Malacañang called on overseas Filipinos to vote with integrity and patriotism as the month-long overseas voting for the 2025 midterm elections officially began on Sunday.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the importance of voting as a patriotic responsibility, not a transaction.
“Ang ating mensahe po mula po sa Palasyo ay gampanan niyo po ang inyong tungkulin bilang isang Pilipino. Bumoto po kayo ng nararapat. Bumoto po mula sa puso,” she said.
She also warned voters not to be influenced by money or deceit, urging them to reject candidates who prioritize personal interests over the nation.
“Huwag pong bumoto dahil lamang sa bulong o dahil kayo ay nabayaran kundi iboto niyo po ang mga taong nararapat. Iyong maaasahan po natin. Mga lider na hindi ibebenta ang bansa kahit sa anumang paraan at mga lider na makabayan,” Castro added.
Castro expressed confidence in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and its ability to manage the online voting process, which will run until 7 p.m. on May 12 — the official election day in the Philippines.
“Sana po mas maging maayos po ito at dahil po ito ay mas mapapabilis po ang pamamaraan ng pagboto ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.
Over 1.8 million overseas Filipinos are eligible to vote for 12 senators and one party-list group. In the 2022 elections, 40.59% of registered overseas voters participated — the highest turnout recorded so far.