As Filipinos trooped to polling centers under the blazing daytime heat, one message echoed across precincts in Manila — voters are demanding for transparency, integrity, and genuine public service from those who will win this year’s elections.

At the Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, voters told the Philippine News Agency that this election is not just about shaded names on a ballot, but about selecting good leaders who would prioritize clean governance and true service to their constituents.

Patricia Policarpio, 28, made her call and hopes clear to those who will be declared winners of this year’s elections.

“Ang call ko sa kanila dapat maging transparent sila sa mga ginagastos kasi pera ng taong bayan yun (My call to them is that they should be transparent about what they spend because it’s the people’s money),” she said.

For Policarpio, voting was a responsibility not just to the nation but for the future of her child, and the next generations.

She said good governance begins with empathy.

“Ang mabuting lider dapat may malasakit, hindi lang para sa sarili. Dapat alam nila ang hirap ng mga tao sa araw-araw, mababang sahod, mahirap ang commute. Hindi dapat sila ang lang ang nakikinabang (A good leader should care not just for themselves. They should know the hardships people face every day, low wages, difficult commutes. They shouldn’t be the only ones who benefit),” she added.

Rose Ann Dongines, 32, meanwhile, called on those who are elected to prove their worth not with words, but through service.

She said that for her, qualifications alone are not enough, because what matters is the ability to sincerely serve the people.

“Hindi puro salita kundi nasa gawa dapat. Ayusin nila ang Maynila, kalinisan, seguridad, at buong pusong paglilingkod (It should not be just words but actions. They should fix Manila, clean it, provide security, and serve it wholeheartedly),” she added.

Meanwhile, Renato Abenaldo, 56, got emotional talking with the PNA.

He said that this is his first time to be interviewed, giving him the opportunity to air his grievance.

Abenaldo went to the polling precinct on a wheelchair, accompanied by some relatives, and said that despite his condition, he tried his best to perform his duty as a good citizen, as he urged other voters to choose their candidates well.

He also urged winners to take the people’s trust seriously.

“Kahit mainit, tingnan ninyo ang mga tao, bumoto para sa inyo (Despite the heat, look at the people, they voted for you),” he said.

Abenaldo said that beyond politics, governance should focus on meaningful improvements that people can experience in their daily lives.

“Ayusin ninyo ang trabaho ninyo (Take your jobs seriously),” he added.

Alberto Belino, 52, on the other hand, offered a straightforward reminder to the next batch of officials. He also expressed his belief that systemic reforms and efficient governance are key to uplifting the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

“Sana ayusin ang pagpapatakbo sa gobyerno para gumanda naman ang sitwasyon at pamumuhay ng tao (I hope the government’s operations will be improved so that the situation and the people’s lives will also improve),” he said.

Rosauro Almario Elementary School is the second top voting center nationwide, with 46,179 registered voters. (PNA)