Filipinos in Hawaii exercise right to vote in Philippine presidential election

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Philippines’ Presidential election is on Might 9, however registered voters in Hawaii can submit their ballots now.

The present frontrunner, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., recognized by his nickname Bongbong. He’s the son of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Sr.

The Marcos household fled to Honolulu in 1986 and lived in exile in the USA for practically six years.

Many Filipino voters are initially from the identical area because the Marcos household and are expressing their loyalty on the poll.

“I voted for Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte,” stated Kapolei resident Fidel Eviota, who has lived in Hawaii for 35 years however by no means stopped caring about what occurs in his native Philippines.

He’s enthusiastic about an administration with present President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter Sara as vp.

“They’ll proceed what President Duterte began as a result of it was superb,” he stated. “It’s not the remedy all coverage. However it’s an ongoing progressive course of of presidency.”

However not everybody agrees.

“Hawaii just isn’t solidly for Marcos even when we’re within the minority, we’re right here and we’re going to get up and voice our beliefs,” stated Gary Labao, who’s a member of 1Sambayan, an alliance of supporters of main opposition candidate and present vp Leni Robredo.

Labao and different critics say they oppose a household they consider dedicated human rights violations and stole billions of {dollars} from the nation throughout Ferdinand Senior’s rule.

They’re holding out hope voters will select different candidates.

“I don’t assume the votes that we will ship within the US goes to make a significant dent or or a deciding issue. However it’s nonetheless a contribution,” Labao stated.

“It’s nonetheless essential to point out that that we’re involved about the way forward for the Philippines and it’s a part of our rights.”

Whatever the candidate, the Philippine Consulate Basic in Honolulu says participating abroad Filipinos is a vital a part of preserving democracy.

There isn’t any in-person voting. Eligible voters needed to register by final fall.

Greater than 8,500 Filipinos in Hawaii signed up and have been mailed their ballots.

“Little by little, they’re trickling in. However we encourage folks to not wait till the final minute. Guarantee that as soon as they’re obtained to perform them and ship them straight away,” stated Philippine Consul Basic Emil Fernandez.

ConGen Fernandez advises registered voters to contact the consulate in the event that they haven’t obtained their poll.

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