Philippines presidential elections: Voting begins; 5 candidates vying to succeed Benigno Aquino III

Manila: Voting began on Monday across Philippines to elect a new president.

Polls opened at 6.00 a.m and will continue until 5.00 p.m., election officials said. 

Election commission officials said results could be out as early as Monday night, or it could also take days, Xinhua news agency reported.

Five candidates are vying for the presidency to succeed Benigno Aquino III, whose six-year term ends on June 30.

Besides electing a new president, the over 54 million eligible voters will also be choosing candidates for vice president, Senate and Congress lawmakers and around 18,000 local officials.