Reminder to Filipino overseas voters

INQUIRER.net
April 09, 2009

MANILA, Philippines— The Department of Foreign Affairs is calling the attention of Filipinos abroad who wish to participate in the 2010 general elections and advises them to check if their names are stillin the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters.

The DFA, which implements the Overseas Absentee Voting law for the Commission on Elections, said those who have previously registered would not be able to vote in the May 2010 polls if they have not voted twice in previous Philippine national elections.

In an earlier interview, DFA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Rafael Seguis thus advised those whose names have been stricken off the voters’ list to register again.

Registration for overseas absentee voting is ongoing until August 31 this year at all Philippine foreign posts throughout the world, as well as at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The law provides that all Filipino citizens who intend to vote abroad, at least 18 years of age on the day of elections and not disqualified by law, may register. Dual citizens may also exercise their right of suffrage.

An applicant for registration is required to personally appear at the nearest consulate or embassy, and submit a valid Philippine passport.