Participating in the Philippine election is now possible even if one is not physically in the Philippines through the Absentee voting law. In the coming May 10, 2010 presidential and senatorial elections, a non-government organization, The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) is urging Filipinos working and living overseas to register and vote.

The CMA which had lobbied for the right to vote of Filipinos outside the Philippines are reminding them that there is a seven month period for them register for the overseas absentee voting

The registration for absentee voters has started last February 1, and will be open until August 31 of this year. To be eligible, Filipino migrants and overseas workers should be 18 years old and above.

Ellene Sana, executive director of CMA said, "If you want change to happen, be involved. Be responsible citizens, go out and register."

Of the estimated eight million Filipinos abroad, almost 50 percent are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). However, only a small percentage (below 50,000) registered to vote in the last two elections.  

One of the reasons cited for the low turnout of voters is the difficult requirements needed to register. One of them is the need for a personal appearance, which can be time consuming and hard for many whose residence and job sites are far from Philippine embassies and consulates.

The CMA responded, “But personal appearance is required for the biometrics capture of photograph, thumbprint, and signature. As in previous OAV registrations, various posts abroad could conduct mobile and field registration in far areas.”

The CMA added, “But usually the Department of Foreign Affairs, which conducts the registration and elections for the Commission on Elections, chooses sites for this type of enlistment in places where there are many Filipinos.”

Other Requirements:

• Valid Philippine passport or a Department of Foreign Affairs certification (as most employers of household service workers in the Middle East get their passports) Accomplished OAV registration/certification form (Download it here)
• For seamen: a photocopy of Seaman's Book or proof of being a seafarer.
• For Filipinos who retained or re-acquired their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225 granting dual citizenship: original or certified true copy of the Order of Approval of Application.

To register, the CMA advisory states that Filipinos abroad can go to Philippine embassies, consulates, and other foreign-service offices. Filipinos who are just about to leave the country can register before their departure at the Committee on OAV at the Commission on Elections, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (ground floor), and the OFW Pre-Departure Lounge of the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Seafarers could register at any diplomatic post abroad or in Manila.

During the registration period, previous registrants can also do the following: file or request for transfer of registration records; reinstatement in the National Registry of OAV; correction of wrong entries/misspelled names; withdrawal of application for registration/certification pending approval; or reactivation of registration record.

For other inquiries, one can contact Comelec's Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting at the following numbers: (632) 522 2251, (632) 521 2952, or (632) 523 9924 and the DFA Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat at (632) 8330914 or (632) 832 8363. One cal also visit their websites at: www.comelec.gov.ph and www.dfa.gov.ph