Frequently Asked Question(s)

Overseas Voting

What is Overseas Voting?

Overseas voting is the process by which qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad exercise their right to vote.

What is OFOV?

The Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) is an office of the Commission tasked to oversee and supervise the effective implementation of the Overseas Voting Act (R.A. 9189 as amended by R.A. 10590).

Who can participate in Overseas Voting?

All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, are at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of elections.

Who cannot participate in Overseas Voting?

Those who are disqualified by the law namely:

a. Those who have lost their Filipino Citizenship;

b. Those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship and who have pledged allegiance to a foreign country except those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, otherwise known as the 'Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003;

c. Those who have committed and are convicted in a final judgment by a Philippine court or tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, such disability not having been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty: Provided, however, That any person disqualified to vote shall automatically acquire the right to vote upon the expiration of five (5) years after service of sentence; and

d. Any citizen of the Philippines abroad previously declared insane or incompetent by competent authority in the Philippines or abroad, as verified by the Philippine embassies, consulates or Foreign Service establishments concerned, unless such competent authority subsequently certifies that such person is no longer insane or incompetent.