FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 (Republic Act No. 9189) guarantees to 
Filipinos who are temporarily or permanently residing overseas, or former Filipinos who 
have become naturalized citizens of other countries, the right to exercise their constitutional 
right to suffrage. First implemented in 2004, it presents to overseas absentee voters (OAVs) 
the opportunity to take part in national elections, allowing them to vote for candidates for 
national positions. 
One out of 10 or roughly eight million Filipinos now work overseas, but in a report 
released by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on absentee voter participation, total 
registrants in 2003 were only 361,457, 
while 142,665 registered in 2006. These were for the 
2004 and 2007 elections respectively. 
The low rate of participation of OAVs is one of the factors behind the low turnout, 
according to the COMELEC .Other reasons include the distance of OAVs from voting posts, 
and the requirement to execute an Affidavit of Intent to Return. The affidavit states that one 
will return to the Philippines to take up permanent residence not later than three years after 
the approval of registration as an OAV. 
This bill proposes to amend Republic Act No. 9189 by removing the requirement for 
execution of an Affidavit of Intent to Return, and creating a Resident Election Registration 
Board. It further proposes to allow the conduct of field or mobile registration in posts outside 
the main confines of Philippine embassies, and the use of Internet voting through 
appropriate technology with sufficient security. 
With a review of these provisions of the' law, it is expected that OAVs wifl have 
greater participation in the 2010 
reasons, the 
passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 


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FED 16 AI 1 :!i 1 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
Introduced by Senator Richard J. Gordon 
AN ACT 
AMENDING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189, PROVIDING 
FOR A SYSTEM OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING BY QUALIFIED CITIZENS 
OF THE PHILIPPINES ABROAD, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as "The Overseas 
Absentee Voting Act of 2003" is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act: 
a) 
"OVERSEAS Absentee Voting" refers to the process by which qualified 
citizens of the Philippines abroad exercise their right to vote; 
"Commission" refers to the Commission on Elections; 
b) 
c) 
"Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters" refers to the list of registered 
overseas absentee voters whose applications to vote in absentia have 
been approved by the Commission, said list to be prepared by the 
Committee on Absentee Voting of the Commission, on a country-by- 
country basis, AND POST BY POST. The list shall be approved by the 
Commission in an en banc resolution; 
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d) 
"Day of Election" refers to the actual date of elections in the Philippines; 


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e) 
“National Registry of Absentee Voters” refers to the consolidated list 
prepared, approved and maintained by the Commission, of overseas 
absentee voters whose applications for registration as absentee voters, 
including those [registered voters who have applied to be certified as 
absentee voters, including those] registered voters UNDER REPUBLIC 
ACT NO. 8189 who have applied to be certified as absentee voters, have 
been approved by the RESIDENT Election Registration Board. IT SHALL 
INDICATE THE POST WHERE THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER IS 
REGISTERED; 
“Overseas Absentee Voter” refers to a citizen of the Philippines who is 
qualified to register and vote under this Act, not otherwise disqualified by 
law, who is abroad on the day of elections; 
“COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING (COAV)” REFERS 
TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION TASKED TO OVERSEE 
AND SUPERVISE THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING LAW; 
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4) 
h) 
“DFA OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING SECRETARIAT (DFA-OAVS)” 
REFERSTOTHE SECRETARIATBASEDATTHEDEPARTMENTOF 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA) HOME OFFICE TASKED TO DIRECT, 
COORDINATE AND OVERSEE THE DEPARTMENT’S PARTICIPATION 
IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING 
LAW (OAVL)”; 
i) 
“FIELD 
REGISTRATION” 
REFERS 
TO 
THE 
CONDUCT 
OF 
REGISTRATION AT PRE-DETERMINED LOCATION OUTSIDE THE 
L 


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POSTS 
FOR 
A 
LIMITED 
PERIOD, 
UPON 
FAVORABLE 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE DFA-OAVS AND APPROVAL OF THE 
COAV BASED ON THE GUIDELINES PRESCRIBED BY THE 
COMMISSION; 
“MOBILE OR REMOTE REGISTRATION” REFERS TO THE CONDUCT 
OF REGISTRATION AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS OUTSIDE THE POSTS 
AND WHICH SHALL BE UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF THE POSTS’ 
MOBILE CONSULAR AND OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO FILIPINOS 
WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION; 
j) 
k) 
“MUNICIPAL 
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CITY I 
DISTRICT REGISTRY OF OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTERS (ROAV)” REFERS TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
LIST 
PREPARED, APPROVED 
AND 
MAINTAINED BY 
THE 
COMMISSION, FOR EVERY MUNICIPAL I CITY I DISTRICT, OF 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS WHOSE APPLICATIONS FOR 
REGISTRATION AS 
SUCH, 
INCLUDING THOSE REGISTERED 
VOTERS UNDER REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8189, WHO APPLIED FOR 
CERTIFICATION AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS, HAVE BEEN 
APPROVED BY THE ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD; 
“POSTS” REFER TO THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSIES, CONSULATES, 
FOREIGN SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS AND OTHER PHILIPPINE 
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES MAINTAINING OFFICES ABROAD HAVING 
JURISDICTION OVER THE PLACES WHERE THE OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTERS TEMPORARILY RESIDE; 
1) 
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m) 
“RESIDENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD (RERB)” REFERS TO 
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THE IN-HOUSE ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD OF THE COAV 
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COMPOSED OF THREE (3) RANKING OFFICIALS OF THE 
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COMMISSION, THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF WHICH ARE TO PROCESS, 
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APPROVE, 
OR 
DISAPPROVE 
THE 
APPLICATION 
FOR 
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REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
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VOTER; 
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12 SEC. 2. Section 4 of the same Act is hereby amended as follows: 
n) 
“VOTING PERIOD’ REFERS TO A MAXIMUM OF THIRTY (30) DAYS 
OF VOTING INCLUDING THE DAY OF ELECTIONS, ESTABLISHED 
HOLIDAYS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND SUCH OTHER HOLIDAYS AS 
MAY BE DECLARED IN THE HOST COUNTRIES. 
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”Section 4. Coverage. All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise 
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disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of elections, may 
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vote for president, vice-president, senators and party-list representatives. 
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REGISTERED OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS ARE ALSO QUALIFIED TO 
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VOTE DURING NATIONAL REFERENDA AND PLEBISCITES. 
