Dubai: Filipinos in the UAE have been clamouring for change, an end to criminality and illegal drugs, good governance and economic opportunities back home but a great majority — close to 150,000 — have yet to vote before the overseas election closes on May 9.
With just five days left in the election, only 23 per cent of the 194,621 registered voters, or 44,700 people, have cast their vote.
Despite the low voter turnout, many Filipinos still believe that this election is crucial for their country’s future. It is also a factor of whether or not “migration out of necessity” will drop or see a spike.
“We all want a candidate who will work to ensure the best for the entire country and not just for overseas Filipinos. If conditions improve and there is more development back home, then Filipinos will no longer leave the country out of necessity. The overseas Filipino phenomenon will eventually decrease,” Marietta Morada, a data management manager and statistician, told Gulf News.
Bryan Silva, 31, a marketing executive, could not agree more. He said: “I long for a drug-free, crime-free nation and to have better opportunities in the Philippines so I will no longer need to go abroad.”
Silva said the Philippines has many good laws already. “What we need is a leader who can implement and execute those laws.”
Albert Alba, a public relations professional, said he hopes that the next leaders will solve the social ills of the country.
“Ideally, we want the next president to solve the problem of corruption, ensure the delivery of basic services such as education and social welfare, and provide economic opportunities coupled with good governance and accountability to Filipinos,” Alba said.
When quizzed why despite the increased interest in the election, not even 30 per cent of the voters have turned up, Morada and Alba said there are many factors.
Alba said many are still undecided as to who to vote for and most Filipinos are known to do almost everything at the last minute. Another factor is thousands of members of Iglesia Ni Cristo, a church known for its block voting practice, are still waiting for their church leaders’ endorsement.
Those working as housemaids and in the service sector with limited days off also find it hard to commute to the consulate to vote.
To address these issues, the consulate will hold its last field voting at Chelsea Hotel in Satwa on May 6 and 7 from 9am to 5pm.
Philippine Consul-General Paul Raymund Cortes also extended the voting hours from May 5 to 8 from 8am to midnight. On May 9, voting hours remain from 5am to 1pm.
“Participation in the overseas voting is not a glorifying experience for the government but it’s an empowering experience for the people,” Cortes said.
“We want to be a participative democracy. We want people to walk the talk. Filipinos are good at posting comments on social media. So, if they say something they want and if they feel something for their candidate on Facebook, we hope this translates into actual votes.”
NEW VOTING HOURS:
Philippine Embassy Abu Dhabi;
Daily until May 8 (including May 5): 8am to 8pm
May 9: 5am to 1pm
Philippine Consulate-General Dubai:
Daily, May 5 to 8 (including May 5): 8am to midnight (12am)
May 9: 5am to 1pm
LAST FIELD VOTING: Chelsea Hotel
May 6 and 7: 9am to 5pm
