Filipinos in UAE vote 12 Duterte-backed bets to Senate

PDP Laban senatorial bets. PDP LABAN

Filipino voters in the UAE delivered a landslide win for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte’s endorsed candidates, with all 12 top senatorial spots secured by PDP Laban bets in the 2025 midterm elections. The UAE had the highest voter turnout among GCC countries, with 37,976 voters participating out of 189,892 registered overseas voters, resulting in a 20 percent turnout. The election, held online for the first time for overseas voters, ran from April 13 to May 12. PDP Laban candidates led by incumbent Senator Bong Go dominated the polls. Go topped the UAE vote with 27,459 votes, followed by Bato Dela Rosa (26,047) and Rodante Marcoleta (25,171). Completing the top 12 were Jimmy Bondoc (19,744), Vic Rodriguez (18,432), Raul Lambino (17,555), Jayvee Hinlo (16,679), Phillip Salvador (13,886), Marites Mata (13,366), Apollo Quiboloy (12,643), Gringo Honasan (12,562), and Imee Marcos (10,937). The result means all 12 winning senatorial candidates from the UAE were aligned with Duterte or were adopted guest candidates such as Imee Marcos. The inclusion of Marcos and Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar as guest candidates in the PDP Laban slate was announced on May 10.

Top 12 UAE votes for senator

1. Bong Go - 27,459 2. Bato Dela Rosa - 26,047 3. Rodante Marcoleta - 25,171 4. Jimmy Bondoc - 19,744 5. Vic Rodriguez - 18,432 6. Raul Lambino - 17,555 7. Jayvee Hinlo - 16,679 8. Phillip Salvador - 13,886 9. Marites Mata - 13,366 10. Apollo Quiboloy - 12,643 11. Gringo Honasan - 12,562 12. Imee Marcos - 10,937 ICA/CAM/GAD/Expat Media