Comelec issues rules on absentee voting

Taking the initial step for millions of overseas Filipinos to be able to vote, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is publishing today the implementing rules and guidelines governing the Absentee Voting Law for the May 2004 general elections.

The 55-page guideline details the steps and procedures on how a Filipino overseas can register through the Election Registration Boards in the Philippine embassies and consular offices worldwide, as well as the manner and procedure of voting.

Overseas Filipinos are expected to register between July 1 and Sept. 30 this year, by personally presenting their passports and filling out the necessary application forms at the Philippine diplomatic mission offices.

Application forms can also be downloaded electronically from the websites of Comelec and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Seamen have to present their seaman’s book to the nearest Philippine embassy or consulate office where their vessels are docked.

Embassy and consular officials are tasked to verify and certify the documents presented to them. Filipinos who lost their passport must present other documents as proof of their nationality.

Under the guidelines, the name of the overseas Filipino will be encoded in a computer, together with his latest picture, fingerprints, signature and other necessary details. The information will be electronically transmitted to the Comelec’s database.

The guidelines were prepared by the Comelec’s Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting under Commissioner Florentino Tuason Jr. following consultations with members of Congress, the DFA, the Department of Labor and Employment, OFW organizations and other concerned sectors.

The passage of the Absentee Voting Law, otherwise known as Republic Act 9189, marks the first time overseas Filipinos can exercise their right of suffrage even while abroad.

The guidelines will be implemented in the May 2004 general elections where millions of overseas Filipinos will have the chance to vote for the next president, on down to the local government positions. — Jose Aravilla