DFA orders Saudi envoy to return home after wife campaigns for Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs has instructed the Philippines’ ambassador to Saudi Arabia to return home for office consultations after his wife was seen on video campaigning for presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The DFA said in a statement that it is also investigating the incident in Riyadh involving Saudi Arabia Ambassador Adnan Alonto’s wife.

“The DFA regularly reminds personnel here and at Foreign Service Posts on the prohibition against engagement, whether directly or indirectly, in any electioneering or partisan political activity,” it said.

It added, "It does not condone acts that go against the Omnibus Election Code, the Overseas Voting Act of 2013 and the COMELEC-CSC Joint Circular No. 001, series of 2016."

Video of Alonto’s wife, Jo, campaigning for Marcos before the Filipino community in Riyadh made rounds on social media, with election lawyer Emil Marañon pointing out that this is “not only unethical, but a threat to neutrality.”

“With this action, neutrality can no longer be expected in the voting process,” said Marañon on Twitter.

Let us remember that Saudi Arabia has 282,605 registered overseas Filipino voters, ranking second in terms of the most number of voters.

With this action, neutrality can no longer be expected in the voting process. Ambassador Alonto and wife should be recalled by the DFA.

— Emil (@13thFool) March 5, 2022

Saudi Arabia has the second most number of overseas voters, with 282,605 Filipinos registered to vote in the crucial polls in May that will elect President Rodrigo Duterte's successor in Malacañang. — Xave Gregorio with a report from Marianne Enriquez/News5