2nd overseas voter registration center opens in Manila

Overseas Filipino workers about to leave for their destinations may want to register for the 2016 elections before they leave, as a new overseas voter registration center has been opened in Manila.

The new overseas voter registration center (OVRC) is the second in the country and was opened Friday, Aug. 1, at the Commission on Filipinos Overseas at 1345 President Quirino Avenue in Paco, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Monday.

"(OFWs), immigrants, seafarers and students who are about to leave for abroad and who are not yet registered as overseas voters may now register at this newly launched facility," the DFA said.

Attending the inauguration of the new facility were CFO chairperson Imelda Nicolas, Commission on Elections Commissioner Lucenito Tagle, and DFA Overseas Voting Secretariat head Rafael Seguis led the opening ceremony.

Last June, the DFA opened the first OVRC at the Office of Consular Affairs along Macapagal Avenue at ASEANA Business Park in Parañaque City.

"Overseas voter registrants at this OVRC who need to renew their passports no longer have to set an appointment to apply for renewal as their Overseas Voter Registration stub will allow them access to the Passport Division’s Courtesy Lane," it said.

The DFA said the country's foreign service posts processed 20,039 new OVR applications last June, a 7.5-percent increase over the 18,631 in May.

"At the current pace of registration, we could have an overseas voter stock of over two million for the 2016 presidential elections. Attaining this goal can definitely be a game changer,” Seguis said.

The DFA-Overseas Voting Service and Comelec are aiming to have one million new overseas Filipino voters for the registration period covering May 6, 2014 until October 31, 2015.

Eligible to vote in 2016 from abroad are:

- Filipino citizens who expect to be abroad during the 30-day (April 9 to May 9, 2016) overseas voting period for the 2016 elections
- Filipinos at least 18 years old by May 9, 2016, and not otherwise disqualified by law

They can register at Philippine foreign service posts including the Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECO), OCA at ASEANA Business Park, and at other Comelec-approved registration centers.

A list of registration centers can be viewed online at www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph or www.comelec.gov.ph. —Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News

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