The Change starts with us! GUIDELINES ON HOW TO VOTE FOR FILIPINOS LIVING ABROAD

By Manny Pinol

People can declare their support for a political candidate and shout until their voices are hoarse but unless they cast their vote nothing will ever happen.

This is just like dreaming of winning in a multi-million lotto but not buying any ticket.

You want change in the Philippines?

Well then, you have to vote and make your voices heard.

For Filipinos living abroad, here are the guidelines on how to register and vote.

Do this now. The earlier the better.

WHO MAY REGISTER AS A OVERSEAS VOTER ?

– Filipino citizen

– At least 18 years old on the day of the election

– Who are abroad or will be abroad from April 9 to may 6 2016

– Not disqualified by law

WHERE TO REGISTER

AT THE POSTS ABROAD

– Philippines embassies ( country you were in )

– Consulates

– Foreign services establishments and other Philippines government agencies maintaining offices abroad

– You can see websites www.dfa.gov.ph ( to verify nearest consulates near you )

a. ) If you were in the Philippines planning to go abroad on the above date, you can register at the registrations centers located at DFA OFFICE OF THE CONSULAR AFFAIRS, assign business park, Macapagal Ave. Pasay City.

b. ) Commission on Filipino Overseas ( CFO ) Quirino Ave. Manila

c. ) Overseas Worker Welfare Administration ( OWWA ) Blas Ople Building, Mural St. Intramuros Manila

d. ) Philippines Overseas Employment Administration ( POEA ) Ortigas ave, Mandaluyong city

e. ) NAIA terminal 1 Pasay city

f. ) Comelec office for overseas voting 7th floor Palacio del Governador Building, Intramuros, Manila

REQUIREMENTS TO BRING

1. Valid Philippines passport

2. Document certificate issue by DFA, that you hold a valid Philippines passport and working abroad ( for those OFW in SAUDI, JEDDAH, where employers hold their PASSPORT )

3. Dual Citizenship Certificates ( Dual citizenship retention acts Under R A 9225 ) issued by Bureau of Immigration

4. For seafarer or SEAMAN ( photocopy of SEAMANS BOOK )

HOW TO REGISTER ?

a. ) go to to the said registered agencies and bring above documents

b. ) get overseas voters FORM ( OVF ) or download via websites www.comelec.gov.ph

c. ) submit the forms

d. ) biometric pictures

e. ) sign the digital signatures

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

call comelec for overseas voting (02) 522 – 2251 or (02) 521- 2952

or log on to : WWW.dfa.oavs.gov.ph or www.comelec.gov.ph

The Official Website of the Department of Foreign Affairs – Republic of the Philippines

www.dfa.gov.ph

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