Filipinos in Hawaii exercise right to vote in Philippine presidential election

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

The present frontrunner, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., identified 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 america 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,” mentioned 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 vice chairman.

“They are going to proceed what President Duterte began as a result of it was excellent,” he mentioned. “It’s not the remedy all coverage. But it surely’s an ongoing progressive course of of presidency.”

However not everybody agrees.

“Hawaii shouldn’t be solidly for Marcos even when we’re within the minority, we’re right here and we’re going to arise and voice our beliefs,” mentioned Gary Labao, who’s a member of 1Sambayan, an alliance of supporters of main opposition candidate and present vice chairman Leni Robredo.

Labao and different critics say they oppose a household they imagine 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 suppose the votes that we are able to ship within the US goes to make a significant dent or or a deciding issue. But it surely’s nonetheless a contribution,” Labao mentioned.

“It’s nonetheless vital to indicate 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 Normal in Honolulu says partaking abroad Filipinos is a vital a part of preserving democracy.

There isn’t a 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 individuals to not wait till the final minute. Be sure that as soon as they’re obtained to perform them and ship them immediately,” mentioned Philippine Consul Normal 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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