Filipinos in UAE urged to vote as online election closes today

As the first-ever for overseas Filipinos comes to a close today, May 12, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver is making a final appeal to his fellow Filipinos to cast their votes before the 3pm deadline.

"On this final day of voting, May 12, I — together with the entire staff of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai—sincerely call on all eligible voters not to let this opportunity pass," he said.

This year’s elections mark a significant milestone for overseas Filipinos, who for the first time have been — eliminating the need to queue at Philippine missions in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The shift to digital voting has made the process more accessible, specially for those living far from consular posts.

The right to vote is an inherent constitutional right for every eligible Filipino citizen 18 years old and above. Ambassador Ver urged his kababayans (compatriots) to exercise this right by "doing their duty and participating in electing the next 12 senators and a party-list representative".

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver

remains open until 3pm UAE time today. Voters can visit to cast their ballots. “The Embassy and Consulate are also open and ready to assist with the voting process," he noted.

Ambassador Ver also extended his gratitude to those who have already cast their ballots, noting that he and his wife, Caroline, were among the first to vote.

"I voted on the very first day of the online voting period, not to be the first, but to show that the process is simple, secure, and trustworthy," he said. "More importantly, I voted early because I trust the online voting system, and I wanted to uphold my right, fulfill my responsibility, and contribute to electing leaders who will champion economic progress and democratic values for our nation."

The ambassador ended his message with a call for continued unity and engagement among Filipinos in the UAE.

“To my beloved kababayans, let us continue working together to support our country’s efforts in building a peaceful and prosperous future. Thank you very much. Long live the Filipinos in the UAE! Long live the Philippines!”