An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) was overwhelmed by the immense voter turnout within the first few hours of election day.

Commissioner George Garcia shared that they are glad to see Filipinos filing into their precincts.

“So overwhelmed by the number of people flocking the polling areas. This is despite the pandemic threat. Democracy is alive in our country,” he said in a Viber message.

Garcia, alongside his family, was among the early bird voters.

“I, together with my 92-year-old mom and 65-year-old PWD (person with disability) sister have completed voting at Pedro Guevara School, Binondo, Manila, in record time of 5 minutes. Very orderly. Congratulations,” he added.

This year, over 67 million registered Filipino voters are expected to cast their ballots for a new set of national and local leaders, including the next Chief Executive.

The soon-to-be elected president will be serving for six years or until June 2028.