18 SEC. 3. Section 5 of the same Act is hereby amended as follows: 
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under this Act: 
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a) 
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laws; 
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“SEC. 5. Disqualifications - The following shall be disqualified from voting 
Those who have lost their Filipino citizenship in accordance with Philippine 
b) 
Those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship and who 
have pledged allegiance to a foreign country, EXCEPT THOSE WHO HAVE 
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REACQUIRED OR RETAINED THEIR PHILIPPINE CITIZENSHIP UNDER 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9225, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “CITIZENSHIP 
RETENTION AND REACQUISTION ACT OF 2003”; 
Those who have committed and are convicted in a final judgment 
by a court or tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less 
than one (1) year, including those who have committed and been found guilty 
of Disloyalty as defined under Article 137 of the Revised Penal Code, such 
disability not having been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty: Provided, 
however, That any person disqualified to vote under this subsection shall 
automatically acquire the right to vote upon expiration of five (5) years after 
service of sentence; 
Provided, further, That the Commission may take 
cognizance of final judgments issued by foreign courts or tribunals only on the 
basis of reciprocity and subject to the formalities and processes prescribed by 
the Rules of court on execution of judgments; 
Any immigrant or a permanent resident who is recognized as such in the host 
country, unless helshe executes, upon registration, an affidavit prepared for 
the purpose by the Commission declaring that helshe shall resume actual 
physical residence in the Philippines not later than three (3) years from 
approval of hislher registration under this Act. Such affidavit shall also state 
that he/she has not applies for citizenship in another country. Failure to 
return shall be cause for the removal of the name of the immigrant or 
permanent resident from the National Registry of Absentee Voters and hislher 
permanent disqualification to vote in absentia.] 
c) 
[d) 
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e) 
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. 
SEC.4. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 6. Personal Overseas Absentee Registration. - Registration AND 
CERTIFICATION as an overseas absentee voter [shall] WILL be done in person AT 
THE POSTS THAT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER THE LOCALITY WHERE THE 
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APPLICANT TEMPORARILY RESIDES. THE VOTER WILL ALSO SUBMIT 
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HlMSELFlHERSELF TO THE CAPTURE OF BIOMETRIC INFORMATION AS MAY 
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BE REQUIRED BY THE COMMISSION. 
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FIELD AND MOBILE REGISTRATION CENTERS MAY ALSO BE SET UP 
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BY THE POSTS CONCERNED TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY BY THE 
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OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS. PRE-DEPARTURE REGISTRATION SHALL 
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LIKEWISE BE CONDUCTED IN ACCREDITED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES OR 
FACILITIES TO BE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION. 
REMOTE REGISTRATION THROUGH THE INTERNET MAY ALSO BE 
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ALLOWED BASED ON THE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES DETERMINED BY 
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THE COMMISSION IN CONSULTATION WITH THE JOINT CONGRESSIONAL 
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OVERSIGHT 
COMMITTEE, 
PROVIDED 
THAT 
THE 
APPROPRIATE 
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TECHNOLOGY WILL ENSURE ADEQUATE DATA SECURITY AND VOTER 
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AUTHENTICITY. 
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[Qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad who failed to register under 
Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as the "The Voters Registration Act of 
1996", may personally apply for registration with the Election Registration Board of 
the city or municipality where they were domiciled immediately prior to their 
departure from the Philippines, or with the representative of the Commission at the 
Philippine embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments that have 
jurisdiction over the locality where they temporarily reside. Subject to the specific 
guidelines herein provided, the Commission is hereby authorized to prescribe 
additional procedures for overseas absentee registration pursuant to the provisions 
of Republic Act No. 9189, whenever applicable taking into strict consideration the 
time zones and the various periods and processes herein provided for the proper 
implementation of this Act. The embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
establishments shall transmit within (5) days from receipt the accomplished 
registration forms to the Commission, after which the Commission shall coordinate 
with the Election Officer of the city or municipality of the applicant's stated residence 
for verification, hearing and annotation in the permanent list of voters. 
All applications for the May, 2004 elections shall be filed with the Commission 
not later than two hundred eighty (280) calendar days before the day of elections. 
For succeeding elections, the Commission shall provide for the period within which 
applications to register must be filed.] 
IN THE CASE OF A SEAFARER, HE MAY FILE HIS APPLICATION 
PERSONALLY AT ANY POST, INDICATING IN HIS APPLICATION FORM THE 
SPECIFIC ADDRESS WHERE HE WANTS HIS BALLOT TO BE SENT. HE 
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SHALL LIKEWISE SUBMIT HIMSELF FOR LIVE CAPTURE OF HIS 
BIOMETRICS. 
[In the case of seafarers, the Commission shall provide a special mechanism 
for the time and manner of personal registration taking into consideration the nature 
of their work. 
6.1, Upon receipt of the application for registration, the Election Officer shall 
immediately set the application for hearing, the notice of which shall be posted in a 
conspicuous place in the premises of the city or municipal building of the applicant's 
stated residence for at least one (1) week before the date of the hearing. The 
Election Officer shall immediately furnish a copy of the application to the designated 
representatives of political parties and other accredited groups. 
6.2. If no verified objection to the application is filed, the Election Officer shall 
immediately forward the application to the Election Registration Board, which shall 
decide on the application within one (1) week from the date of hearing without 
waiting for the quarterly meeting of the Board. The applicant shall be notified of the 
approval or disapproval of hislher application by registered mail. 
6.3. In the event that an objection to the application is filed prior to or on the 
date of hearing, the Election Officer shall notify the applicant of said objection by 
registered mail, enclosing therein copies of affidavits or documents submitted in 
support of the objection filed with the said Election Officer, if any. The applicant shall 
have the right to file his counter-affidavit by registered mail, purely stating therein 
facts and defenses sworn before any officer in the host country authorized to 
administer oaths. 
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6.4. The application shall be approved or disapproved based on the merits of 
the objection, counter-affidavit and documents submitted by the party objecting and 
those of the applicant. 
6.5. A Certificate of Registration as an overseas absentee voter shall be 
issued by the Commission to all applicants whose applications have been approved 
including those certified as registered voters. The Commission shall include the 
approved applications in the National Registry of Absentee Voters. 
6.6. If the application has been approved, any interested party may file a 
petition for exclusion not later than two hundred ten (210) days before the day of 
elections with the proper municipal of metropolitan trial court. The petition shall be 
decided within fifteen (15) days after its filing on the basis of the documents 
submitted in connection therewith. Should the court fail to render a decision within 
the prescribed period, the ruling of the Election Registration Board shall be 
considered affirmed. 
6.7 If the application has been disapproved, the applicant or his authorized 
representative shall within a period of five (5) days from receipt of the notice of 
disapproval, have the right to file a petition for inclusion with the proper municipal or 
metropolitan trial court. The petition shall be decided within five (5) days after its 
filing on the basis of documents submitted in connection therewith. 
Qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad, who have previously registered 
as voters pursuant to Republic Act No. 8189 shall apply for certification as absentee 
voters and for inclusion in the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters, with a 
corresponding annotation in the Certified Voters' List.] 
SEC. 5. A new Section 7 is hereby inserted in the same Act to read as follows: 
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“SECTION 7. RESIDENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD; POWERS; 
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EFFECT. - THERE SHALL BE A RESIDENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD 
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(RERB) WHICH SHALL PROCESS, APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE ALL 
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APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION OF OVERSEAS 
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ABSENTEE VOTERS. 
