is intended to ensure that the democratic process is accessible to all eligible voters across the nation.