SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday called for reforms to make the voting process more efficient and humane, particularly for public school teachers serving as poll workers.

“Let’s simplify things: more schools, more teachers, more machines, and shorter voting hours,” he said in an interview after casting his vote for the 2025 elections on May 12 in Bagumbayan, Taguig City.

Cayetano proposed limiting voting hours to 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., provided there are enough classrooms and personnel.

“It really takes a toll on teachers’ health. They start preparing as early as 5 a.m. and stay until all votes are counted,” he said.

He emphasized that teachers are pushed to their limits during elections, with some working nearly 24 hours without rest.

“They’re not soldiers used to such stress. Yet we’ve gotten used to overworking them during elections,” he noted.

Cayetano also recommended designated priority hours for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“From 7 to 9 a.m., or 6 to 8 a.m. if needed, should be reserved for senior citizens, pregnant women, and PWDs,” he said.

While acknowledging improvements in ballot counting and technology use, he noted that logistical problems remain, citing technical glitches and long queues.

“I still remember when it took two to three days just to transport ballots to the municipal office. More schools, more teachers, better tech, and more machines — these are what we need to improve the voting process,” he said.