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AN APPLICANT WHOSE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION HAS BEEN 
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APPROVED BY THE RERB SHALL BE ENTITLED TO VOTE ONLY AS AN 
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OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER UNDER THIS ACT. HE MAY VOTE IN LOCAL 
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ELECTIONS UPON APPROVAL OF HIS REQUEST FOR TRANSFER OF 
REGISTRATION RECORD BY THE LOCAL ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD 
OF THE ClTYlMUNlClPALlTY COMPRISING HIS RESIDENCE.” 
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SEC. 6. A new Section 8 is hereby inserted in the same Act to read as follows: 
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“SEC. 8. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE RERB. - 
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8.1. UPON RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION 
FROM THE POSTS, THE RERB OF THE COMMISSION SHALL SCHEDULE THE 
HEARING OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION. 
IT SHALL BE THE DUTY OF THE RERB TO NOTIFY ALL POLITICAL 
PARTIES 
AND 
OTHER 
PARTIES 
CONCERNED 
OF 
THE 
PENDING 
APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION THROUGH A WEEKLY UPDATED 
PUBLICATION IN THE WEBSITES OF THE COMMISSION AND THE DFA-OAVS 
AND POSTING THE NAMES OF THE APPLICANTS IN CONSPICUOUS PLACES 
NEAR THE PLACE WHERE THE RERB WILL HOLD ITS HEARING. 
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8.2. THE RERB SHALL HAVE THE SOLE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO 
APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OR 
CERTIFICATION ON THE BASIS OF THE NON-FILING OF ANY OBJECTION 
FROM ANY PARTY WITHIN SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER THE PUBLICATION OR 
POSTING OF THE NAMES OF THE APPLICANTS. IN CASE OF DISAPPROVAL 
OF THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION, WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS FROM THE 
DATE OF DISAPPROVAL, THE RERB SHALL NOTIFY THE APPLICANT OR 
HERlHlS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES STATING THE 
REASONS THEREFORE. 
8.3. THE RERB SHALL INCLUDE THE NAME OF THE APPLICANT 
WITH APPROVED APPLICATIONS IN THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF 
ABSENTEE VOTERS AND IN THE CERTIFIED LIST OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
VOTERS (CLOAV) IN THE POSTS WHERE SHElHE INTENDS TO VOTE IN THE 
NEXT NATIONAL ELECTIONS SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE 
COMMISSION EN BANC. 
8.4. 
APPROVAL 
OF 
THE 
RERB ON APPLICATION 
FOR 
REGISTRATION SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY EXECUTORY UNLESS REVERSED 
OR SET ASIDE BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN A DECISION 
WHICH HAS BECOME FINAL AND EXECUTORY. 
8.5. IF THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED, ANY INTERESTED 
PARTY MAY FILE A PETITION FOR EXCLUSION NOT LATER THAN ONE 
HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF ELECTIONS WITH THE 
PROPER MUNICIPAL OR METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT. THE PETITION 
SHALL BE DECIDED WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS AFTER ITS FILING ON THE 


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BASIS OF THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. 
SHOULD THE COURT FAIL TO RENDER A DECISION WITHIN THE 
PRESCRIBED PERIOD, THE RULING OF THE RERB SHALL BE CONSIDERED 
AFFIRMED. 
8.6. IF THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN DISAPPROVED, THE APPLICANT OR 
HEWHIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL, WITHIN A PERIOD OF FIVE 
(5) DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF DISAPPROVAL, HAVE THE 
RIGHT TO FILE A MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION BEFORE THE RERB 
WHICH SHALL BE DECIDED WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER ITS FILING ON THE 
BASIS OF DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. THE 
RESOLUTION OF THE RERB ON THE MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION 
SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY EXECUTORY UNLESS REVERSED OR SET ASIDE 
BY THE COURT IN A DECISION WHICH HAS BECOME FINAL AND 
EXECUTORY. 
THE ADVERSE PARTY MAY FILE A PETITION FOR INCLUSION WITHIN 
TEN (IO) DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE DENYING THE MOTION FOR 
RECONSIDERATION WITH THE PROPER MUNICIPAL OR METROPOLITAN 
TRIAL COURT. 
THE PETITION SHALL BE DECIDED WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) 
DAYS AFTER ITS FILING ON THE BASIS OF THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED IN 
CONNECTION THEREWITH. SHOULD THE COURT FAIL TO RENDER A 
DECISION WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD, THE RULING OF THE RERB 
SHALL BE CONSIDERED AFFIRMED. 
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QUALIFIED CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES ABROAD WHO HAVE 
PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED AS VOTERS PURSUANT TO REPUBLIC ACT NO. 
8189 SHALL APPLY FOR CERTIFICATION AS ABSENTEE VOTERS AND FOR 
INCLUSION IN THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
VOTERS. IN CASE OF APPROVAL, THE ELECTION OFFICER CONCERNED 
SHALL ANNOTATE THE NAME OF THE VOTER IN THE CERTIFIED VOTERS’ 
LIST AND HIS VOTER’S REGISTRATION RECORDS. 
APPLICANTS WHOSE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND 
CERTIFICATION ASOVERSEASABSENTEEVOTER SHAVE BEENAPPROVED 
MUST NOTIFY THE COAV, THROUGH ITS CHAIRMAN, IN THE EVENT OF 
CHANGE OF VOTING VENUE AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) DAYS 
PRIOR TO THE NEXT NATIONAL ELECTIONS; PROVIDED, THAT THOSE WHO 
WOULD EVENTUALLY VOTE IN THE PHILIPPINES SHOULD REGISTER IN THE 
MUNICIPALITY WHERE THEY INTEND TO VOTE AND WITHIN THE TIME 
FRAME PROVIDED FOR LOCAL REGISTRATION: PROVDED FURTHER, THAT 
THE APPLICANT SHALL NOTIFY THE COAV, THROUGH ITS CHAIRMAN, OF 
HIS TRANSFER IN THE PHILIPPINES AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) 
DAYS PRIOR TO THE NEXT NATIONAL ELECTIONS FOR PURPOSES OF 
CANCELLING HIS NAME IN THE CLOAV AND REMOVING HIS OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTER’S REGISTRATION RECORDS FROM THE BOOK OF 
VOTERS. 
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THE COMMISSION SHALL EXERT ALL EFFORTS TO ISSUE AN 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARD TO THOSE WHOSE 
APPLICATIONS TO VOTE HAVE BEEN APPROVED.” 
SEC. 7. Section 7 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 9. 
