Filipinos urged to cast their votes before May 9

RIYADH — The Philippine Embassy concluded its first week of the 30-day election for overseas voters at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the International Philippine School in Al Khobar (IPSA). Voter turnout was lower than the Embassy had expected with all registered voters in Saudi Arabia urged to cast their votes early and not wait until May 9. The first week of the 30-day election for overseas voters concluded today at two locations under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. Overseas voting began on April 9 at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh for registered voters in Riyadh, Central and Northern Provinces and at the International Philippine School in Al Khobar (IPSA) for registered voters in the Eastern Province. Voter turnout at both polling venues on the first week of overseas voting remained modest with less than 7% of voters having cast their votes so far in Riyadh. Turnout at IPSA was better at over 9% of registered voters in the CLOV of POLO Al Khobar. There are 113,895 registered voters under the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) of Embassy while there are 33,926 registered voters in the CLOV of POLO in Al Khobar. Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin H. Tago, reiterated his call for all registered overseas voters in Saudi Arabia to cast their votes early and avoid the usual huge crowds on the last day of elections. “I urge all Kababayans to cast your votes now! Huwag na po nating hintayin ang May 9 para bumoto,” said Ambassador Tago. On the voter turnout on the first week of overseas voting, Tago remained hopeful that the numbers will increase. “The Embassy made the necessary preparations to accommodate more voters per day than the actual turnout. I remain hopeful that thousands more of Filipinos in KSA will turn out,” added Tago. Campaigning inside Embassy prohibited The Philippines Embassy reiterated to the voting public that the conduct of any political or partisan campaigning or propaganda for or against any candidate at polling areas at the Embassy in Riyadh or the International Philippine School in Al Khobar during the voting period is strictly prohibited. The embassy invites the voting public’s attention to the following provisions under Article X of COMELEC Resolution No. 10052 on election offenses and prohibited acts: Under Section 261 of Batas Pambansa 881 XXX Unlawful electioneering – It is unlawful to solicit votes or undertake any propaganda on the day...of election, for or against any candidate or any political party within the polling place and with a radius of thirty meters thereof.” On candidacy and campaign: Any person who solicits votes or undertakes any propaganda, on the day of election, for or against any candidate or any political party within the polling area or within a radius of thirty meters thereof” The wearing of T-shirts, ballcaps, jackets, wristbands, bandanas or any other campaign-related material or paraphernalia, or, possession of said materials, is strictly prohibited inside the Embassy in Riyadh or the International Philippine School in Al Khobar during April 9 to May 9. Any person or group who wishes to enter the premises of the embassy or IPSA, to cast their votes or avail of any services of the embassy, will only be accommodated once they remove such items from their person, change into other clothes or have the prohibited clothing worn inside out. Recorded CCTV footage may be submitted to COMELEC by the embassy if required by law. May 31 deadline for Awards nomination The Philippine Embassy also reiterates its earlier reminder to all Filipino community in Saudi Arabia on the deadline for nomination for the 2016 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas is May 31. The awards are conferred by the President every two years on meritorious individuals and organizations overseas to give the highest recognition to their work in the service of the Filipino community or nation and at the same time, give honor to overseas Filipinos for their exemplary achievements and contributions. There are four (4) categories of awards, namely: Lingkod Sa Kapwa Pilipino (Linkapil) Award – conferred on Filipino individuals and organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to reconstruction, progress and development in the Philippines. Banaag Award – conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for their significant contribution to advance the cause or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities. Kaanib Ng Bayan Award – conferred on foreign individuals or organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine reconstruction, progress and development, or to advance the cause or promote the interests of overseas Filipino communities. Pamana Ng Pilipino Award – conferred on Filipinos overseas, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession. For more information regarding the Presidential Awards, you may reach the Awards Secretariat at tel. nos.: (632) 552-4700 locals 761-767; fax no.: (632) 561-8160 or email address at [email protected] or visit the CFO website www.cfo.gov.ph. The Philippine Embassy encourages the Filipino community to submit all nominations earlier and not wait for the deadline to prevent any delays in submission to the concerned Philippine government agencies. — SG