The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) needs 200,000 more registrants for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) to meet their one million target before the deadline on October 31.

A report from the DFA said that as of August 10, more than 800,000 Filipinos abroad have registered for the OAV 2013 Philippine elections. This means they are still 200,000 registrants away from their goal.

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To achieve their goal, the DFA is implementing promotional strategies via internet. They are now turning to websites, blogs and social networking sites to increase awareness about OAV among OFWs and get them to register before the October 31 deadline. The government agency is also making use of mobile phones to make OAV registration easier for Filipinos working and living overseas.

The DFA also reported that Secretary Albert del Rosario sent a letter-blast to about 4,000 Filipino associations and organizations around the world to seek their help in encouraging their members to register.

Facts About Overseas Absentee Voting

The OAV registration for the 2013 national elections started on November 02, 211 and would end on October 31, 2012.


Who can register as Overseas Absentee Voters?

All Filipino citizens abroad who are at least 18 years old on 14 May 2013, and who are not otherwise disqualified by law;

Those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 and other Filipino citizens with dual citizenship;

Immigrants or permanent residents of other countries who are recognized as such in their host countries.

There is Application for Registration as an Overseas Absentee Voter and an Application for Certification as an Oversea Absentee Voter – what is the difference between two?

The Application for Registration as an Overseas Absentee Voter is for Filipinos abroad that are not yet a registered voter in the Philippines.

The Application for Certification as an Overseas Absentee Voter is for Filipinos abroad that is already a registered voter in the Philippines

How can one register for OAV? Is personal appearance at the Phil.Embassy required?

A registrant needs to have their biometrics captured so personal appearance is required in the venue where the registration will be done, which can be at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or any identified registration site.

 
What requirements should one present to be an Overseas Absentee Voter?


Valid Philippine passport or a certificate from the DFA issued through the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General, declaring either of the following; that one have submitted document that will warrant the issuance of a passport or one is a valid passport holder but unable to produce it for valid reasons.


Accomplished OAV Form No. 1 that is available at the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General or mobile registration site at the time of registration.The form can also be downloaded in the following sites: COMELEC, Department of Foreign Affairs and Philippine Embassy / Consulate General.

For seafarers, an additional requirement is a photocopy of their Seaman’s Book or any other document to prove that they are a seafarer.