“SEC.[7].9 - System of Continuing Registration - The Commission shall ensure 
that the benefits of the system of continuing registration are extended to qualified 
overseas absentee voters. Towards this end, the Commission IS AUTHORIZED 
TO UTILIZE AND [shall] optimize the use of existing facilities, personnel and 
mechanisms of the various government agencies for purposes of data gathering, 
data validation, information dissemination and facilitation of the registration 
Drocess. 
Pre-departure programs, services and mechanisms offered and administered by 
the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, 
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers’ Welfare 
Administration, Commission on Filipinos Overseas and other appropriate agencies 
of the government AND PRIVATE AGENCIES PROVIDING SAME SERVICES 
shall be utilized for purposes of supporting the overseas absentee registration and 
voting processes, subject to SYSTEMS limitations AND THOSE imposed by law. 
SEC. 8. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Sec. 10 and is amended to 
read as follows: 
“SEC. [8] 10. Requirements for Registration. - Every Filipino registrant shall be 
required to furnish the following documents: 
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a. A valid Philippine passport. In the absence of a valid passport, a certification 
of the Department of Foreign Affairs that it has reviewed the appropriate 
documents submitted by the applicant and found them sufficient to warrant 
the issuance of a passport, or that the applicant is a holder of a valid 
passport but is unable to produce the same for a valid reason; 
b. Accomplished registration form prescribed by the Commission containing 
the following mandatory information: 
i.Last known residence of the applicant in the Philippines before 
leaving for abroad 
ii.Address of applicant abroad, or forwarding address in the case of 
seafarers; AND 
iiLWhere voting by mail is allowed, the applicant's mailing address 
outside the Philippines where the ballot for absentee voters 
will be sent, in proper cases; [and 
iv.Name and address of applicant's authorized representative in the 
Philippines for purposes of Section 6.7 and Section 12 
hereof.] 
[c. In the case of immigrants and permanent residents not 
otherwise disqualified to vote under this Act, an affidavit declaring 
the intention to resume actual physical permanent residence in 
the Philippines not later than three (3) years after approval of 
hislher registration as an overseas absentee voter under this Act. 
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Such affidavit shall also state that helshe has not applied for 
citizenship in another country.] 
C. APPLICANTS WHO WILL AVAIL OF THE BENEFITS GRANTED 
UNDER RA NO. 9225 SHALL BE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE 
ORIGINAL OR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF THE ORDER OF 
APPROVAL APPROVING THEIR APPLICATION TO RETAIN OR 
REACQUIRE FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP ISSUED BY THE POST, OR AN 
IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF 
IMMIGRATION. 
The Commission may also require additional data to facilitate registration 
and recording. No information other than those necessary to establish the identity 
and qualification of the applicant shall be required. 
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS AN OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTER SHALL BE CONSIDERED AS APPLICATIONS TO VOTE IN 
ABSENTIA. AN OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER IS PRESUMED TO BE ABROAD 
UNLESS HElSHE APPLIES FOR TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION RECORD OR 
HElSHE REQUESTS THAT HlSlHER NAME BE CANCELLED FROM THE 
NROAV.” 
SEC. 9. Section 9 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 11 and is amended to 
read as follows: 
“Sec.[9] 11. National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters. - The Commission 
shall maintain a National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters (NROAV). ALL 
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[Approved applications ofj overseas absentee registrants WHOSE APPLICATION 
HAD BEEN APPROVED shall also be included in the REGULAR REGISTRY OF 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS (ROAV) IN THE CITY OR MUNICIPALITY 
WHERE THE REGISTRANT IS DOMICILED. [Permanent list of voters of the city or 
municipality where the registrant is domiciled with the corresponding annotation that 
such person has been registered or will be voting as an overseas absentee voter. The 
registry shall also include those registered under Republic Act No. 8189 and who have 
been issued certifications as overseas absentee voters. The entries in the National 
Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters and the annotations as overseas absentee 
voters in the Certified Voters List shall be permanent, and cannot be cancelled or 
amended except in any of the following cases: 
9.1 When the overseas absentee voter files a letter under oath addressed to 
the Commission that he l she wishes to be removed from the Registry of Overseas 
Absentee Voters, or that his l her name to be transferred to the regular registry of 
voters; or, 
9.2 When an overseas absentee voter's name was ordered removed by the 
Commission from the Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters for hislher failure to 
exercise hislher right to vote under this Act for two (2) consecutive national 
elections.] 
TOWARDS THIS END, THE COMMISSION SHALL PROVIDE EACH 
MUNICIPALITY OR CITY WITH A REGISTRY OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS 
(ROAV) FOR THEIR REFERENCE. 
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THE COMMISSION SHALL DEACTIVATE THE REGISTRATION AND 
REMOVE THE REGISTRATION RECORDS OF THE FOLLOWING PERSONS 
FROM THE NROAV AND THE CORRESPONDING ROAV AND PLACE THE SAME, 
PROPERLY MARKED AND DATED IN INDELIBLE INK, IN THE INACTIVE FILE 
AFTER ENTERING THE CAUSE OF DEACTIVATION: 
A. ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN SENTENCED BY FINAL JUDGMENT TO 
SUFFER IMPRISONMENT FOR 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 UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL AUTOMATICALLY REACQUIRE THE 
RIGHT TO VOTE UPON THE EXPIRATION OF FIVE (5) YEARS AFTER SERVICE 
OF SENTENCE AS CERTIFIED BY THE CLERKS OF COURTS OF THE 
MUNICIPAL I MUNICIPAL CIRCUIT I METROPOLITAN I REGIONAL TRIAL 
COURTS AND THE SANDIGANBAYAN; 
B. ANY PERSON WHO HAS BEEN ADJUDGED BY FINAL JUDGMENT BY A 
COMPETENT COURT OR TRIBUNAL OF HAVING CAUSEDKOMMITTED ANY 
CRIME 
INVOLVING 
DISLOYALTY 
TO 
THE 
DULY 
CONSTITUTED 
GOVERNMENT, SUCH AS REBELLION, SEDITION, VIOLATION OF THE ANTI- 
SUBVERSION AND FIREARMS LAWS, OR ANY CRIME AGAINST NATIONAL 
SECURITY, UNLESS RESTORED TO HIS FULL CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS 
IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW; PROVIDED, THAT HE SHALL REGAIN HIS 
RIGHT TO VOTE AUTOMATICALLY UPON THE EXPIRATION OF FIVE (5) 
YEARS AFTER SERVICE OF SENTENCE; 
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C. ANY PERSON DECLARED BY COMPETENT AUTHORITY TO BE INSANE OR 
INCOMPETENT 
UNLESS 
SUCH 
DISQUALIFICATION 
HAS 
BEEN 
SUBSEQUENTLY REMOVED BY A DECLARATION OF A PROPER AUTHORITY 
THAT SUCH PERSON IS NO LONGER INSANE OR INCOMPETENT; 
D. ANY PERSON WHO DID NOT VOTE IN THE TWO (2) SUCCESSIVE PRECEDING 
NATIONAL ELECTIONS AS SHOWN BY THEIR VOTING RECORDS; AND 
E. ANY PERSON WHOSE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN ORDERED EXCLUDED BY 
THE COURT. 
