RIYADH: The Philippine presidential election, which kicked off on Saturday, has seen hundreds of voters turning out since early morning hours, some of whom were voting for the first time.

The absentee voting will run for one month, starting yesterday, to allow Filipinos abroad to participate in determining their future, said Ezzedin H. Tago, Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

In random interviews conducted by Arab News, it emerged that most OFWs voted for a candidate who can provide protection to them here, and their families at home, especially from the drug abuse that has become rampant in the country, resulting in serious crimes such as the rape of children and old people.

The envoy, who was seen with first time voters since early morning, called on his fellow countrymen to vote as early as possible to avoid the rush at the last minute.

“I call on everyone to come early,” Tago told Arab News adding, “I really appreciate those who came here early today, but I know sometimes there are some OFWs who wait till the last minute.”

He said that there was a big rush on Saturday morning and expressed his happiness for their enthusiasm. “I hope that there will be at least 50 percent turnout here in Saudi Arabia, which means the campaign drive was successful in encouraging them to come out and make sure that they are on the list of registered voters which is available online.”

The envoy said that he needs at least 2,000 voters a day in order to get about 60,000 from 113,000 voters who have registered. “This year there will be a larger turnout compared to the last election (11,000), due to the fact that this is a presidential election which will generate great interest.”

“Whomever they vote for, the important is their participation and their families here,” he observed.

Asked whether he can provide polling stations in some other areas like Qassim, he said “as you know polling venues are Riyadh, Jeddah and then Alkhobar. For the rest, there is a plan, but this will be done after approval of both Comelec and the host government.

“You know voting is a political exercise and usually it is allowed within the premises of the embassy. We are willing to go there also as we had tried in the past,” he noted.

The embassy is ready to send out letters to employers if voters need to obtain a letter to confirm that there is polling here. “They want to come but this is a small effort and expense when you want to participate in determining the future of your country.”

“We are voting for Duterte as president and Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. for senate. They have common issues, which is to stop criminality, drugs, and corruption, and protecting our environment, which is vital in achieving real peace and prosperity in our beloved country,” said Ferdinand G. Maquiling CIS and ACT-CIS MNGHA chapter president.