Manila, May 12 -- Elderly citizens showed commitment to upholding the country's democracy as they were among the first to exercise their right to suffrage in Monday's midterm elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has designated early voting hours for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. for them to avoid long queues in exercising their constitutional right during the regular voting hours until 7 p.m.

Widow Eva Alejo, 63, was among the first in her family to vote at their polling precinct at Muzon Elementary School, in Barangay Muzon, Malabon City.

Alejo hailed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the provision that allowed senior citizens like her to cast their ballots ahe...