How an election in the Philippines
can benefit Overseas Filipinos

A national election in the Philippines can benefit Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and immigrants. It can answer issues that affect the Filipino diaspora – absentee voting, human trafficking, illegal recruitment, good governance.

Voters will have the chance to embrace integrity and issue-based politics. And you in the diaspora can choose to engage in such kind of politics. People running for office cannot ignore your huge number as a sector.

Start in making the overseas absentee voting law work. The law is not perfect but it is the only means for you to vote in Philippine elections. Your sheer number will force policies in your favor. And you have until August 31, 2009 to register for the 2010 elections.

Election in the Philippines and Filipino migration issues

Elections provide a good chance to raise issues.

Improving the absentee voting law remains crucial. The current version prevents many qualified Filipinos to register as absentee voters. Some say the requirements, place and manner of registration and voting need to change.

Another major issue is human trafficking. Stories of Filipinas as sex slaves or forced to work long hours are disturbing. Human trafficking and slavery happens despite the passage of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003.

The government must protect Filipinos going abroad and in host countries. High placement fees, red tape and illegal recruitment must end to put off Philippine mail order brides for instance. Philippine posts abroad must assist those in need – in action!

Election and economic problems of the Philippines

Lack of good paying jobs forces Filipinos to work abroad. Jobs cannot keep up with the 500,000 graduates every year and the 3 million who are looking for work. Not enough people set up businesses to employ more people.

The large population of the Philippines will keep on growing. And a Reproductive Health (RH) law will help people plan their families. Couples and women can decide better when to bear children.

Poverty in the Philippines is common at more than a third of the population. This despite the Philippine education system producing Filipinos that excel in many fields abroad, your OFW remittances, and more good things about the country and its people.

We hear more issues and what candidates will do about them every Philippine election. But once in office, they do not seem to fulfill their campaign pledges. So, be prudent to use your vote in the...

Presidential election in the Philippines

Every six years you can elect the President (and Vice President) of the Philippines – 2010 being the next election. I cannot stress enough how important this is. The right president will not neglect Overseas Filipino Workers and the Nation.

Their oath of office swears to preserve and defend the Philippine Constitution – the basic law of the land – and serve the Nation. That’s why you must vote in every presidential election to help elect the president. Ask your family to vote for your choice.

You can elect other officials also. Every three years you can elect Senators and party list representatives as an overseas absentee voter. You need friendly legislators in Congress to pass needed laws. Are there reform candidates to choose from?

Reform candidates not steeped in traditional politics and willing to stamp out graft and corruption are wanting. They stand for a unique kind of politics. Their courage and integrity make for good governance.

Overseas Filipinos are a force to reckon with in politics. Seek answers on your issues and campaign and vote for reform candidates. This way, an election in the Philippines can make a big difference...


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