Imee: Absentee voter registration should be extended

Ilocos Norte Rep. Imee Marcos called yesterday for the extension of the absentee voting registration period following the enactment of the law on dual citizenship.

Marcos said the dual citizenship law automatically enables Filipinos naturalized in another country to participate in the electoral process upon their reacquisition of their Philippine citizenship.

She also lamented the dismal response to the ongoing overseas absentee voting registration, which will end on September 30.

"I think government will have to push (registration period) further because we have a new law on dual citizenship which will render the provisions of the absentee voting law redundant," she said.

Marcos issued the statement following weeklong consultations with overseas Filipino workers in several European and Middle East countries as she urged OFWs to register before the deadline set by the Commission on Elections.

She said the overseas Filipinos concerned would have to wait for the implementing rules and regulations within 60 days.

She said the Absentee Voting Act requires immigrants and permanent residents to sign an affidavit declaring their intention to resume actual physical permanent residence in the Philippines not later than three years after approval of their registration as an overseas absentee voter.

But under the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, which was signed into law by President Arroyo last August 29, Filipinos naturalized in another nation will be allowed to reacquire their Philippine citizenship and own property in their home country.

Marcos nevertheless lauded the heightened awareness of Filipino expatriates in Hong Kong where there was a successful turnout in the overseas absentee voting registration. – Paolo Romero