On Monday, May 12, 2025, actor John Arcilla took to social media to share his thoughts while voting for the 2025 midterm elections. Arcilla, who is known for his roles in both film and television, used his platform to bring attention to the sad condition of the school desks at his voting precinct.
Situation at the polling precinct of actor John Arcilla on May 12, 2025. (John Arcilla via Facebook)
He shared photos showing worn-out student desks inside a classroom, which had been converted into a waiting area for voters. The visibly damaged desks stood as a stark reminder of the state of public education in the Philippines.
"So nandito ako sa loob ng isang classroom na ginawang WAITING ROOM sa MAHABANG PILA para bumoto at ganito ang lamesa ng mga estudiyante sa loob ng classroom," Arcilla wrote in his Instagram post.
The actor then posed a question about the state of education in the country: "Asan ang budget sa edukasyon?" (Where is the budget for education?)
Arcilla continued by addressing the issue of corruption in government, urging Filipinos to reflect on the visible effects of poor leadership. He also encouraged his fellow citizens to vote wisely, especially in light of the current state of the country’s facilities.
“Tapos boboto tayo ng mga corrupt eh nakaharap mismo satin ang EBIDENSIYA NG MGA MALI NATING PAGPILI? Ano na mga kababayan? AYUSIN NAMAN NATIN ANG PAGBOTO KAHIT LAST MINUTE,” he added.
As of now, Arcilla’s post has resonated with many Filipinos online, garnering over 2,400 shares, 5,600 reactions, and 215 comments. Many social media users expressed frustration over the dilapidated school desks and the overall condition of the facility, drawing parallels to the long-standing issues of corruption and mismanagement of public funds.
One Facebook user commented, "Di ba nahihiya mga current officials diyan? Pagboto nila today ganyan ang sitwasyon ng barangay school nila….Samantala sila panay pasok sa bulsa, kakapal nman oi," pointing out the hypocrisy of officials benefiting from public funds while neglecting the condition of schools.
Another user commented, “Sir, [you’re] on point. Nakaka-disappoint talaga. Tapos 18.4M aged 10 to 64 functional illiterate. Ayaw nila ng matalinong botante,” referencing the data from the Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) which revealed that over 18 million Filipinos are functionally illiterate, despite having completed basic education.
The conversation also led to questions about where the education budget is being allocated, as many pointed out that the state of classrooms, especially during elections, shows signs of systemic neglect. One user remarked, “Baka noong binili yan ang mahal ng patong. Tapos ganyan lang madaling masira. Ang taas ng tax na binabayaran ng mga mamamayan e hindi man lang mabigyan ng dekalidad na facilities ang mga estudyante pero may CF (confidential funds) pa na ibinigay dati… anyare sa sinasabi nilang maghahango sa mga Pilipino kaya dapat straight ang iboto?”
Others also shared similar sentiments, emphasizing that the condition of public schools has been a recurring issue during past elections, highlighting that little to no progress has been made.
“Kanina pinagmamasdan ko din ang classroom kung saan kami bumoto, sabi ko 30 years ago halos ganito lang din itsura ng mga classrooms namin sa Public schools, hanggang ngayon ganito pa rin,” one commenter reflected.
An online user also expressed frustration with politicians being unaware of the poor condition of school facilities: “Pumunta lang naman yang mga politiko na yan sa mga public school pag araw ng botohan kaya wala silang alam sa tunay na sitwasyon.”
About John Arcilla
John Arcilla is a well-known Filipino actor with a long career in film and television. He is celebrated for his versatile acting skills and strong performances, often portraying complex characters. Arcilla has appeared in numerous films and TV series, gaining recognition for his dedication to his craft. Known for his openness about societal issues, Arcilla continues to use his platform to speak out on various causes, including politics and education.
About the 2025 Midterm Elections
The 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines are pivotal in determining the next set of leaders for over 18,000 national and local government positions. Over 68 million Filipinos are expected to cast their ballots to shape the country's future leadership. The elections are a crucial moment for the nation, with many hoping for reform and change in the country's governance.
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