March 22, 2013 , 03:06pm

Time for OFWs to have a voice in PH Congress

Filipino migrant and immigrant groups led by Migrante Canada formally launched their electoral campaign in support of the candidacy of Migrante Sectoral Partylist in the upcoming Philippine mid-term elections in May.

“It’s high time for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos abroad to have a voice and genuine representation in the House of Representatives,” said Jonathan Canchela, coordinator of Migrante Sectoral Partylist Canada (MSP Canada) and the party’s fourth nominee.

“OFWs have long been called ‘modern and economic heroes’. Now it’s time for them to be called heroes of political change, who speak for themselves and on their behalf in the halls of congress,” Canchela added, emphasizing the power of overseas absentee voters who could bring significant impact in electing future leaders back home.

The launch was held on March 16 at Marcelina’s Restaurant in Toronto. Various groups including some community leaders attended the event to show their support for Migrante Partylist. They also have pledged to support the candidacy of Makabayan senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño.

JONATHAN CANCHELA

“The Filipino people deserve progressive legislators, like Teddy Casiño, who understand the problems and sentiments of Filipinos abroad and the common people back home. Tama na ang trapo, kay Casiño naman tayo,” Canchela said.

Part of the program was speeches of support and endorsement from different mass and community leaders including video messages from Migrante Partylist chairperson and first nominee Connie Bragas-Regalado, Migrante International chairperson and second nominee Garry Martinez, and senatorial candidate Teddy Casiño.

In his video message, Casiño emphasized the importance of organizing migrant Filipinos in helping each other and in exercising their right to suffrage.

A short tribute to Juana Tejada and Flor Contemplacion was held as part of the program in honour of these two brave women.

“This tribute is more meaningful today as we, in Migrante Canada, put our support and hope to MSP – the partylist that represents the interests of all OFWs,” read the statement from Migrante Canada vice chair Christopher Sorio.

Overseas absentee voting

Migrante Partylist calls on all registered Filipino absentee voters in Canada to exercise their right to vote during this election. All registered overseas absentee voters can vote for senators and partylist representative starting from April 13 to May 13, 2013.

Those overseas absentee voters who failed to vote in 2007 and 2010 elections have the chance to file their intent to vote for the upcoming election during the thirty-day voting period. As required by Comelec Resolution 9653 issued March 5, 2013, they have “to present themselves at the Post (embassy or consulate) where they are registered and sign in the blank OVF No. 2A provided for that purpose.”

MSP Canada applauds the Comelec for reinstating the estimated 238,557 overseas absentee voters who failed to vote in 2007 and 2010 elections. However, we strongly urge the Comelec and Philippine officials here and other countries to publicize this development in their respective posts so our kababayans will know.

“We also urge the Comelec to make sure that ballots for absentee voting are sufficient enough. We don’t want to see voters turned away because there are no ballots available to use when they go to embassy or consulate to vote,” Canchela said.

At the launch of the Toronto campaign for Migrante Party List, March 16. From left: Cherry Alsistio, Al Calara, Tan Canchela, James Laqui, Tate Bernabe, a guest, Carlito Froa, Elsie and Dakila Canchela and a staff of Marcelina’s restaurant.