Hundreds of Filipinos cast their votes in Dubai
Hundreds of Filipinos waited in shaded areas at the Philippines’ consulate in Dubai yesterday to vote in their country’s elections.
The UAE is home to more than 290,000 registered overseas Filipino voters, the highest of any country.
In line with polls in the Philippines, many voters in Dubai appeared to want Ferdinand Marcos Jr as their president.
“It’s because he will look after infrastructure, business and the people,” said Ryan Villaflores, 41, who runs a car repair business in the city.
“He will make the country and the economy grow.”
Voters are aware of the Marcos family history, which includes nine years of martial law under his father, former president Ferdinand Marcos, and the misuse of billions of dollars in public funds.
“No politician is perfect,” said Loiz Pilapil, 32, a retail sales associate in Dubai. “Every government has flaws. I was not born at that time but my parents and grandparents tell me how Marcos Sr built infrastructure and gave free food in the early years.
“I believe ‘Bongbong Marcos’ will take care of the poor and youth. He will prioritise people’s needs, help people working abroad and work for the betterment of all of our lives.”
Renato Duenas Jr, consul general of the Philippines said had voters had been casting their ballots at the consulate, as well as the embassy in Abu Dhabi.
“We have had hundreds of registered voters come daily to express their position on who the leader of our country will be,” he said.
Jess Manglicmot was among the first to vote when the polls opened for overseas citizens. He accompanied his mother yesterday as she cast her ballot.
“It’s an exciting time to be in the Philippines; you can feel the vibe,” said Mr Manglicmot. “I believe BBM [Marcos] will be a good, strong leader.”