12 April 2016 – Voter turnout was high on the first day of overseas voting at the voting center of the Philippine Consulate General in Geneva.

On April 09, the Day of Valor in the Philippines and the first day of the month-long overseas voting, the Voting Center of the Philippine Mission/Philippine Consulate General in Geneva opened at exactly 8:00 a.m.

Ms. Marlene Manaloto Sampang and Ms. Gloria Banaga Domingo were the first Filipinos who cast their votes. Both Filipinos came to the Voting Center earlier than 8:00 a.m., citing that they came at the earliest possible time because they have to work the whole day. The two mentioned that their votes are their way of demonstrating their love for the country. They also mentioned that they did not mind waking up earlier and coming to the Consulate to vote even if they still have work the whole day because they want to ensure that their voices are heard through their votes.

Consul General Enrico T. Fos reiterated the Consulate’s call for registered Filipinos in Geneva and Vaud to come to the Voting Center, saying, “We welcome the good turnout of voters today and we encourage our kababayans to exercise their right to vote. Let your voices be heard through your ballots. Every vote counts.”

There were 76 Filipinos who voted on April 09. There are a total of 2,334 certified Filipino voters at the Consulate, which has jurisdiction over Geneva and Vaud.

For the full schedule of voting, overseas voters in Switzerland may visit this link from the official website of the Philippine Embassy in Geneva: http://genevapm.dfa.gov.ph/index.php/consulate-press-releases/283-halalan-2016-voting-information-and-procedures. END