Old ballot boxes used in past elections. Photo grabbed from the PCIJ website.
What could be considered as the first elections in the Philippines were held on January 1, 1895 across the country when Filipinos elected the capital municipal of towns.
First legislative elections: Held from June 23-Sept. 10, 1898 which elected 68 representatives to the Malolos Congress.
First Senate elections: Held on Oct. 3, 1916 which elected 24 senators or two each from 12 senatorial districts.
First referendum/plebiscite: Held on May 14, 1935 which approved what is now known as the 1935 Constitution
First popular presidential elections: Held on Sept. 15, 1935 which elected Manuel L. Quezon as president over rivals Emilio Aguinaldo and Fr. Gregorio Aglipay
(Considering that the Philippines had its first elections in 1895, it means the country has been holding elections for 115 years now! Why we have problematic elections — procedurally and substantially — is a mystery the electorate has to understand and unlock.)