Cotabato City, Philippines — Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito exercised his right to vote today at Don E. Sero Elementary School, one of Cotabato City's designated polling centers, as the nation participates in the 2025 midterm elections.
The 2025 Philippine general election, held on May 12, encompasses national, provincial, and local positions, including all 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 Senate seats. Local elections are also being conducted for various executive and legislative roles across provinces, cities, and municipalities.
Cotabato City, serving as the administrative center of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), plays a pivotal role in these elections. The city faces challenges such as political complexities and socioeconomic disparities, which underscore the importance of fair and credible electoral processes.
This election marks the first general election overseen by the South Korean firm Miru Systems, following the Commission on Elections' (COMELEC) disqualification of Smartmatic. The new Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) introduced by Miru Systems are designed to accurately read votes even from ballots that are physically compromised, ensuring the integrity of the vote-counting process.
The Bangsamoro Parliament election, initially scheduled to coincide with the 2025 general elections, has been postponed to October 13, 2025. This delay allows for the completion of necessary legal and administrative preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process within the BARMM.
MP Benito's participation in the voting process highlights the active involvement of regional leaders in the democratic process, reinforcing the significance of each vote in shaping the future of both Cotabato City and the broader Bangsamoro region.
May 12, 2025 - BY Admin