RIYADH, 22 June 2004 — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom, who cast their vote from abroad for the first time this year, say they accept Gloria Arroyo has won the presidency but warn she must not let the mandate go to her head.

Arroyo garnered 12,905,808 votes while movie action star Fernando Poe Jr. had 11,782,232 — a difference of 1,123,576 votes which took months to establish for sure.

“Now that the counting of votes is over, all Filipinos — whatever their political affiliations are — should look forward into the future with optimism and support Arroyo in her fresh six-year term,” said Dr. Ed P. Malagapo, principal of the Al-Andalus International School in Alkhobar. He added Arroyo was “hardworking, and this is good since there’s much to be done because the country is faced with many problems requiring immediate and honest answers.”

Alex Bello, OFW Congress president and a member of the Philippine Embassy steering committee for absentee voting, said all overseas Filipinos should now move on.

“It goes without saying that all OFWs should join hands and help Arroyo in guiding the country during these turbulent times, when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel as far as the majority of Filipinos are concerned,” he said.

In Jeddah, John Asperilla, secretary-general of the Kongreso ng mga Samahang Pilipino (KASAPI), said that he would support Arroyo since she has the mandate of the Filipino people. “Whoever wins the presidency has my support. ... I also know that she is sincere as far as the welfare of OFWs is concerned.”

Bennie M. Quiambao, president of the Riyadh-based CALABARZON, also said that OFWs must make the most of the reality of Arroyo’s win. “Many claim that Arroyo’s victory is tainted, but she’s declared the winner so we should support her instead of criticizing for alleged wrongdoings,” he said.

Arroyo must now show that she deserves it, many feel.

“She should now avoid being perceived to be favoring relatives, like her husband. While Mike Arroyo does not have a government position, he seems so influential that he can do and get whatever he wants,” said one OFW who claimed he was speaking for many.

Closer to home, Bello added the president should also study in particular a proposal to re-impose a 500 peso terminal fee at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila to generate revenue.

“It appears that OFWs are being used as milking cows,” he said.