Manila, April 26 (NNN-PNA) Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who are currently posted abroad, were reminded on Thursday, that they have until May 14, to exercise - in a variety of ways - their right of suffrage in the midterm elections.

At the same time, Ambassador Generoso Calonge, director of the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) desk of Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs called on the OFWs, who are considered "the modern-day heroes," to get out and vote.

"By voting, the OFWs will be able to participate in shaping the destiny of the Philippines as a nation," Calonge said.

To participate in the current political exercise, Calonge said, all registered OFW voters may either personally cast in, or send their votes (in a ballot mailed to them earlier), to the Philippine Embassies and consulates nearest to their respective work stations.

He said that the canvassing of votes will follow shortly after the ballot boxes are closed at the end of the day.

It will be recalled that pursuant to Republic Act No. 9189, overseas voting for the 2007 midterm polls started earlier this month.

As provided for by law, overseas absentee voters are allowed to vote for a maximum of 12 senators and a partylist.

As this develop, Calonge acknowledged that providing for the needs of his Filipino family back home and in the process, contributing to the improvement of the Philippines' international reserves, is an act of patriotism.

However, he also expressed confidence that the OFWs will, once again demonstrate another facet of the OFWs' patriotism, by voting for the senatorial and partylist candidates of their choice in the elections. -- NNN-PNA