BY: VALERIE DISMAYA
Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III cast his vote early in Binalonan on election day, joining early-bird voters who hoped to avoid long lines and the intense heat.
The reelectionist governor arrived at the Binalonan South Central School shortly at 10:12 AM and entered the precinct alone.
His father, 5th District Representative Ramon “Monching” Guico III, had already voted around 9 AM at the same polling site.
After casting his ballot and feeding it into the automated counting machine, Governor Guico spoke briefly to the media.
He shared his aspirations for his next term, should he be reelected.
“There’s still a lot we want to accomplish, like improving roads, expanding health services, and pushing for better education, especially in far-flung areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, by midday, voters in other areas of Pangasinan were dealing not just with long lines but with scorching heat.
In Urdaneta City, temperatures reached 34°C, prompting voters to bring umbrellas, fans, and water.
Ronald Fernandez, one of the early voters, said he came early to avoid the stress later in the day.
“I just wanted to get it done early so I don’t have to worry about it anymore,” he shared.
COMELEC officials continued to remind voters to arrive before 7 PM, the official closing time of the polls.
“They should be here before 7 PM. After that, they risk missing the chance to vote,” said the NAMFREL Pangasinan Chairperson.
COMELEC personnel, police, fire officials, and volunteers remained on standby across the province to maintain order throughout the day.
Voting will end at 7 PM, after which canvassing will begin to determine the winners who will serve in the next three years.
