Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 1

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING

MGA TANONG AT SAGOT TUNGKOL SA OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING

Scope and Coverage

On February 13, 2003, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act
9189 otherwise known as the “Overseas Absentee Voting Act Of 2003.” RA9189
recognizes and gives back the right of suffrage of the Overseas Filipinos. It will be
implemented for the first time in the
May 10, 2004 national elections.

Noong Pebrero 13, 2003 pinirmahan ng Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Ang

Republic Act 9189 (RA9189) o ang “Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003”. Kinikilala
at ibinabalik ng RA 9189 ang karapatang bumoto ng mga Overseas Filipinos . Unang
ipapatupad ito sa darating na eleksyon sa Mayo 10, 2004.

1. Who are qualified to vote under RA 9189?

All Filipino citizens abroad and Filipinos in the Philippines who will be abroad during
the election period, 18 years old and above, may vote in Philippine elections under
RA9189.

An immigrant or permanent resident recognized as such in the host countries is

qualified to vote PROVIDED s/he signs a sworn statement promising to resume actual
physical permanent residence in the Philippines not later than three (3) years from the
approval of the application for registration; attesting that s/he has not applied for
citizenship in another country; and that failure to return shall cause the removal of
her/his name from the National Registry of Absentee Voters and the permanent
disqualification to vote in absentia.

1.Sino-sino ang puedeng makaboto sa ilalim ng RA9189?

LAHAT ng Filipino citizens abroad at mga Pilipinong nasa Pilipinas pero aabutin ng
halalan sa abroad , 18 taong gulang pataas ay maaaring bumoto sa halalan sa
Pilipinas.

Ang isang immigrant o permanenteng residente sa ibang bansa ay puedeng makaboto

KUNG pipirma siya ng isang sinumpaang pahayag na nangangakong babalik siya sa
Pilipinas sa loob ng tatlong (3) taon pagkatapos maaprubahan ang aplikasyon upang
permanente nang manirahan sa sa Pilipinas, na hindi siya nag-aplay ng citizenship sa
ibang bansa, na ang hindi niya pagtupad sa pangako niya ay magiging dahilan ng pag-
aalis ng pangalan niya sa listahan ng OAV at ang permanenteng diskwalipikasyon niya
para makaboto in absentia.

2. What elective positions may be voted upon by the Overseas Absentee Voters
(OAVs)?

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 2

They may vote for the President, Vice President, Senators and Party-List
Representative

2. Ano’ng mga posisyon ang puedeng iboto ng OAVs?

Maaari silang bumoto para sa Presidente, Bise Presidente, mga Senador at Party-List
Representative

APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION AND TO VOTE IN ABSENTIA

3. How may the Overseas Filipinos qualify as OAVs?

They must be registered OAVs with approved application to vote in absentia.

3. Paano makakaboto ang mga Overseas Filipinos na kwalipikado?

Dapat rehistradong botante sila bilang overseas absentee voter (OAV) At may
aprubadong aplikasyon to vote in absentia.

4. When can one file an application for registration or certification and to vote in
absentia?

The period for application is from AUGUST 1, 2003 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2003. The
embassies, consulates and other foreign establishments where registration will take
place have been instructed to be open on ALL DAYS including the weekends and
holidays in the host countries.

4. Kailan puedeng mag-file ng aplikasyon para sa rehistrasyon o certification at

para bumoto in absentia?

Maaring mag-aplay simula AGOSTO 1, 2003 hanggang SETYEMBRE 30, 2003. May
kalatas sa lahat ng embahada, konsulado at iba pang tanggapan para sa rehistrasyon
na buksan ang kanilang mga tanggapan sa lahat ng araw, kasama na ang weekends at
holidays sa host countries

5. How does one become a registered OAV with an approved application to vote in
absentia?

One may file an application: (a) for REGISTRATION* OR CERTIFICATION** AND (b) to
VOTE IN ABSENTIA.***

*If you registered in the Philippines as a voter before June 14, 1997 you are
NOT considered as a registered voter;

**If you are already a registered voter in the Philippines, you must provide the
following information: date of registration; precinct number; barangay;
city/municipality; province

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 3

***The applications for registration or certification and to vote in absentia

including the sworn statements for immigrants and permanent residents are
contained in one form, consisting of five (5) parts. It is a 5-in-1 application
form prepared by Comelec.

