Civic Group Gives Free Ride to Vote

Noting the low turnout so far in the number of registered voters who have cast their ballots, a group of civic-minded Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have  pooled their resources together to give free rides and from the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) on May 6, Friday for them  to vote.

“Ang turnout ng mga boto ay hindi pa man lang umaabot sa kalahati ng kabuuang bilang ng mga rehistradong botante kaya po naming naisipang gawin ito,” said Bryan Cabugsa, the group’s coordinator.

He said interested individuals or groups may call him at 052 290 4258 for the pick and drop.

He said they will first ask those requesting for a ride if they are registered voters. In the event that they don’t know, the group said they will do verification check with (PCG) to confirm after which they will be asked where they are staying in Dubai so that a pick and drop can be arranged.

Cabugsa said some 100 confirmed registered voters have so far been listed for the pick and drop.

As of May 3, only 22.76 percent or 44,200 of the UAE’s 194,185 total OVs have voted, according to embassy and consulate officials.

Broken down, officials said Dubai and the Northern Emirates have 27,200 votes cast or 22.26 percent of the 122,185 total OVs; Abu Dhabi has 17,000 or 23.61 percent of the 72,000 total.

The embassy has six voting machines; the consulate, 12. PCG said it takes approximately five minutes for a voter to cast a vote.  There are 149,985 registered voters who have yet to vote .

(Source: FilipinoTimes.ae)