SEC. 10. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 12. 
SEC. 11. Sections 11 and 12 of the same Act are hereby deleted: 
[SEC. 11- Procedure for Application to Vote in Absentia - 
11. 1. Every qualified citizen of the Philippines abroad whose application for 
registration has been approved, including those previously registered under 
Republic Act No. 8189, shall, in every national election, file with the officer of the 
embassy, consulate or other foreign service establishment authorized by the 
Commission, a sworn written application to vote in a form prescribed by the 
Commission. The authorized officer of such embassy, consulate or other Foreign 
Service establishment shall transmit to the Commission the said application to vote 
within five (5) days from receipt thereof. The application form shall be accomplished 
in triplicate and submitted together with the photocopy of hislher overseas 
absentee voter certificate of registration. 
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11, 2. Every application to vote in absentia may be done personally at, or by mail 
to, the embassy, consulate or Foreign Service establishment, which has jurisdiction 
over the country where helshe has indicated hislher address for purposes of the 
elections. 
11, 3. Consular and diplomatic services rendered in connection with the overseas 
absentee voting processes shall be made available at no cost to the overseas 
absentee voter. 
Sec. 12 - Verification and Approval of Application to Vote - All applications shall 
be acted upon by the Commission upon receipt thereof, but in no case later than 
one hundred fifty (150) days before the day of elections. In the event of disapproval 
of the application, the voter or his authorized representative may file a Motion for 
Reconsideration with the Commission personally, or by registered mail, within ten 
(IO) days from receipt of the notice of disapproval. The Commission shall act within 
five (5) days from receipt of such Motion for Reconsideration and shall immediately 
notify the voter of its decision. The decision of the Commission shall be final and 
executory. 
The Commission shall issue an overseas absentee voter identification card to those 
whose applications to vote have been approved.] 
SEC. 12. A new Section 13 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
“SEC. 13. REACTIVATION OF REGISTRATION. -ANY OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
VOTER WHOSE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED PURSUANT TO 
THE PRECEDING SECTION MAY FILE WITH THE COAV ANY TIME BUT NOT 
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LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS BEFORE THE NEXT 
NATIONAL ELECTIONS A SWORN APPLICATION FOR REACTIVATION OF HIS 
REGISTRATION IN THE FORM OF AN AFFIDAVIT STATING THAT THE 
GROUNDS FOR THE DEACTIVATION NO LONGER EXIST, THE COAV SHALL 
SUBMIT SAID APPLICATION TO THE RERB FOR APPROPRIATE ACTION.” 
SEC. 13. A new Section 14 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
“SEC.14. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION. - 
THE RERB SHALL CANCEL 
THE REGISTRATION RECORDS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED AS CERTIFIED 
BY EITHER THE POSTS OR THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR AND THOSE WHO 
HAVE BEEN PROVEN TO HAVE LOST THEIR FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP.” 
SEC. 14. Section 13 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 15 and is amended 
to read as follows: 
”Sec. [I31 15. Preparation and Posting of Certified List of Overseas Absentee 
Voters. - The Commission shall prepare the CLOAV [Certified List of Overseas 
Absentee Voters] within one hundred twenty (120) days before every election, and 
furnish within the same period ELECTRONIC AND HARD copies thereof to the 
appropriate 
POSTS 
[embassies, 
consulates 
and 
other 
foreign 
service 
establishments], which shall post the same in their bulletin boards OR WEBSITES 
within ten (IO) days from receipt thereof. 
Subject to reasonable regulation and the payment of fees in such amounts as may, 
be fixed by the Commission, the candidates, political parties, accredited citizens’ 
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arms, AND all other interested persons [and all embassies, consulates and other 
foreign service establishments] shall be furnished copies thereof.” 
SEC. 15. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 16 and is amended 
to read as follows: 
“SEC.[14]16. Printing and Transmittal of Ballots, Voting Instructions, Election 
Forms and Paraphernalia 
j14.11 16.1. 
The Commission shall cause the printing of ballots for overseas 
absentee voters, [voting instructions,] and ALL OTHER ACCOUNTABLE election 
forms in such number as may be necessary, but in no case shall it exceed the total 
number of approved applications. Security markings shall be used in the printing of 
ballots for overseas absentee voters. 
[14.2] 16.2. The Commission shall present to the authorized representatives of the 
Department of Foreign Affairs and the accredited major political parties the ballots for 
overseas absentee voters, voting instructions, election forms and other election 
paraphernalia for scrutiny and inspection prior to their transmittal to the POSTS 
[embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments concerned]. 
[14.3] 16.3. The Commission shall, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, [not later than 
seventy five (75) days before the day of elections,l transmit by special pouch to the 
POSTS [embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments] the exact 
number of ballots for overseas absentee voters corresponding to the number of 
approved applications, along with such [materials and election paraphernalia] 
ACCOUNTABLE FORMS necessary to ensure the [secrecy and] integrity of the 
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election, NOT LATER THAN FORTY FIVE (45) DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF 
ELECTIONS. 
[14.4] 16.4. The authorized representatives of accredited major political parties shall 
have the right to be present in all phases of printing, transmittal, and casting 
of 
mailed ballots abroad. [Unclaimed ballots properly marked as such, shall be 
cancelled and shipped to the Commission by the least costly method.]” 
SEC. 16. Section 15 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 17 and is amended 
to read as follows: 
“SEC.[15]17. Regulation on Campaigning Abroad. - The use of campaign 
materials, as well as the limits on campaign spending shall be governed by the laws 
and regulations applicable in the Philippines AND TO THE EXTENT ALLOWABLE 
BY THE LAWS OF HOST COUNTRIES.” 
SEC. 17. A new Section 18 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
“SEC. 18. VOTING. - VOTING MAY DE DONE EITHER PERSONALLY, BY MAIL 
OR ANY OTHER MEANS AS MAYBE ALLOWED UNDER SECTION 52(i) OF 
BATAS PAMBANSA BLG. 881 AS AMENDED. THE COAV, IN CONSULTATION 
WITH DFA-OAVS, SHALL DETERMINE THE COUNTRIES WHERE VOTING 
SHALL BE DONE BY ANY MODE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE 
MINIMUM CRITERIA ENUMERATED UNDER THIS ACT WHICH SHALL 
INCLUDE THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS, ACCESSIBILITY OF THE 
POSTS, EFFICIENCY OF THE HOST COUNTRY’S APPLIED SYSTEM AND 
SUCH OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY AFFECT THE CONDUCT OF 
VOTING. 
