The deadline to register as an overseas voter is on September 30, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminded Filipinos who will be abroad from April 10 to May 9, 2022.

In an advisory issued Wednesday, the agency added that the deadline to transfer overseas voter records back to the Philippines is on August 31.

“Let’s continue to strengthen our democracy. It’s our right and duty. Register and vote,” it said.

Filipinos who are experiencing difficulties traveling to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate due to the pandemic may avail of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Office for Overseas Voting’s (OFOV) Virtual Frontline Services (VFS), a voter registration service that does not require the physical presence of the applicant.

The VFS, however, is dedicated only for transactions where the applicant has existing voter registration records with complete biometric data, such as:

– Certification as an overseas voter (for those who are registered voters in the Philippines and are now applying to vote abroad);
– Reactivation of Overseas Voter Registration Records (for those who failed to vote consecutively in the past two national elections);
– Updating of addresses and contact information; and
– Transfer of voting records between different international locations, and from overseas back to the Philippines.

Interested VFS applicants can fill up their application form (OVF-1) by using the i-Rehistro system on Comelec’s website and submit the scanned copy of their duly accomplished OVF-1 to Comelec-OFOV by sending an email to concerns@comelec.gov.ph or via its Facebook Messenger.

Upon receipt of the application, Comelec-OFOV will schedule a videoconference with the applicant for identity verification and oath-taking.

Meanwhile, new registrants as overseas voters and those whose biometric data have yet to be captured are required to set an appointment and personally appear at their nearest Embassy or Consulate. (PNA)