Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, May 12 urged the government to implement reforms that would simplify the voting process, making it more efficient and humane, especially for public school teachers who are serving as poll workers.

“’I-simplify’ lang talaga: more schools, more teachers, more machines, and less hours,” said Cayetano when interviewed at the sidelines after casting his vote for the 2025 elections in Bagumbayan, Taguig City.

The senator said one of his proposals would be to limit voting hours to a 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. window, provided there are enough classrooms and personnel.

Cayetano pointed out the longer working hours at the polling precinct really takes a toll on the teachers’ health.

The teachers, he said are pushed to their limits during elections, as some of them work from early dawn until late at night without rest.

“Alas-singko ng umaga, nandito sila, nagpe-prepare na, hanggang matapos ang mga bumoboto at magbibilang pa (They’re already here at 5 a.m. preparing and until the voting ends, then they are in charge of counting the votes),” he said.

“Halos 24 hours na hindi mo pinatutulog y’ung mga teachers. ’Di naman sundalo y’ung mga ’yan, nasanay (na tayo) sa ganoon (We’re keeping teachers awake 24 hours. They’re not soldiers, and yet we are used to that),” he said.

Moreover, priority voting hours should be reserved for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.

“Y’ung 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., o kung gagawin nating 6 to 8 a.m., iyon muna y’ung mga priority katulad ng senior citizens, mga buntis, at PWDs (The 7a.m. to 9 a.m. slot or if they would make it to 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. should be reserved for senior citizens, pregnant, and PWDs),” he said.

While he observed the improvements in ballot counting and the use of technology, still logistical issues persist, Cayetano said.

The lawmaker cited the technical glitches and long lines reported on election day in some parts of the country.

“So having more schools, more teachers, being more tech-savvy, and having more machines — ’yan ang ilang bagay na pwede nating gawin para maging maayos ang pagboto, (Those are some of the things we can do to ensure peaceful and orderly voting),” he stressed.