LAGUNA, Philippines – Hours before the polls open, Laguna voters are anxious about the next 24 hours, despite the assurance of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that the province is 100% ready for the elections.

“Kahit naman sino ang manalo, magtatrabaho pa rin naman ako, bibyahe pa rin naman ako,” Annie Rose De Mesa, a poll watcher, said. (Whoever wins, I will still have to work, I will still have to commute.)

This is the first time De Mesa is acting as a poll watcher. She was assigned at the Voter’s Assistance Desk last elections. 

Eva Alimagno, a vendor around Sampaloc Lake, shares the same feeling.

“Kinakabahan ako kasi hindi natin alam kung sino ang mananalo. ‘Yun pa naman ang pinaka-inaabangan ng lahat,” Alimagno said. (I am worried because I don’t know who will win. That is what everyone is waiting for.)

The voters also doubt the efficiency of the vote-counting machines (VCMs).

“Hindi kasi natin kilala ang teknolohiya. Baka ngayon maayos, bukas hindi. Pero ‘wag naman sana,” Alimagno added. (We don’t know the technology. It might work well this time, and might not work tomorrow. But I hope this isn’t the case.)

Last minute jitters

Some teachers in Paete already have their materials ready for election day. (READ: Paete local bets tackle water shortage, leadership in town)

“Syempre kailangan maghanda ng maaga para maging okay bukas,” said Arlene Alegre, an elementary teacher. (We need to prepare early so everything is okay tomorrow.)

Arnel Quibral, peanut vendor, said this year’s elections are really intense.

“Siyempre excited ako gawa ng bukas eleksyon na, malalaman na kung sino yung mga mananalo. Kakaiba pa naman ang eleksyon ngayon, ang laki ng tension,” Quibral said. (Of course, I am excited because tomorrow is election day. We will find out who will win. These elections are different because the tension is high.)

Laguna, one of the most vote-rich provinces in the Philippines, is home to more than 1.675 million voters for the May 9 polls. – Rappler.com

Abigail Abigan and Karla Sambajon are Rappler Movers.