Malacañang encouraged voters to go out and vote for the leaders who have the welfare of the Philippines and Filipinos in mind while following Covid-19 protocols.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made this appeal a day before 65.8 million Filipinos are expected to elect the new president and vice president.

In a statement on Sunday, May 8, Andanar urged voters to exercise their right to vote.

"The Palace encourages all registered voters to use this occasion to choose the next set of leaders, who have the interest of the nation and the welfare of the citizens in their minds," he said.

"Isa na naman itong patunay ng lakas ng ating demokrasya at katatagan ng ating Republika (This is yet again another testament to our country's democracy and resilience),' he added.

The acting Palace spokesman urged the public to go to the polling precincts early, keeping in mind the minimum public health standards.

"Maaga po tayong pumunta sa mga presinto at bumoto ng mga kandidatong ating napupusuan habang patuloy na sinusunod ang pinaiiral na health and safety protocols (Let us go to the precincts early for our desired candidates while following the existing health and safety protocols)," he said.

Malacañang has declared Monday, May 9, 2022, a special non-working holiday throughout the country to allow Filipinos to exercise their right to vote "subject to the public health measures of the national government."

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had said that every voter would be allowed to vote, even those with Covid-19 or those exhibiting symptoms of the virus.

Last week, President Duterte called on the public to adhere to the minimum public health standards when they flock to the precincts to vote to avert the surge of Covid-19 cases projected by health experts.