5. Paano magiging registered OAV na may aprubadong application to vote in

absentia?

Dapat ay mag-file ng aplikasyon (a) for REGISTRATION* O CERTIFICATION** at (b)

bumoto IN ABSENTIA. ***

*Kung nagrehistro ka sa Pilipinas bago mag June 14, 1997, kailangan mong
magparehistrong muli dahil hindi ka na itinuturing na rehistradong botante;

**Kung rehistradong botante ka naman, kailangan ang mga sumusunod na datos

mula sa inyo: petsa ng rehistrasyon, precinct number, barangay,
city/municipality at lalawigan.

***Ang aplikasyon para sa rehistrasyon o certification at sa pagboto in absentia

kasama na ang sinumpaang pahayag ng immigrant o permanent resident ay
nasa iisang form lamang na binubuo ng limang (5) bahagi. Ang form na ito ay
inihanda ng Comelec.

6. What is the procedure and manner of application for registration as OAV? Where
can one register?

A1: IF you are already abroad: You may file your application for registration
PERSONALLY with the Comelec representative at the Philippine embassy or consulate
and other foreign service establishment that has consular jurisdiction over your
locality abroad.

A2: For SEAFARERS: You may file your application for registration with the Comelec
representative at the Philippine embassy or consulate and other foreign service
establishment having jurisdiction over the locality where your vessel is docked.

A3: If you are in the Philippines but who will be abroad during the election period,
You may file your application for registration as OAV PERSONALLY with the Election
Officer of the town/city where you are domiciled prior to your departure from the
Philippines. FOR SEAFARERS, you have the OPTION to file with the Committee on
Overseas Absentee Voting at the Central Office of Comelec in Intramuros, Manila.

A4: In all cases (A1-A3): You will have to PRESENT your valid Philippines passport;
ACCOMPLISH the prescribed application form; and SUBMIT the accomplished
application form with a photocopy of your passport. FOR SEAFARERS, you will have to
submit a photocopy of your SEAMAN’S Book or any other document that will prove that
you are a seafarer.

6. Paano at saan puedeng magparehistro?

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 4

S1: Kung nasa abroad ka na, maaari kang mag-aplay ng PERSONAL sa kinatawan ng
Comelec sa Embahada o konsulado na nakakasakop sa iyong lugar o tirahan;

S2: Kung ikaw ay marinong nakasakay sa barko, maaari kang PERSONAL na mag-aplay
sa kinatawan ng Comelec sa Embahada o konsulado na nakakasakop sa lugar na
pinagdaungan ng inyong barko;

S3: Kung nasa Pilipinas ka naman pero sa abroad ka aabutin ng panahon ng eleksyon:
Maaari kang mag-aplay ng PERSONAL sa Comelec sa bayan o syudad na tirahan mo
bago ka umalis ng Pilipinas. PARA SA MGA MARINO: Maaari din kayong PERSONAL na
mag-aplay sa Komite ng Overseas Absentee Voting sa Central Office ng Comelec sa
Intramuros, Manila.

S4:Sa lahat ng kaso (S1-S3), kailangan mong IPAKITA ang iyong orihinal at balidong
pasaporte; I-ACCOMPLISH ang application form ng Comelec; at ISUMITE ang tapos na
application form, kasama ang kopya ng pasaporte; PARA SA MGA MARINO: Kailangan
ding magsumite ng kopya ng SEAMAN’s book o ano mang dokumentong magpapatunay
na kayo ay marino.

