Filipinos in Hong Kong began voting in a one month-long election for their next president and congress over the weekend.

Hong Kong Filipino Domestic Workers goes to the ballots voting day
Photo: Lory Jean T. Yungco.

As overseas voters, the election period began on April 9 and will end on May 9, the same day in which Filipinos at home will head to the ballot box.

Hong Kong Filipino Domestic Workers goes to the ballots voting day
Photo: Lory Jean T. Yungco.

Voting took place at the Bayanihan Kennedy Town Centre, a major Filipino community and cultural venue, on Hong Kong Island.

Hong Kong Filipino Domestic Workers goes to the ballots voting day
Photo: Lory Jean T. Yungco.

The overseas voting system was introduced in 2004.

Hong Kong Filipino Domestic Workers goes to the ballots voting day
Photo: Lory Jean T. Yungco.

Five candidates are vying to succeed incumbent president Benigno Aquino III, who has reached the end of his six-year term.

Hong Kong Filipino Domestic Workers goes to the ballots voting day
Photo: Lory Jean T. Yungco.

A nationwide opinion poll by research institution Social Weather Stations on March 30 placed Philippine Senator Grace Poe in the lead with 34%, and Mayor of Davao Rodrigo Duterte narrowly behind with 31%.

Hong Kong Filipino Domestic Workers goes to the ballots voting day
Photo: Lory Jean T. Yungco

Filipinos make up one of the largest expatriate communities in Hong Kong. In 2013, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas estimated that there were over 200,000 Philippine nationals living in the city.

Lory Jean T. Yungco is a self-taught photographer who has been documenting the lives and events of overseas foreign workers in Hong Kong.

Elson Tong is a graduate of international relations and former investigations consultant. He has also written for Stand News.