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SEC. 18. Section 16 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 19 and is amended 
to read as follows: 
“SEC. [I61 19. PERSONAL VOTING- Casting and Submission of Ballots. [16.1] 
19.1. Upon receipt [by the designated officer of the embassy, consulate and other 
foreign service establishments] of the ballots AND SUCH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE 
FORMS, VOTING MACHINES AND OTHER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE for 
overseas absentee voters [, voting instructions, election forms and other 
paraphernalia] BY THE DESIGNATED OFFICER OF THE POST, helshe shall make 
them available on the premises to the qualified overseas absentee voters in their 
respective jurisdictions during the thirty (30) days before AND ON the day of 
elections when overseas absentee voters may cast their vote. Immediately upon 
receiving it, the overseas absentee voter must fill-out hislher ballot personally, in 
secret, without leaving the premises of the POSTS [embassies, consulates and other 
Foreign Service establishments concerned]. 
[16.2] 19.2. The overseas absentee voter shall personally accomplish hislher ballot 
at the POST [ embassy, consulate or other foreign service establishment] that has 
jurisdiction over the country where helshe temporarily resides or at any polling place 
designated and accredited by the Commission AND APPROVED BY THE HOST 
GOVERNMENT. 
16.31 19.3. VOTING SHALL BE FOR A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS 
INCLUDING THE DAY OF ELECTIONS, ESTABLISHED HOLIDAYS IN THE 
PHILIPPINES AND SUCH OTHER HOLIDAYS AS MAY BE DECLARED IN THE 
HOST COUNTRIES. 
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The overseas absentee voter shall cast hislher ballot, upon presentation of 
the absentee voter identification card issued by the Commission OR SUCH OTHER 
DOCUMENT ACCEPTABLE TO THE SBEl AT THE POST SUFFICIENT TO 
ESTABLISH HlSlHER IDENTITY. [Within the thirty (30) days before the day of 
elections, In the case of seafarers, they shall cast their ballots anytime within sixty 
(60) days before the day of elections as prescribed in the Implementing Rules and 
Guidelines.] 
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST FROM THE POSTS AND FAVORABLE 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE DFA, THE COMMISSION MAY PRESCRIBE A 
LESSER NUMBER OF DAYS OF VOTING WHEN ALL REGISTERED OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTERS THEREAT HAVE ALREADY CAST THEIR VOTES. 
[16.4] 19.4. All accomplished ballots received shall be placed [unopened] inside 
sealed containers and kept in a secure place designated by the Commission. 
[I651 19.5. The POSTS [embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
establishments concerned] shall keep a complete record of the ballots for overseas 
absentee voters, specifically indicating the number of ballots they actually received [, 
and in cases where voting by mail is allowed under Section 17 hereof, the names 
and addresses of the voters to whom these ballots were sent, including proof of 
receipt thereof]. In addition, the POSTS [embassies, consulates and other Foreign 
Service establishments] shall submit a formal report to the Commission and the Joint 
Congressional Oversight Committee created under this Act within thirty (30) days 
from the day of elections. Such report shall contain data on the number of ballots 
cast and received by the offices, the number of invalid and unclaimed ballots and 
other pertinent data. 
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19.6. BEFORE THE START OF COUNTING, ALL UNUSED BALLOTS 
SHALL BE APPROPRIATELY DISPOSED OF BY THE CONCERNED POST 
AFTER ACCOUNTING FOR THE SAME WITH THE FORMAL REPORT 
TRANSMITTED TO THE COMMISSION OF SUCH FACT. 
[16.6 The overseas absentee voter shall be instructed that hislher ballot 
shall not be counted if it is not inside the special envelope furnished himlher when it 
is cast. 
16.7. Ballots not claimed by the overseas absentee voters at the embassies, 
consulates and other foreign service establishments, in case of personal voting, 
and ballots returned to the embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
establishments concerned, in the case of voting by mail, shall be cancelled and 
shipped to the Commission by the least costly method within six (6) months from 
the day of elections.] 
[16.8.] 19.7. Only ballots cast, ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF VOTING 
ON THE DAY OF ELECTIONS, SHALL BE COUNTED AFTER THE 
PRESCRIBED PERIOD. [and mailed ballots received by the Philippine embassies, 
consulates and other foreign service establishments concerned in accordance with 
Section 17 hereof before the close of voting on the day of elections shall be 
counted in accordance with Section 18 hereof. All envelopes containing the ballots 
received by the embassies, consulates and other Foreign Service establishments 
after the prescribed period shall not be opened, and shall be cancelled and shipped 
to the Commission by the least costly method within six (6) months from the day of 
elections.] 
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[16.9.] 19.8. A Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) 
composed of three (3) members shall be constituted by the Commission from 
among the staff of the POSTS [embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
establishments] concerned, including their attached agencies, and citizens of the 
Philippines abroad, who will be deputized to receive ballots and ALL OTHER 
ELECTION FORMS AND take custody of the same preparatory to their transmittal 
to the Special Boards of Election Inspectors. 
[16.10.] 19.9. During this phase of the election process, the authorized 
representatives of political parties, candidates, and accredited citizens’ arms of the 
Commission shall be notified in writing thereof and shall have the right to witness 
the proceedings. 
[16.1 I.] 19.10. The Commission shall CONTINUOUSLY study, EVALUATE 
AND RECOMMEND THE ADOPTION OF the use of electronic mail, internet or 
other secured networks in the casting of votes[, and submit] IT SHALL LIKEWISE 
DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN THE APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE 
TECHNOLOGIES FOR SUCH PURPOSE FOR SUBMISSION OF a report thereon 
to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. 
SEC. 19. Section 17 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 20 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
“SEC. [I71 20. Voting by Mail. - MAILING AND SUBMISSION OF BALLOTS. 
[17.1 For the May 2004 elections, the Commission shall authorize voting by 
mail in not more than three (3) countries, subject to the approval of the 
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Congressional Oversight Committee, Voting by mail may be allowed in countries 
that satisfy the following conditions: 
a. Where the mailing system is fairly well-developed and secure to prevent 
occasion for fraud; 
b. Where there exists a technically established identification system that 
would preclude multiple or proxy voting; and, 
c.Where the system of reception and custody of mailed ballots in the 
embassies, consulates and other Foreign Service establishments 
concerned are adequate and well secured. 
Thereafter, voting by mail in any country shall be allowed only upon review and 
approval of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.] 
20.1. THE COMMISSION SHALL TAKE CUSTODY OF ALL OUTGOING 
BALLOTS PREPARATORY TO THEIR MAILING TO THE VOTERS, 
THE BALLOTS SHALL BE SENT BY THE COMMISSION DIRECTLY TO 
THE REGISTERED VOTERS BY MAIL THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF THE 
PHILIPPINE POSTAL CORPORATION (PHILPOST). 
THE PHILPOST SHALL GIVE PREFERENCE TO THE MAILED BALLOTS 
OVER ALL OTHER MAIL MATTERS AND ENSURE THAT THEIR SANCTITY IS 
PRESERVED. 
