Filipinos living and working abroad can now register as overseas voters for the 2028 Philippine elections.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has opened overseas voter registration from December 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027.
Qualified Filipino citizens who will be at least 18 years old on May 8, 2028, may register through designated Philippine embassies, consulates, and registration centers. Once you’ve successfully registered, you can find your name on the official list of registered overseas voters.
Who Can Participate?
Filipino citizens living abroad who will be at least 18 years old on May 8, 2028, and are not disqualified by law may register as overseas voters.
Who Cannot Participate?
Those disqualified by law include:
- Individuals who have lost their Filipino citizenship.
- Those who renounced their Filipino citizenship and pledged allegiance to another country, unless they reacquired or retained their citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225.
- Individuals convicted by a Philippine court of an offense punishable by imprisonment of at least one year, unless pardoned or amnestied.
- Those declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority, unless declared otherwise later.
Requirements for Registration
To register as an overseas voter, you need:
- A valid Philippine passport. If unavailable, a certification from the DFA validating your documents.
- Accomplished registration form prescribed by the Commission.
- For those who retained or reacquired their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, present the approval order or identification certificate from the Bureau of Immigration.
- Seafarers should provide a photocopy of their Seaman’s Book or any pertinent document.
Where to Register
You can register at any Philippine embassy or consulate abroad, designated registration centers outside the post, or in the Philippines at approved centers.
Check the COMELEC (www.comelec.gov.ph) and DFA-OVS (www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph) websites for updated lists of registration centers.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide for Overseas Voting
Processing of Applications
Each post and the OFOV has a Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) responsible for processing, approving, or disapproving all registration applications.
Handling Disapproved Applications
If your application is disapproved, you or your representative can file a motion for reconsideration within five days of receiving the notice of disapproval.
The motion will be decided within five days, but not later than 120 days before the start of the voting period.
Filing a Petition for Inclusion
If your motion for reconsideration is denied, you can file a petition for inclusion with the proper Municipal/Metropolitan Trial Court in Manila within ten days of receiving the notice of denial.
Reactivating a Deactivated Record
If your registration has been deactivated, you can file a sworn application for reactivation with the RERB at least 120 days before the voting period begins.
Causes of Deactivation
The RERB will deactivate records if:
- The person has been sentenced to imprisonment for at least one year by a Philippine court.
- The person has been declared insane or incompetent.
- The person did not vote in two consecutive national elections.
- A court ordered the exclusion of the person’s registration.
Transferring Registration Records
If you need to change your voting venue, file an application for transfer with the OFOV at least 180 days before the voting period.
If you will vote in the Philippines, register locally within the provided timeframe or notify the OFOV of your transfer back to the Philippines 180 days before the next national elections.
Correcting Personal Details
For corrections to personal details, file an application under oath for change of name or correction of entries with the RERB personally or through an authorized representative.
How to Fill Out the Overseas Voter Registration Form
Filling out the Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1) is a crucial step in ensuring that you can exercise your right to vote while living abroad. Here’s a detailed guide on how to complete each part of the form:
Part I – Personal Information of the Applicant
This section gathers your essential personal details. Make sure to write all information in CAPITAL LETTERS.
- Last Name, First Name, Middle Name: Fill in your full legal name.
- Suffix: Include any suffix like Jr., Sr., III if applicable.
- Date of Birth: Enter your birthdate in the format (day-month-year).
- Sex: Check the box for either FEMALE or MALE.
- Civil Status: Indicate whether you are SINGLE or MARRIED.
- Registered Voter in the Philippines: Check YES or NO. If YES, provide details of where you are registered.
- Status Abroad: Select your status, such as Land-based, Seafarer, Overseas Filipino Worker, Dual Citizen, Diplomat/Attaché, Immigrant, or specify any other status.
- Residence Abroad: Provide your complete address, which is crucial for voting by mail.
- Philippine Passport Validity: Indicate if your passport is valid (YES or NO) and its validity date.
- Citizenship: Confirm if you are a Filipino citizen (YES or NO).
- Contact Information: Provide your state/province, postal code, P.O. Box number, contact number, and email or social media details.
Part II – Authorized Representative of the Applicant in the Philippines
If you have someone in the Philippines authorized to represent you, fill out their details here.
- Name: Enter the full name of your authorized representative.
- Contact Number: Provide their contact number.
- Address: Write their complete address.
- Email: Include their email address for any necessary communication.
Part III – Oath and Application to Vote Overseas
This section is your declaration that all information provided is true and that you meet the qualifications for overseas voting.
- Swear Statement: Read and understand the oath. By signing, you affirm the truthfulness of your information and consent to the processing of your personal data as required by law.
- Date of Filing: Indicate the date when you are submitting the application.
- Applicant’s Signature: Sign in the presence of the Election Officer/Authorized Officer.
- Administering Officer’s Details: This part will be filled out by the administering officer who will witness your oath.
Part IV – For Use by the VRM Operator / Administering Officer / RERB Member
Do not fill out this section. It is reserved for the officials processing your application.
- Application For: Officials will indicate whether your application is for registration, certification, reactivation, reinstatement, change of address, recapture of biometrics, transfer, or correction of entries.
- Post & Country: They will record where you will be registered.
- Action of the RERB: The Resident Election Registration Board will approve or disapprove your application and provide reasons for disapproval if applicable.
- Signatures: The section will be signed by RERB members and the chairperson.
Additional Tips
- Check Mark: Place a check mark (✔) on all applicable items as instructed.
- Accuracy: Double-check all the information you provide for accuracy to avoid any delays or issues with your application.
- Documentation: Ensure you have all required documents ready when filling out the form to prevent any omissions.
By carefully following these instructions, you can successfully complete your Overseas Voter Registration Form and participate in the democratic process even while abroad.
Recent Updates
Overseas Voter Registration for the 2028 Philippine Elections
COMELEC has resumed overseas voter registration for the May 8, 2028, Philippine elections.
The registration period runs from December 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027.
Eligible overseas Filipinos may submit applications at Philippine embassies, consulates, other designated posts abroad, or approved registration centers in the Philippines.
Applicants should check with their nearest Philippine diplomatic mission for registration schedules and instructions.
Conclusion
Registering as an overseas voter ensures your participation in shaping the future of the Philippines, no matter where you are in the world.
Follow the steps outlined above, keep informed about deadlines and requirements, and exercise your right to vote.