14 September 2005

Registration Guidelines for Philippine Overseas Voters in New South Wales

The Philippine Consulate General in Sydney informs the public that the System for Continuing Registration for qualified Filipino Overseas Absentee Voters under Republic Act No. 9189 (Overseas Absentee Voting Law) has commenced beginning 04 October 2005 (Tuesday).

The registration is being done in connection with the upcoming Philippine national elections for 12 senators and party-list representatives on 14 May 2007.

To qualify as a registrant, one must be any of the following:

A Filipino citizen who is currently, or will be, residing in New South Wales during the election period;

A Filipino citizen who is at least eighteen (18) years of age on 14 May 2007;

Those who have reacquired or retained Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225 or the "Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003", and who execute, upon filing  of an application for registration as overseas absentee voter an Affidavit of Intent to Return; and

A Filipino permanent resident in New South Wales who executes upon filing of an application for registration as overseas absentee voter an Affidavit of Intent to Return.

Registrants must bring the following requirements:

Valid Philippine passport and photocopy of data page;

For seafarers, a photocopy of Seaman’s book or any other document proving that you are a seafarer and photocopy of said document/s;

For dual citizens under R.A. 9225, a certified true copy of the signed Oath Of Allegiance or Order of Approval.

Registrants must personally appear at the Consulate; accomplish the appropriate forms; submit the above documentary requirements and submit themselves to the biometric data capture.

Registration will be held at the Consulate Conference Room every Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Changes in the schedule will be announced accordingly.

Deadline for registration will be on 31 August 2006 (Thursday).

Previous Overseas Absentee Voter registrants for the 2004 elections need not register anew.

For further information, please contact the Philippine Consulate at (612) 9262-7377 or visit the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Website at www.comelec.gov.ph. [Link]