Filipinos take a free bus ride to the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. SUPPLIED

DUBAI – More than a hundred Filipinos in the UAE arrived by bus at the Philippine Consulate General during the weekend to cast their ballot in the overseas vote for the Philippine 2022 elections. As Expatmedia.net first reported, roundtrip free bus services were provided by the Philippine Consulate to help Filipinos in Fujairah, Ras A Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman participate in the overseas vote. "We understand that we have kababayans in the Northern Emirates who might have challenges to come to Dubai to vote. We hope to help them in some way by providing a free shuttle service so they can come here and exercise their right to vote," said Consul General Renato N. Dueñas, Jr. The free bus service ran on April 30 and May 1 and was launched in partnership with the Filipino Social Club and Sangguniang Masang Pilipino International, Incorporated. The consulate is reportedly considering more free bus trips. “Due to the positive feedback received from the voters from the northern emirates, the Consulate is currently considering making additional free shuttle services in the areas for the coming days prior to the end of the overseas voting period,” according to the Philippine Consulate in a statement to media. Overseas voting continues daily in the consulate in Dubai and the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi until May 9, with polls open from 8am until 9pm, except on May 9 when polls close at 3pm. Overseas Filipinos will vote for national positions: president, vice president, senators, and party-list groups. ICA/Expat Media

Scenes from the first day of Filipino overseas vote in Dubai

Overseas voting in UAE: How to vote

1. Check if your name is in the registered voters list, which is on the website of the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai (for voters in Dubai and northern Emirates), or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi (for voters in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain). 2. Visit the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate from 8am to 9pm daily until May 9, or from 8am to 3pm on May 9. 3. There is no need to book an appointment. ICA/PIA/Expat Media
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