Admin bets urge OFWs: Choose better leaders

With overseas absentee voting set to begin on 13 April 2025, the administration-backed Senate slate Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas urged overseas Filipino workers and other Filipinos abroad to vote for leaders who will advance policies protecting and empowering them and their families.

The Alyansa ticket includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senators Ramon Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid and Francis Tolentino, former Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao and Vicente Sotto III, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

The Commission on Elections reported 1.24 million overseas Filipinos are eligible to vote in the midterm elections, down from 1.62 million in 2022.

The month-long voting period, ending 12 May, allows overseas Filipinos to vote for senators and party-list groups.

Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, Alyansa’s campaign manager, said overseas voters have the power to reshape the nation’s direction.

“Our ‘kababayans’ abroad may be far from home, but their votes carry the weight of millions of families they continue to support. The best way to protect their sacrifices is to elect leaders who will fight for them,” Tiangco said.

He urged overseas Filipinos to vote, especially in major OFW hubs: United Arab Emirates (189,892), United States (178,033), Saudi Arabia (130,711), Hong Kong (83,330) and Taiwan (71,009).

“Praise for OFWs is not enough. They need concrete action. That begins with representation in the Senate that truly understands their struggles and will push policies to uplift their lives,” Tiangco said.

Alyansa is pushing for reforms including accessible consular assistance, stronger legal protection, reintegration support, and more job opportunities in the Philippines to reduce forced migration.

“Your vote matters now more than ever,” Tiangco said. “The challenges facing OFWs today -- contract violations, rising costs, family separation -- can only be solved if we put the right leaders in place.”

He encouraged all overseas voters to verify their status, visit embassies or consulates and vote.

“Your vote, your voice. Let’s work together for a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that includes every Filipino, no matter where in the world they may be,” Tiangco said.