7. If you cannot present your valid passport for reasons OTHER THAN ITS LOSS OR
TEMPORARY UNAVAILABILITY, What OTHER DOCUMENTS can you use?

You may present the following SUBSTITUTE documents: your EXPIRED passport; duly-
authenticated BIRTH CERTIFICATE from the National Statistics Office; Documentary
PROOF of your status in the host country (example: residency card, employment
card/permit and local Identification Card issued by the host country); and Other
documents that may sufficiently establish your CITIZENSHIP, (if you are a Filipino
citizen) IMMIGRATION STATUS (to ascertain if you are an immigrant/ permanent
resident or not), and IDENTITY (that you are really who you claim you are).

7. Kung hindi mo madala ang balidong pasaporte mo dahil hindi mo lang hawak
sa panahong ito pero hindi naman nawawala, may iba bang dokumentong puedeng
ipakita?

Oo. Maari mong dalhin ang mga sumusunod: LUMANG pasaporte; duly-authenticated
BIRTH CERTIFICATE mula sa National Statistics Office; Dokumentong magpapatunay ng
iyong status sa host country (halimbawa: residency card, employment card/permit at
local Identification Card na ipinagkaloob ng host country); at iba pang dokumento na
mapagkikilanlan ng iyong CITIZENSHIP (kung Filipino citizen ka nga), IMMIGRATION
STATUS (kung immigrant/ permanent resident ka ba o hindi); IDENTITY (na ikaw
talaga ikaw)

8. What do you do if your passport is lost or temporarily unavailable?

You may submit the following: (a) A duly- notarized authenticated affidavit describing
the lost or unavailable passport; and the circumstances of the loss or reasons for its
unavailability, with an attached photocopy of the passport’s relevant pages, if
available; and (b) Other documents as may be required by the Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) to sufficiently establish your citizenship, immigration status and identity.

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 5

8. Paano naman kung nawala talaga ang pasaporte o hindi na available?

Puedeng isumite ang sumusunod: (a) sinumpaang sanaysay sa pagkawala ng pasaporte

o bakit hindi na available, may kasamang kopya ng mahalagang pahina ng pasaporte
kung puede; at (b) iban pang dokumentong hihilingin ng DFA para sapat na maitakda
ang pagkakakilanlan sa iyo batay sa citizenship, immigration status at identidad.

9. When is the filing of application deemed complete?

It is deemed complete upon:

(a) Your submission of the duly-accomplished form and supporting
documents, including the certification that the COMELEC representative
may need to issue; and
(b) After the digital capture of your photograph, fingerprint and signature;
and other demographic data required by Comelec.

9. Kailan masasabing kumpleto na ang mag-aaplay?

Kumpleto na ito kung:

(a) Naisumite na ang may sagot na application form, kasama ang iba pang
mga dokumentong pansuporta kasama na rin ang katibayan na maaaring
ibigay ng kinatawan ng Comelec; at,
(b) Pagkatapos na makuha ng computer ang iyong larawan, fingerprint at
pirma; at iba pang datos na kailangan ng Comelec.

10. What will happen to my application abroad?

Your duly-accomplished application form including the supporting documents will be

scanned and send via the internet to the Comelec Central Office which in turn will
send the application form to the local election officer concerned for approval or
disapproval.

10. Ano’ng mangyayari sa aplikasyon ko sa abroad?

Ang iyong aplikasyon kasama ang mga supporting documents ay I-iscan at I-iemail sa
Comelec Central Office na siya naming magpapadala sa kinauukulang local Comelec
para sa I-approve o I-disapaprove ang aplikasyon.

11. How will you know if your application has been approved or disapproved?

If your application has been approved:

(a) You or your authorized representative in the Philippines will receive a
Certificate of Registration and your name shall be included in the
City/Municipal/District Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters and in the
National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters; and
(b) Your name shall be posted on the day following the approval or
disapproval thereof in a conspicuous place in the premises of the city or

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 6

municipal and barangay building of your residence as stated in your

application form.

