Over 1,300 military personnel from the Eastern Visayas region participate in letting their vote be counted through local absentee voting
Fresh Take:
Military personnel from the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, based in Catbalogan City, Samar, recently took part in the Local Absentee Voting (LAV) from April 28 to 30, 2025. A whopping 1,290 troops from this division exercised their democratic right to vote, and interactions with leaders clearly demonstrated the importance of their participation in shaping the nation's future.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the 8ID Commander, expressed, "Our votes are potent as they are our voices. Together, we create a path honoring your sacrifices for building a brighter future for all." Urging his troops to participate in the election process, he added, "With the power of the ballot, we can impact our nation."
Maintaining the peace and order throughout the election period lied at the heart of the 8ID's commitment, adding the division's steadfast dedication to upholding the democratic process.
Overseeing the LAV activities were the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in 19 units under the 8ID's area of operation. Soldiers who were registered voters assigned in regions different from Eastern Visayas, but presently deployed to the area, were among the participants. Moreover, residents from the Biliran, Leyte, and Samar provinces who would be sent to various locations for their election duties also participated.
Explaining the significance of LAV, Catherine Morales, Election Assistant for Catbalogan City, said, "LAV gives those who have election duties an opportunity to cast their votes. This mechanism aims to ensure that all can participate."
Founded through the Executive Order No. 157 and Republic Act No. 7166, also known as the 1991 Synchronized Elections Law, LAV plays a crucial role in enabling military personnel and others who would normally miss the voting process due to their duties, to exercise their right to suffrage[1].
[1] https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/13/1915046/onelav-system-set-increase-turnout-absentee-voting[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Absentee_Voting_System#:~:text=It%20enables%20Active%20Military%20Personnel,are%20outside%20their%20respective%20Electoral%20Bodies.[3] https://www.philstar.com/government/elections/2573944/absentee-voting-exclusive-right-soldiers-police[4] https://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7166_1991.html[5] https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/04/29/20
Note: The provided data enriches and clarifies the importance of Local Absentee Voting (LAV) for military personnel and the benefits it provides. Including additional insights on its history, exclusivity for specific groups, and its role in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election process.
- During the 2025 elections, military personnel from the Philippines, specifically the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division in the Philippines, took part in Local Absentee Voting (LAV) to exercise their democratic rights.
- LAV plays a crucial role in enabling military personnel and others who may miss the voting process due to their duties, such as the 8ID deployed in various locations, to exercise their right to suffrage, as outlined by the 1991 Synchronized Elections Law.
- In the 2025 elections, soldiers, along with residents from Biliran, Leyte, and Samar provinces on election duties, participated in the LAV activities under the oversight of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in 19 units within the 8ID's area of operation.
- The 8ID's engagement in the election process was integral to maintaining peace and order throughout the election period and demonstrates the division's commitment to upholding democratic processes.
- Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the 8ID Commander, emphasized the importance of participation in the election process, likening votes to powerful voices that contribute to shaping the nation's future.
