The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hoping to register 1 million voters during the ongoing voter registration for Filipinos abroad in connection with the May 2028 elections
This came amid a low turnout of overseas voters, according to Comelec chairperson George Garcia.
“Registration numbers remain low to this day—and that is considering the two-year registration period for Overseas Filipinos,” he said in a forum Monday.
At the same time, the poll body chief added they are seeking the help of other government agencies, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the measure.
“We need the help of other stakeholders—such as the DMW, OWWA, and DFA—to get more of our fellow Filipinos to register. Registration is ongoing. So far, only about 340,000 have registered. We hope to reach at least 1 million before registration closes on September 30, 2027,” he said.
Garcia noted that they are sparing no effort in encouraging Filipinos to register particularly setting up registration booths in agencies where Filipinos, including overseas Filipinos (OFWs) frequently visit.
“We are doing everything—satellite registration, “registration anywhere,” and setting up registration sites at the OWWA, DMW, Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), and MARINA,” he said.
He also noted that the problem would probably be, the application for citizenship in other nations, or they are undocumented workers.
“The problem is that many have applied for citizenship in other countries. Naturally, if they register to vote in the Philippines while applying for foreign citizenship, their citizenship application could be compromised. Another factor is the large number of undocumented Filipinos abroad,” the Comelec chair said.
“They don’t renew expired passports for fear of being reported. We don’t care whether your passport is expired or not, yet they remain afraid,” he added.
The registration period started on Dec. 1, 2025 and will run until Sept. 30 next year. (PNA)