If your application has been disapproved, you or your authorized representative will
receive a Notice of Disapproval stating the reason(s) for the disapproval. Within five
(5) days of receipt of the Notice, you may file with the proper Municipal or
Metropolitan Trial Court a verified petition for inclusion of your name in the
Municipal/City/District Registry of OAV and the National Registry of OAV.

11. Paano malalaman na inaprubahan o hindi ang aplikasyon?

Kung aprubado ang iyong aplikasyon:

(a) Ikaw o ang iyong kinatawan sa Pilipinas ay makakatanggap ng katibayan
ng Rehistrayon at ang iyog pangalan ay isasama sa talaan ng OAV ng
lungsod/munisipyo/distrito at sa Pambansang Talaan ng OAV; at,
(b) Ipapaskel ang pangalan mo isang araw pagkatapos aprubahan o
disaprubahan ang iyong aplikasyon sa lantad na lugar sa iyong lungsod o
munisiplyo at barangay ng iyong tirahang nakalagay sa aplikasyon mo.

Kung hindi aprubado an g iyong aplikasyon, ikaw o ang iyong kinatawan ay

makakatanggap ng Pasabi ng Disapproval at ang dahilan nito. Maaari kang mag file, sa
loob ng limang (5) araw pagkatanggap ng Pasabi ng petisyon sa kinauukulang
Municipal or Metropolitan Trial Court para isama ang iyong pangalan sa Talaan ng OAV
sa lungsod/munisipyo/distrito at sa Pambansang Talaan.

12. What steps may you take in case your name has been omitted, or your name
has been misspelled or erroneously written in the National Registry of OAV?

You may file with the Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting at the Comelec Central
Office an application for reinstatement or correction of your name not later than
DECEMBER 12, 2003.

12. Ano ang puedeng gawin kung mali pagkasulat ng o nawala ang iyong pangalan
sa Pambansang Talaan ng OAV?

Maaari kang magfile sa Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting sa Comelec Central

Office ng aplikasyon para ibalik o itama ang iyong pangalan sa Talaan hanggang
Disyembre 12, 2003.

13. What steps may you take if you are abroad during the registration period but
will be in the Philippines on the day of elections?

If you are not a registered voter prior to departure from the Philippines, you may
apply for registration as an OAV and immediately after the approval of application
write a letter under oath to Comelec to request that your name be transferred from
the National Registry of OAV to the national Registry of Regular Voters. Deadline for
Comelec to receive the verified letter is December 2, 2003.

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 7

13. Paano ang gagawin mo kung nasa abroad ka sa panahon ng rehistrasyon pero
nasa Pilipinas ka naman pagdating ng araw ng halalan?

Kung hindi ka pa rehistradong botante sa Pilipinas bago ka pumunta sa abroad,

kailangan mong magparehistro bilang OAV at kagyat pagkatapos maaprubahan ang
iyogn aplikasyon ay maaari kang sumulat sa Comelec upang hilingin na ilipat ang
pangalan mo mula sa Pambansang Talaan ng OAV papunta sa Talaan ng Regular na
mga Botante. Dapat matangap ng Comelec ang sulat nang hindi lalampas sa Disyembre
2, 2003.

14. What steps may an OAV (land-based and sea-based) take if s/he realizes that
s/he will vote in a different place other than what s/he indicated in her/his
application form?

S/he needs to write a verified letter of request to Comelec on or before December 2,

2003 (date of postmark) requesting to transfer her/his name from the certified list of
OAV in the original country of voting to the new country of voting.

14. Ano ang gagawin ng OAV (marino o hindi man) kung naiba ang bansa niyang
bobotohan kaysa sa nakasulat sa aplikasyon niya?

Kailangan niyang sumulat sa Comelec para irequest na ilipat ang pangalan niya mula
sa certified list of OAV sa orihinal na bansa papunta sa bagong bansang pagbobotohan
niya. Daoat matanggap ng Comelec ang sulat ng hindi lalampas sa Disyembre 2, 2003
(date of postmark).

