FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session 
SENATE 
COMMITTEE REPORT NO. _j_~7_8_) 
, 
,s,irm:TARV 
Submitted jointly by the Committees on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of 
Codes and Laws; Foreign Relations; and Finance on JAN 1 1 2010 
Re: 
Senate Bill No. 
3 565 I prepared by the Committees. 
Recommending its approval in substitution of S. Nos. 2333, 3068, and taking into 
consideration H. No. 3793. 
Sponsor: Senator Escudero. 
MR. PRESIDENT: 
The Committees on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws; 
Foreign Relations; and Finance, to which were referred Senate Bill No. 2333, 
introduced by Senators Villar and Pimentel, Jr., entitled: 
"AN ACT 
TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT OF 2003" 
Senate Bill No. 3068, introduced by Senator Gordon, entitled: 
"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 THEREFORE, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES" 


and taking into consideration House Bill No. 3793, introduced by 
Representatives Locsin, Cuenco, Garcia (P.), Hontiveros-Baraquiel, et. al., 
entitled: 
"AN ACT 
TO AMEND REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189, OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT 
OF 2003" 
have considered the same and have the honor to report them back to the S~nate 
with the recommendation that the attached bill, Senate Bill No. 
3565, 
prepared by the Committees, entitled: 
"AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189 OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT 
OF 2003" 
be approved in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 2333, 3068 and taking into 
consideration H. No. 3793, with Senators Vil~'Pimentel, Jr., Gordon, Escudero, 
04tJ~~ 
A»gaxa, £Defensor Santiago~ as autllors th reof. 
Respectfully submitted 
Chairmen: 
E~D~AN~  
Chairman 
Committee on Constitutional Amendments 
Chairman 
Committee on Finance 
Revision ofCodes and Laws 
~X\L 
~, 
MIRIAM~'FEN~TIAGO 
Chairperson 
Committee on Foreign Relations 


Vice Chairmen: 
/~s-+#4~~) 
JOKER P. ARROYO 
Committee on Finance 
Member, Committee on Constitutional Amendments, 
Revision ofCodes and Laws 
LOREN B. LEGARDA 
Committee on Finance 
Member, Committees on Constitutional 
Amendments, Revision ofCodes and Laws; 
And Foreign Relations 
Co mittee on Finance 
M 
ber, Committee on Foreign Relations 
BENIGNO S. AQUINO III 
Committee on Finance 
Member, Committee on Constitutional 
Amendments, Revision ofCodes and Laws 
MEMBERS 
----­
DJ.GORDON 
Member, Committees on Constitutional 
Amendments, Revision ofCodes and Laws; 
Finance; and Foreign Relations 
. PANGILINAN 
flL~~~rvfLittees on Constitutional Amendments, 
s and Laws; and Finance 
~N-
Member, Committees on Constitutional 
Amendments, Revision of Codes and Laws; 
Finance; and Foreign Relations 
MA 
Member, Committ e on Finance 


4!A~:2::lAnrendnwnts 
Member, Committee on Constitutional 
Amendments, Revision ofCodes & Laws 
Member, Committee on Finance 
Revision ofCodes and Laws 
Member, Committee on Finance 
Member, Committee on Foreign Relations 
lONG" REVILLA, JR. 
ommittee on Finance 
Member, Committee on Foreign Relations 
4//~ 
f'~~/~. 
ALAN PETER "COMP ANERO" S. CAYETANO 
Member, Committee on Finance 
Member, Committee on Foreign Relations 
Jt---..~I. 
10 "S0NNYu F. TRILLANES IV 
Member, Committee on Finance 
Ex Officio Members: 
HO . AQ LINO PIMENTEL,JR. 
Minority Leader 
Vic Chairman, Committee on Foreign Relations 
HON. JUAN PONCE ENRILE 
President 
Senate ofthe Philippines 
Pasay CihJ 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE } 
REPUBLIC OF THE P~ILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session 
SENATE 
Prepared by the Committees on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and L~s, ]i'oreign 
Relations and Finance, with Senators Villar, Pimentel, Jr., Gordon, Escudero, Defensor Santiago 
and Angara, as authors 
"AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS 
"THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT OF 2003" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
1 
Sectionl. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 9189, otherwise known as "The 
2 
Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003" is hereby amended to read as follows: 
3 
"Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act: 
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reI A. "Certified List of Overseas Absentee Voters« refers to the list of registered 
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overseas absentee voters whose applications to vote in absentia have 
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been approved by the Commission, said list to be prepared by the 
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Committee on OVERSEAS Absentee Voting of the Commission, on a 
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country-by-country AND POST BY POST basis. The list shall be 
approved by the Commission in an en bane resolution; 
b. 
uCommission" refers to the Commission on Elections; 
C. "COMMITTEE ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING (COAV)" 
REFERS TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION 
TASKED TO OVERSEE AND SUPERVISE THE EFFECTIVE 