20.2. THE POSTS ADOPTING VOTING BY MAIL SHALL CONSTITUTE 
ITS SBRCGs TO RECORD, VERIFY, RECEIVE AND TAKE CUSTODY OF 
ACCOMPLISHED MAILED BALLOTS. 
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[17.2.] 20.3. The overseas absentee voter shall send hislher accomplished 
ballot AT ANY TIME UPON RECEIPT THEREOF, AND ENSURE THAT THE SAME 
BALLOT IS RECEIVED BY THE POST ON OR BEFORE 3:OO P.M. ON THE DAY 
OF ELECTIONS. [To the corresponding embassy, consular or foreign service 
establishment that has jurisdiction over the country where helshe temporarily resides. 
Helshe shall be entitled to cast hislher ballot at any time upon hislher receipt thereof, 
provided that the same is received before the close of voting on the day of elections.] 
The overseas absentee voter shall be instructed that hislher ballot shall not be 
counted if not transmitted in the special envelope furnished himlher. 
117.3.1 20.4. Only mailed ballots received by the POSTS [Philippine 
embassy, consulate and other foreign service establishments] ON OR before the 
close of voting on the day of elections shall be counted in accordance with Section 
[I81 17 hereof. All envelopes containing the ACCOMPLISHED ballots received [by 
the embassies, consulates and other Foreign Service establishments] after the 
prescribed period shall not be opened, and [shall be cancelled and disposed of] 
SHALL 
BE 
FILED AND 
KEPT appropriately 
FOR 
PURPOSES OF 
DOCUMENTATION, with 
a corresponding 
INVENTORY 
report thereon. 
ACCREDITED MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES SHALL BE FURNISHED COPIES 
OF THE SAID REPORT [submitted to the Commission] not later than thirty (30) 
days from the day of elections. 
[17.4] 
20.5. A COMPLETE REPORT OF THE NAMES AND 
ADDRESSES OF THE VOTERS TO WHOM THESE BALLOTS WERE SENT 
SHALL BE MAINTAINED BY THE COMMISSION. IN ADDITION, [The 
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pertinent data. 
Commission] IT shall submit a formal report to the Joint Congressional Oversight 
Committee created under this Act within thirty (30) days from the day of 
elections. Such report shall contain data on the number of ballots cast and 
received by the offices, the number of invalid and unclaimed ballots and other 
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20.6. ALL “RETURN TO SENDER” MAILED BALLOTS RETURNED TO 
COMMISSION SHALL NOT BE OPENED, AND SHALL BE CANCELLED AND 
DISPOSED OF APPROPRIATELY, WITH A CORRESPONDING INVENTORY 
REPORT THEREON DULY FURNISHED THE MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES 
NOT LATER THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE DAY OF ELECTIONS. 
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SEC. 20. A new Section 21 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
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“SEC. 
21. 
VOTING 
BY SEAFARERS. 
SEAFARERS 
MAY 
VOTE 
IN 
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ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THIS ACT. FOR THIS PURPOSE, THE 
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COMMISSION SHALL PREPARE A SEPARATE CLOAV FOR SEAFARERS.” 
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SEC. 21. Section 18 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 22 and amended to 
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read as follows: 
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”SEC. [I81 22. - On-site Counting and Canvassing - 
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[18.1] 22.1. IN COUNTRIES WHERE PERSONAL VOTING IS ALLOWED 
BY THE COMMISSION, [The] counting and canvassing of votes shall be 
conducted on-site in the country where the votes were actually cast. The opening of 
the specially-marked envelopes containing the ballots and the counting and 
canvassing of votes shall be conducted within the premises of the embassies, 
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consulates and other Foreign Service establishments, or in such other places as 
may be designated by the Commission pursuant to the Implementing Rules and 
Regulations. The START OF COUNTING IN POLLING PLACES ABROAD 
SHALL, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, COINCIDE WITH THE START OF 
COUNTING IN THE PHILIPPINES TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE 
RESPECTIVE TIME ZONES OF THE DIFFERENT POSTS. [Commission shall 
ensure that the start of counting in all polling places abroad shall be synchronized 
with the start of counting in the Philippines] 
[18.2] 22.2. For these purposes, the Commission shall constitute as many 
Special Boards of Election Inspectors (SBEls) as may be necessary to conduct and 
supervise the counting of votes as provided in Section [18.1] 22.1 hereof. IN THE 
POSTS, THE SBEls [The Special Boards of Election Inspectors] to be constituted 
Therein shall be composed of a Chairman and two (2) members, one (1) of whom 
shall be designated as poll clerk. The ambassador, [or] consul-general, HEAD OF 
POST, or any career public officer posted abroad designated by the Commission, 
as the case may be, shall act as the chairman: in the absence of other government 
officers, the two (2) other members shall be citizens of the Philippines who are 
qualified to vote under this Act and deputized by the Commission not later than 
sixty (60) days before the day of elections. All resolutions of the [Special Boards of 
Election Inspectors] SBEls on issues brought before it during the conduct of its 
proceedings shall be valid only when they carry the approval of the chairman. 
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Immediately upon the completion of the counting, the [Special Boards of Election 
Inspectors] SBEls shall transmit via facsimile andlor electronic mail the results to 
the Commission in Manila and the accredited major political parties. 
[18.3.] 22.3. IN POSTS WHERE VOTING BY MAIL IS ADOPTED, [Olonly 
ballots cast on, or received by the embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
establishments before the close of voting on the day of elections shall be included 
in the counting of votes. Those received afterwards shall not be counted. 
[18.4.] 22.4. A Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC) composed of THE 
HIGHEST RANKING OFFICER FROM THE POST [a lawyer preferably of the 
Commission] as chairman, a senior career officer from any of the government 
agencies maintaining a post abroad and, in the absence of another government 
officer, a citizen of the Philippines qualified to vote under this Act deputized by the 
Commission, as vice-chairman and member-secretary, respectively, shall be 
constituted to canvass the election returns submitted to it by the [Special Boards of 
Election Inspectors] SBEls. Immediately upon the completion of the canvass, the 
chairman of the [Special Board of Canvassers] SBOC shall transmit via facsimile, 
electronic mail, or any other means of transmission equally safe and reliable the 
Certificates of Canvass and the Statements of Votes to the Commission, and shall 
cause to preserve the same immediately after the conclusion of the canvass, and 
make it available upon the instructions of the Commission. The [Special Board of 
Canvassers] SBOC shall also furnish the accredited major political parties and 
accredited citizens' arms with copies thereof via facsimile, electronic mail and any 
other means of transmission equally safe, secure and reliable. 
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The Certificates of Canvass and the accompanying Statements of Votes as 
transmitted via facsimile, electronic mail and any other means of transmission 
equally safe, secure and reliable shall be the primary basis for the national 
canvass. 