15. Who are disqualified from registering as OAV?

Those who are no longer Filipino citizens; (b) those who have been convicted by final
judgment of a court or tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less
than one year, unless such disability has been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty;
(c) those who have been found guilty of Disloyalty as defined under Article 137 of the
Revised Penal Code, unless such disability has been removed by plenary pardon or
amnesty; (d) Any citizen of the Philippines abroad previously declared insane or
incompetent by competent authority in the Philippines or abroad as verified by the
Philippine embassy, consulate or foreign service establishment, unless such competent
authority subsequently certifies that such person is no longer insane or incompetent.

Those disqualified under (b) and (c) hereof shall automatically acquire or reacquire
the right to vote as an OAV upon the expiration of five (5) years after service of
sentence.

15. Sino ang hindi kwalipikado sa Overseas absentee voting?

Iyong mga hindi na Filipino citizens; (b) napatunayan ng Hukuman na nagkasala at may
parusang pagkabilanggo ng mahigit isang tao unless pinagkalooban ng plenary pardon
o amnestiya; (k) napatunayang guilty ng Disloyalty ayon sa Article 137 of the Revised
Penal Code Article unless unless pinagkalooban ng plenary pardon o amnestiya; (d)
mga baliw at incompetent ayon sa deklarasyon ng isang competent authority unless
sinabi nag parehong awtoridad na hindi na ito baliw o incompetent.

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 8

Ang (b) at (k) ay magkakaroon ng awtomatik na pagbabalik ng kanilang karapatang

bumoto pagkalipas ng limang (5) taon pagkatapos ng paninilbihan nito ng sentensya.

16. How will you know if your application to vote in absentia has been approved or
disapproved?

If your application to vote in absentia has been approved, you or your authorized
representative shall receive a copy of your approved Voter Registration Record, which
shall be in the form of an OAV Identification Card. If the application has been
disapproved, you or your representative will receive a Notice of Disapproval stating
the reason(s) thereof.

If approved, your name will be included in the Certified List of OAVs.

16. Paano mo malalaman kung aprubado o hindi ang iyong aplikasyon para
bumoto in absentia?

Kung aprubado, ikaw o ang iyong kinatawan ay padadalhan ng kopya ng iyong Voter
Registration Record sa pamamagitan ng OAV Identification Card. Kung hindi aprubado,
ikaw o ang iyong kinatawan ay makakatanggap ng Babala ng hindi pag-apruba kasama
ang kadahilanan para dito.

Kung aprubado ang aplikasyon, isasama ang pangalan mo sa Certified List of OAVs.

17. What steps may you take in case your application to vote in absentia is
disapproved?

You may file a motion for reconsideration with the Committee on Overseas Absentee
Voting of the Comelec at the Central Office in Intramuros within ten (10) days from
receipt of the notice of disapproval.

17. Ano ang puedeng gawin kung hindi aprubado ang aplikasyon to vote in
absentia?

Maaari kang mag file ng motion for reconsideration sa Komite ng Overseas Absentee
Voting sa Comelec sa Intramuros sa loob ng sampu (10) araw pagkatanggap ng Abiso ng
disapproval.

CASTING AND SUBMISSION OF BALLOTS

18. What is the period for casting of votes?

For LAND-BASED qualified OAVs: Any time within thirty (30) days before the day of the
election: April 11, 2004 local time at the host country – up to 3:00 p.m. Philippine
time of May 10, 2004.

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 9

For sea-based OAVs: Anytime within sixty (60) days before the day of the election:
March 12, 2004 local time at the host country – up to 3:00 p.m. Philippine time of
May 10, 2004.

18. Kailan ang botohan?

Para sa LAND-BASED OAVs: Maaaring bumoto simula April 11, 2004, local time sa
host country hanggang 3:00 ng hapon, Philippine time ng May 10, 2004.

