To ensure that all Filipinos, here are and abroad, can participate in the election, an ongoing registration for the 2016 elections is happening at the Philippine Embassies or DFA Office until October 31, 2015. For registered voters in the Philippines who is now working abroad, you will only need to have overseas voter certification so you can still participate in the election.
Qualifications for the Overseas Voter Registration
- Citizens abroad and will go to abroad during the voting period (April 9, 2016 – May 9, 2016)
- The age requirement is 18 years old before May 9, 2016.
- Not a registered voter, Philippines or overseas.
- Citizens not disqualified by law.
- Citizens who have attained dual citizenship or retained Philippine Citizenship.
Documentary Requirements
- As suggested by COMELEC, a OV Form No. 1
- Philippine Passport
- If there’s no passport, a Certification issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs that certifies that you already submitted the required documents for the issuance of your passport and if the applicant is a passport holder yet unable to present the passport for some valid reason.
- Seaman’s Book if you are a Seafarer.
- Oath of Allegiance / Identification Certificate
Qualifications for Overseas Voter Certification
- Citizens abroad and will go to abroad during the voting period (April 9, 2016 – May 9, 2016)
- The age requirement is 18 years old before May 9, 2016.
- Not a registered voter, Philippines or overseas.
- Citizens not disqualified by law.
- Citizens who have attained dual citizenship or retained Philippine Citizenship.
Documentary Requirements
- As suggested by COMELEC, a OV Form No. 1
- Philippine Passport
- If there’s no passport, a Certification issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs that certifies that you already submitted the required documents for the issuance of your passport and if the applicant is a passport holder yet unable to present the passport for some valid reason.
- Seaman’s Book if you are a Seafarer.
- Oath of Allegiance / Identification Certificate
Procedure
- Personal Appearance at the Foreign Service Post (FSP), selected registration center aside from FSP, if you’re still staying in the Philippines, you can go to the Overseas Voter Registration center.
- Submit OVF No. 1
- Submit the necessary documents for your application.
- Submit yourself for a biometrics capture.
The processing of your application will only be completed once you inform DFA Office of your mailing address and location for the election period. You can also check the COMELEC official website for the status of your application.
If disapproved, you will then receive a Notice of Disapproval but you can always file a Motion for Reconsideration of your application.