[I851 22.5. The canvass of votes shall not cause the delay of the 
proclamation of a winning candidate if the outcome of the election will not be 
affected by the results thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission is 
empowered to order the proclamation of winning candidates despite the fact that 
the scheduled election has not taken place in a particular country or countries, if the 
holding of elections therein has been rendered impossible by events, factors and 
circumstances peculiar to such country or countries, and which events, factors and 
circumstances are beyond the control or influence of the Commission. 
[18.6.] 22.6. In the preparation of the final tally of votes on the results of the 
national elections, the Commission shall ensure that the votes canvassed by each 
and every country shall be reflected as a separate item from the tally of national 
votes. For purposes of this Act, the returns of every election for president and vice- 
president prepared by the special board of canvassers shall be deemed a 
certificate of canvass of a city or a province. 
[18.7.] 22.7. Where feasible, the counting and canvassing of votes shall be 
automated. Towards this end, the Commission is hereby authorized to borrow, rent, 
lease or acquire automated [voting] COUNTING machines for purposes of 
canvassing and counting of votes pursuant to the provisions of this Act, and in 
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accordance with the Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated by the 
Commission” 
Sec. 22. Sec. 19 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 23 and amended to 
read as follows: 
“SEC.[19]23. Authority of the Commission to Promulgate Rules - The Commission 
shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the 
provisions of this Act within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act. [The 
Implementing Rules and Regulations shall be submitted to the Joint Congressional 
Oversight Committee created by virtue of this Act for prior approval.] 
SUBJECT TO THE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES HEREIN PROVIDED, THE 
COMMISSION IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO PRESCRIBE INNOVATIVE AND 
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES FOR OVERSEAS ABSENTEE REGISTRATION 
AND ADOPT SUCH OTHER ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS ASIDE 
FROM THE SYSTEM BEING USED BY THE COMMISSION IN THE LOCAL 
REGISTRATION, TAKING INTO STRICT CONSIDERATION THE TIME ZONES 
OF THE COUNTRIES AND THE VARIOUS PERIODS AND PROCESSES 
HEREIN PROVIDED FOR THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT AND 
THE OTHER PECULIARITIES ATTENDANT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF 
THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING. 
[In the formulation of the rules and regulations, the Commission shall coordinate 
with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, 
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare 
Administration, and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Non-government 
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organizations and accredited Filipino organizations or associations abroad shall be 
consulted.]” 
Sec. 23. Section 20 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 24 and amended to 
read as follows: 
“SEC. [20] 24. - Information Campaign - The Commission, in coordination with 
agencies concerned, shall undertake an information campaign to educate the 
public on the manner of absentee voting for qualified overseas absentee voters. It 
may require the support and assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs, 
through the POSTS [embassies, consulates and other Foreign Service 
establishments], 
Department of Labor and Employment, Department of 
Transportation and Communications, Philippine Postal Corporation, Philippine 
Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration 
and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. The Commission may deputize Filipino 
organizationslassociations overseas for the same purpose: Provided, That any 
such DEPUTIZED organizationlassociation shall be prohibited from participating in 
the elections by campaigning for or fielding candidates; Provided further, that if any 
such deputized organizationlassociation is discovered to have a member who is not 
a qualified overseas absentee voter as herein defined, such deputized 
organization/association shall be banned from participating in any manner, and at 
any stage, in the Philippine political process abroad. 
IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO 
ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH ENTITIES, PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, TO 
ENSURE EFFECTIVE INFORMATION DISSEMINATION. 
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Such information campaign shall educate the Filipino public, within and outside 
the Philippines, on the PHILIPPINE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, THEIR rights AS [of] 
overseas absentee voters, absentee voting processes, and other related concerns. 
Information materials shall be developed by the Commission for distribution, 
through the said government agencies and private organizations. No government 
agency or accredited private organizations shall prepare, print, distribute or post in 
websites any information material without the prior approval of the Commission. 
THE 
COMMISSION 
IS AUTHORIZED 
TO 
APPROPRIATE 
NOT 
EXCEEDING TEN PER CENT (10%) OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING 
BUDGET TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES THAT WILL BE INCURRED TO 
EFFECTIVELY 
CARRY 
OUT 
THE 
OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE 
VOTERS 
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. 
TRAINING OF THE MEMBERS OF FOREIGN SERVICE CORPS ON 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING PROCESSES, RULES AND PROCEDURES 
SHALL FORM PART AND PARCEL OF THEIR BRIEFING AND ORIENTATION 
PRIOR TO THEIR POSTING ABROAD TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE 
COMMISSION, IN COORDINATION WITH THE DFA-OAVS. THE COAV, 
THROUGH ITS CHAIRMAN, MAY ALSO AUTHORIZE THE CONDUCT OF 
TRAININGS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE DEPUTIZED BODIES CONCERNING 
THE PROCESSES, RULES AND PROCEDURES ON REGISTRATION AND 
ELECTION BOTH HERE AND ABROAD AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED TWENTY 
(120) DAYS BEFORE EACH SCHEDULED REGISTRATION OR NATIONAL 
ELECTION.” 
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Sec. 24. Section 21 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 25. 
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Sec. 25. Section 22 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 26 and amended to 
read as follows: 
" SEC. [20] 26 - Assistance from Government Agencies - All government 
officers, particularly from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor 
and Employment, Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine 
Postal Corporation, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas 
Workers' Welfare Administration, Commission on Filipinos Overseas and other 
government offices concerned with the welfare of the Filipinos overseas shall, to 
the extent compatible with their primary responsibilities, assist the Commission in 
carrying out the provisions of this Act. All such agencies or officers thereof shall 
take reasonable measures to expedite all election activities, which the Commission 
shall require of them. When necessary, the Commission may send supervisory 
teams headed by career officers to assist the POSTS [embassies, consulates and 
other Foreign Service establishments concerned]. 
LIKEWISE, CONSULAR AND DIPLOMATIC SERVICES RENDERED IN 
CONNECTION WITH THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING PROCESSES 
SHALL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT NO COST TO THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
VOTER." 
Sec. 26. Sections 23 and 24 of the same Act are hereby renumbered as Section 27 and 
28 respectively. 
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Sec. 27. Section 25 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 29 and amended 
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“SEC [25]29. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee - A Joint Congressional 
Oversight Committee is hereby created, composed of the Chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws, and 
seven (7) other Senators designated by the Senate President, and the Chairman of 
the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and seven (7) ofher 
Members of the House of Representatives designated by the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives: Provided, That, of the seven (7) members to be designated by 
each House of Congress, four (4) should come from the majority and the remaining 
three (3) from the minority. 
[The Joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall have the power to 
monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act. It shall review, revise, amend 
and approve the Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated by the 
Commission]” 
Sec. 28. Sections 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 of the same Act are hereby renumbered 
as Sections 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 respectively. 
Sec. 29. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act shall be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall 
continue to be in full force and effect. 
Sec. 30. Repealing Clause - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, other issuances, and parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
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Sec. 31. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in 
three newspapers of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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