PH Embassy in UAE says OFW votes rising as deadline nears

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — With only a few days left before the end of the month-long overseas online voting period, Philippine embassy officials in the United Arab Emirates are seeing a rise in voter participation by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

While officials declined to release specific figures, they reported Thursday that the number of OFWs who cast their votes has significantly increased in recent days.

The rise comes as the May 12 deadline for online voting looms, with voting set to close at 3 p.m. UAE time (7 p.m. Philippine time).

"This is an anticipated scenario. We have seen a significant increase in the trend, nag-pick up talaga during these last few days. Marami na naghahabol especially when Comelec extended the enrollment for online voting and we are very positive na tuloy-tuloy na 'to," Vice Consul Kevin Mark Gomez, Chairman of the Special Board of Elections (SBE) and Third Secretary, told GMA Integrated News.

(This is an anticipated scenario. We have seen a significant increase in the trend, it really picked up during these last few days. Many were trying to beat the deadline especially when Comelec extended the enrollment for online voting and we are very positive that this will continue.)

"With our recent outreach in the Western Region and Al Ain and now in Abu Dhabi City during the weekends, we are very sure it's going to attract more OFWs to vote," Gomez added.

READ: Here's how overseas Filipinos can cast their votes online for Eleksyon 2025

Gomez said the embassy remains open on weekends to provide onsite assistance to registered OFW voters.

While the majority of OFWs who visited the embassy sought help with the enrollment and online voting process, a few chose not to proceed after learning that manual voting is no longer an option.

"There were some who came but turned away upon learning that manual voting is no longer available. They left of their own volition. Some arrived assuming they could still vote manually, but as we've explained, that option is no longer offered. As chair of the SBE, we're here to assist with the online voting process and ensure everything runs smoothly. We take the time to explain how online voting works, and we even allow them to express their concerns about the change—as long as they are not disruptive," he said.

To ensure that every eligible voter is able to exercise their right, the embassy and consulate teams have intensified their outreach efforts, including tapping Filipino influencers across the UAE to amplify the call to vote.

"So inaasahan ko po ang inyong partisipasyon. Makilahok po kayo and make your voice known, make your votes be counted in this online voting system. Asahan ko po 'yan, maraming salamat po," Ambassador Alonso Ferdinand Ver urged OFWs in his message posted on the Philippine Embassy's Facebook page.

(I'm counting on your participation. Join the elections and make your voice known, make your votes be counted in this online voting system. Thank you very much.)

According to data released earlier by the embassy, the UAE has the largest number of registered overseas Filipino voters globally, totaling 189,892. Of this number, 66,001 are registered in Abu Dhabi, while 123,891 are based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Embassy officials continue to remind voters to cast their ballots as early as possible to avoid last-minute issues and system slowdowns. The Comelec-managed online voting system, will automatically close at 3 p.m. UAE time on May 12.

Gomez said the Board of Canvassers will convene as early at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 12, and will proceed with the canvassing immediately after the online voting is closed.

He said the ballots from the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai will be turned over to Abu Dhabi, where all the ballots will be consolidated and transmitted to the Comelec. — VDV, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.