Malacañang to online overseas voters: `Vote from the heart’

Online voting has begun. File photo

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino voters abroad should choose candidates who are patriotic and will not sell out the Philippines in any form, a Palace official said on Monday.

This advice came as the Commission on Elections began its monthlong internet voting for overseas Filipinos on Sunday.

READ: Comelec starts 1st overseas online vote

In a briefing in Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that voting is the way Filipinos abroad can voice their opinions, even if they are not physically in the country.

“Our message from the Palace is, “fulfill your duty as a Filipino. Vote wisely. Vote from the heart,” she told the voters abroad.

“Do not vote just because of influence or because you were paid, but vote for those who truly deserve it—those we can rely on, leaders who will not sell out the country in any way, and leaders who are patriotic,” Castro continued.

Overseas online voting pushed through on April 13 as the Supreme Court had not yet acted on the petition for a temporary restraining order filed against it.

This is the first time that Filipinos abroad are voting online. Previously, they could only vote through personal appearance at designated Philippine legations or by mailing their ballots.