PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has declared May 9, 2022, the day of the 2022 national and local elections, as a special non-working holiday all throughout the country.

Duterte issued the order on Thursday, May 5, through Proclamation 1357, which was also signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“There is a need to declare Monday, May 9, 2022, a special (non-working) holiday to enable the people to properly exercise their right to vote, subject to the public health measures of the National Government,” Proclamation 1357 stated.

The Commission on Elections said 65.8 million individuals in the Philippines are expected to cast their vote on Monday. Poll precincts will open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan said all is set for the conduct of a peaceful and clean election. (SunStar Philippines)