How to register as an overseas voter for next year's 2015 Philippine National elections. Registration for the 2016 elections is ongoing in all Philippine embassies and consulates, at the
DFA’s Office of Consular Affairs in Macapagal Boulevard, ParaƱaque City until October 31, 2015. This is to ensure that all Filipinos abroad can exercise their right to suffrage.
Please be advised that if one is already a registered voter in the Philippines but will not be in the country during the 2016 election period, you will only need to apply for overseas voter certification.
OVERSEAS VOTER REGISTRATION
Qualifications
- All citizens of the Philippines abroad and those who will be abroad during the 2016 voting period (April 9, 2016 to May 9, 2016);
- Those who are at least 18 years of age on May 9, 2016;
- Those who are not registered as a voter in the Philippines and as an overseas voter;
- Those who are not disqualified by law; and
- Those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under R.A. No. 9225 and other Filipino citizens with dual citizenship.
Documentary requirements
An accomplished OV Form No. 1 as prescribed by the COMELEC;
A valid Philippine Passport;
In the absence of a passport, a Certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs certifying either of the following:
That you have submitted documents that will warrant the issuance of a passport;
That the applicant is a valid passport holder but is unable to produce it for a valid reason.
If you are a Seafarer, a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or any other document that will prove that you are a seafarer should also be submitted in addition to “1” and “2” above; and,
If you have availed of RA 9225, you should also provide a certified true copy of the signed Oath of Allegiance/ Order of Approval/ Identification Certificate submitted to the Embassy/ Consulate in addition to “1”and “2” above.
The COMELEC may require additional data to establish your identity.
OVERSEAS VOTER CERTIFICATION
Qualifications
All citizens of the Philippines abroad and those who will be abroad during the 2016 voting period (April 9, 2016 to May 9, 2016);
Those who are at least 18 years of age on May 9, 2016;
Those who are not registered as overseas voters;
Those who are not disqualified by law; and
Those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under R.A. No. 9225 and other Filipino citizens with dual citizenship.
Documentary requirements
- An accomplished OV Form No. 1 as prescribed by the COMELEC;
- A valid Philippine Passport;
- In the absence of a passport, a Certification from the Department of Foreign Affairs certifying either of the following:
- That you have submitted documents that will warrant the issuance of a passport;
- That the applicant is a valid passport holder but is unable to produce it for a valid reason.
- If you are a Seafarer, a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or any other document that will prove that you are a seafarer should also be submitted in addition to “1” and “2” above; and,
- If you have availed of RA 9225, you should also provide a certified true copy of the signed Oath of Allegiance/ Order of Approval/ Identification Certificate submitted to the Embassy/ Consulate in addition to “1”and “2” above.
The COMELEC may require additional data to establish your identity.
PROCEDURE:
- Personally appear at any Foreign Service Post (FSP) of the Republic of the Philippines, any designated registration centre outside the FSP, or if you are still in the Philippines through the Overseas Voter Registration Center located at the 2nd floor of the Office of Consular Affairs Building Aseana Business Park;
- Accomplish OVF No. 1;
- Submit/furnish supporting documents (as seen in the previous tab); and
- Submit to a biometrics capture.
For the complete processing of your application, please inform the DFA-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) or the COMELEC-Office for Overseas Voting (COMELEC-OFOV) through the nearest foreign service post of your mailing address where you will be located at the time of the election period (April 9, 2016 to May 9, 2016).
You may regularly check the website of the COMELEC (www.comelec.gov.ph) or DFA-OVS (www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph) if your application has been approved. You may also check with your Embassy or Consulate.
You will receive a Notice of Disapproval of your application by mail or any other modes of communication, from the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the FSPs or MECOs which heard your application.
Within five (5) days from receipt of the Notice of Disapproval of your application, you or your authorized representative may file a Motion for Reconsideration before the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the Post or with the RERB of the COMELEC in Manila.
