15 April 2016 - Filipino priests based in the United Kingdom exercised their right to vote at the Philippine Embassy in London and urged registered overseas voters to ensure that their voices are heard in this election.

Fr. Ricky Montañez of the Augustinians of the Assumption said that he encourages members of the Filipino communities he serves “to vote, and to vote wisely.” A doctoral student of Heythrop College of the University of London, Fr. Ricky stays at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Bethnal Green, London but also celebrates the regular Filipino Mass at St. Augustine’s Church in Gloucester, some 190 kilometers away.

“I believe that overseas Filipinos could have an impact on this election, if they would all come out and let their voices be heard,” Fr. Ricky said. “I encourage those who are here in London to come to the Embassy instead of waiting for their ballots to be posted.”

“Overseas Pinoys have used social media to strongly express their opinions about the candidates,” said Fr. Christopher Fajardo SJ. “Time now to translate their opinions into actual votes for those whom they support.”

Fr. Chris is a doctoral student of Philosophical Theology at Oxford University. He made the 93-kilometer trip from Campion Hall to the Embassy in order to cast his vote. A Jesuit priest who did pastoral works in urban places like Manila, Rome, and London, as well as in the rural mission areas of Bukidnon, he observes a high level of enthusiasm among Filipinos in the UK for this election.

“Many of our kababayans view this election as a way to solve pervading problems in our society,” Fr. Chris said. “Voting is a necessary first step if this vision were to come true.”

Fr. Cirino Potrido, a Vincentian and head of the Filipino Chaplaincy in the Dioceses of Westminster, Southwark, Brentwood, also cast his vote at the Embassy. END