Para sa SEA-BASED OAVs: Maaaring bumoto simula March 12, local time sa host
country hanggang 3:00 ng hapon, Philippine time ng May 10, 2004.

19. How are votes cast?

Quailfied OAVs shall cast their votes PERSONALLY only in the designated voting area
within the presmises of the embassy, consulate and other foreign service
establishment, or in such areas as may be determined by Comelec. You will have to
present your OAV ID or your valid passport or any other identification card that can
establish your identity.

Votes may also be cast BY MAIL in countries where the Comelec has authorized the
same. For purposes of May 10, 2004 elections, VOTING BY MAIL will be the mode of
voting in JAPAN, UNITED KINGDOM AND CANADA. The embassy or consulate or foreign
service establishment shall send the ballot to you in the address you indicated in your
application form. You will accomplish the ballot and mail it back to the embassy,
consulate or foreign service establishment that sent you the ballot.

19. Paano ang pagboto?

PERSONAL ang pagboto sa mga itinalagang lugar ng botohan sa mga embahada,

konsulado at iba pang foreign establishment o sa iba pang lugar na itatalaga ng
Comelec. Kailangang ipakita ang OAV ID o di kaya ay ang valid passport o anupamang
dokumento na mapagkikilanlan sa iyo.

Papayagan din ng Comelec ang VOTING BY MAIL sa mga bansang itatalaga ng Comelec
para dito. Para sa halalan ng Ma y 10, 2004, VOTING BY MAIL ang gagawin sa JAPAN,
UNITED KINGDOM AT CANADA. Ipapadala sa iyo ng embahada, konsulado o foreign
service establishment ang iyong balota sa address na inilagay mo sa iyong aplikasyon.
Ia-accomplish mo ang balota at ipapadala pabalki sa embahada, konsulado o foreign
service establishment na nagpadala sa iyo.

20. Who will conduct the voting process?

A Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) composed of a Chairperson, a Poll Cerk

and a Member-Secretary shall conduct the voting.

The Ambassador or Consul-General or any career public officer posted abroad

designated by COMELEC shall act as the Chairperson. In the absence of any
government officer, the two (2) other members shall be citizens of the Philippines who
are qualified OAVs.

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net

Primer on Overseas Absentee Voting 10

20. Sino ang mamamahala ng botohan?

May Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) na binubuo ng Tagapangulo, Poll Clerk
at Member-Secretary ang mamahala sa botohan.

Ang Ambassador o Consul-General na nasa abroad ang itatalagang tagapangulo ng

Comelec. Kung kukulangin ang opisyal ng gobyerno, ang dalawa pang kasapi ay
kukunin sa hanay ng mga OAVs.

COUNTING AND CANVASS OF VOTES

21. Where will the counting of votes take place?

The counting of votes shall be conducted in the designated area within the premises of
the embassy, consulate and other foreign service establishment in the country where
the votes were actually cast. The Comelec may also designate other counting areas.
Counting abroad shall be synchronized with the start of counting in the Philippines.

21. Saan ang bilangan ng balota?

Ang bilangan ng balota ay gagawin sa itinalagang lugar sa loob ng embahada,

konsulado at iba pang foreign service establishment kung saan nangyari ang botohan.
Maaari ding magtalaga ang Comelec ng iba pang lugar para sa bilangan. Sabay ang
simula ng bilangan sa abroad at sa Pilipinas.

22. How shall the ballots be counted?

Ballots shall be counted publicly and uninterrupted in the counting centers designated
by Comelec. Unless otherwise ordered by the Comelec, the SBEI shall not adjourn or
postpone or delay the counting until it has been fully completed.

22. Paano ang pagbibilang ng balota?

Ang bilangan sa mga itinalagang counting centers ay bukas sa publiko at tuloy-tuloy

hanggang matapos pwera lamang kung may order ang Comelec na itigil ang bilangan.

Center for Migrant Advocacy – Philippines (CMA-Phils), 2003 @ http://www.pinoy-abroad.net