Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel was among the first to cast his vote Monday at Barangay 3 clustered precincts at the City Central School in Cagayan de Oro City.

Pimentel, who is seeking a fresh 6-year term, said he voted early because he needs to return to Manila to assist the legal team of PDP-Laban in monitoring the elections. Pimentel is the president of PDP-Laban.

• Koko ponders on future of political career, PDP-Laban

In case he wins in his reelection bid, Pimentel said he would continue to improve on the legacy of his dad, considered the father of the seminal Local Government Code.

“I want to inherit the legacy of my father to the nation, the Local Government Code, as well as his lesser-known legacy which is the Cooperative Code,” he said in an earlier interview.

The eldest son of former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel III had a prepared list of chosen candidates but did not stay long in the polling precinct.

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro PDP-Laban local president Marlo Tabac said that although Pimentel’s father is also a registered voter in the city, his doctor advised him to skip Monday's elections because of medical reasons.

Another senatorial candidate who is expected to vote here is political newbie Elmer Francisco of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas.