President Marcos has called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to take part in the 2025 midterm polls, saying their vote is vital to building a better Philippines.
Marcos urges OFWs: Help shape PH future by voting
Published May 8, 2025 11:38 am
At A Glance
- President Marcos urges OFWs to participate in the 2025 midterm polls, emphasizing the importance of their vote for a better Philippines.
- The President highlights the convenience of online voting for Filipinos abroad, enabling them to vote without the need to queue or travel.
- For the first time, the Commission on Elections has implemented internet voting in select countries, allowing registered Filipino voters overseas to vote through smart phones, computers, and tablets.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Malacañang/Screenshot)
In a video message posted on his social media accounts, Marcos asked OFWs if they had already voted. Overseas voting started on April 13 and will run until May 12.
"Ito po ang inyong pagkakataon na makilahok sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan (This is your chance to participate in shaping our country’s future)," he said.
"Sa tamang pagpili, sama-sama nating bubuuhin ang Bagong Pilipinas (With the right choices, we will build a Bagong Pilipinas together)," he added.
The President encouraged Filipinos abroad to maximize the convenience of online voting and choose leaders who can genuinely serve the country.
"Ngayon mas madali na ang pagboto. Kahit nasaan kayo sa mundo, hindi na kailangan pumila o bumyahe (Voting is now easier. Wherever you are in the world, there’s no need to fall in line or travel)," he said.
"Gamitin natin ang karapatang ito. Piliin natin ang kandidatong may malasakit, kakayahan, at may paninindigan (Let us use this right. Let us choose candidates with compassion, competence, and conviction)," he added.
President Marcos assured voters that online voting is fast, safe, and secure, and provides a reliable way for OFWs to make themselves heard.
"Sa pamamagitan ng online voting, maipapahayag ninyo ang inyong boses nang mabilis, ligtas, at maayos (Through online voting, you can express your voice quickly, safely, and properly)," he said.
The overseas voting period for the 2025 midterm elections runs from April 13 to May 12, with Filipinos abroad casting votes for 12 senators and one party-list representative.
Last month, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro reminded Filipinos abroad to exercise their right to suffrage and vote for leaders with integrity and not just because they were told to.
"Bumoto po mula sa puso. Huwag pong bumoto dahil lamang sa bulong o dahil kayo'y nabayaran (Vote from the heart. Do not vote just because of whispers or because you were paid)," she said.
"Iboto niyo po ang mga taong nararapat. Yung maaasahan po natin— mga leader na hindi ibebenta ang bansa kahit sa anumang paraan at mga leader na makabayan (Vote for those who are deserving. Leaders we can count on, who will not sell out the country in any way, and are patriotic)," she added.
There are 1.231 million Filipino voters abroad this year.
Previously, Filipinos abroad could only vote via personal appearance at designated locations through mailed ballots.
The Commission on Elections has implemented internet voting for the first time this year in select countries where the method is viable. Online voting portals for eligible Filipinos are open 24 hours.
Registered Filipino voters overseas can vote via smartphones, computers, and tablets.