'We want to have our say': Filipinos in Australia cast their votes in the Philippine midterm elections

Filipino overseas voters in Sydney have casted their votes

These Filipino overseas voters in Sydney have cast their votes for the Philippine Midterm Elections. Credit: Rod Dingle/Philippine Consulate General in Sydney

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"We want to exercise both our right and our responsibility to have a voice in choosing the leader of the Philippines," a sentiment shared by many Filipino overseas voters in Australia.

Key Points

The Philippine Midterm Elections will take place on May 12. For the first time, Filipinos living overseas, including those in Australia, can vote online.
As of December 2024, more than 19,000 Filipinos in Australia, Nauru, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia have registered to vote in this year’s elections, according to the Philippine Embassy in Australia.
Voters have considered candidates' track records, alliances, and integrity as key factors in deciding who to vote for.

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'We want to have our say': Filipinos in Australia cast their votes in the Philippine elections image

'We want to have our say': Filipinos in Australia cast their votes in the Philippine midterm elections

SBS Filipino

09/05/202515:55

Filipinos living overseas, such as Australia, only need to vote for 12 senators and a partylist for this year's midtern elections.

"I feel great that I have exercised my right to vote and choose the people I thought should be running the Senate or be in the Senate of the Philippines,' Western Sydney resident and community leader Rod Dingle shared.

Dingle, who has been living in Australia for 45 years, compared his experience as a first-time 15-year-old voter taking part in the decision on the 1973 Philippine martial law referendum.

"I was in high school then, and it was the first time the former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr opened the elections for youngsters like me.'

"That was a time when you're shielded and under control, either you were for the government or against it.

"It's very different now and in recent years, where I can freely choose who to vote for," he said.

Philippine Consulate General in Sydney conducted a consular mission and an information dissemination campaign on the 2025 Philippine National Election overseas and field voting for Filipinos in Tamworth, New South Wales, on 03 May 2025.

Philippine Consulate General in Sydney conducted an information dissemination campaign on the 2025 Philippine National Election overseas and field voting for Filipinos in Tamworth, New South Wales, on 03 May 2025. Credit: Philippine Consulate General in Sydney

Temporary resident and Doctor of Philosophy student Esminio Rivera shared that he researched each candidate's track record and affiliation before casting his online vote.

"I looked into what laws have been passed, sponsored or authored by the particular Senatorial candidate, and what do they stand for?" the Perth resident shared.

Rivera, who is opposed to political dynasties, shared that anyone with a criminal record from a political family would not get his vote.