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't 
.: 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING 
LAW; 
d  . "Day of Election" 
refers to the actual date of elections in the 
Philippines; 
E.  "DFA OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING SECRETARIAT (DFA­
OAVS)" REFERS TO THE SECRETARIAT BASED AT THE 
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA) HOME 
OFFICE 
TASKED 
TO 
]JIRECT, 
COORDINATE 
AND 
OVERSEE THE DEPARTMENT'S PARTICIPATION IN THE 
IMPLEMENTATION 
OF 
THE 
OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE 
VOTING LAW (OAVL); 
F.  "FIELD REGISTRATION" REFERS TO THE CONDUCT OF 
REGISTRATION OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS AT 
PRE-DETERMINED 
LOCATIONS, 
EITHER 
IN 
THE 
PHILIPPINES, AS 
MAY BE 
DETERMINED BY THE 
COMMISSION, OR OUTSIDE THE POSTS, UPON THE 
FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DFA-OAVS, 
BOTH BEING OF LIMITED DURATION AND BASED ON 
THE GUIDELINES PRESCRIBED BY THE COMMISSION 
FOR THAT EXCLUSIVE PURPOSE; 
G.  "MOBILE REGISTRATION" REFERS TO THE CONDUCT 
OF REGISTRATION OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS 
AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS OUTSIDE THE POSTS, OTHER 
THAN AT FIELD REGISTRATIONS, 
UNDERTAKEN AS 
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" 
.. 
PART 
OF 
THE 
POSTS' 
MOBILE 
CONSULAR 
AND 
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES TO FILIPINOS WITHIN THEIR 
JURISDICTIONS; 
H. "MUNICIPALITY/CITYIDISTRICT 
REGISTRY 
OF 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS (ROAVY' REFERS TO THE 
CONSOLIDATED 
LIST 
PREPARED, 
APPROVED 
AND 
MAINTAINED 
BY 
THE 
COMMISSION 
FOR 
EVERY 
MUNICIPALITY/CITYIDISTRICT, 
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 AND/OR RESIDENT 
ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD; 
[e}l. "National Registry ofAbsentee 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 UNDER 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9189 who have applied to be certified as 
absentee voters, have been approved by the RESIDENT Election 
Registration Board, INDICATING THE POST WHERE THE 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER IS 'REGISTERED; 
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[f] J. "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; 
[a]  K."OVERSEAS Absentee Voting" refers to the process by which 
qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad e~ercise their right to 
vote; 
L. "POSTS" REFERS TO THE PHILIPPINE EMBASSIES, 
CONSULATES, FOREIGN SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS AND 
OTHER 
PHILIPPINE 
GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES 
MAINTAINING 
OFFICES 
ABROAD 
AND 
HAVING 
JURISDICTION 
OVER 
THE 
PLACES 
WHERE 
THE 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS RESIDE; 
M. "RESIDENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD (RERBY' 
REFERS TO THE IN-HOUSE ELECTION REGISTRATION 
BOARD OF THE COAV COMPOSED OF THREE (3) RANKING 
OFFICIALS 
FROM 
THE 
COMMISSION, 
WITH 
A 
REPRESENTATIVE EACH FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS 
(DFA) AND THE DEPARTMENT OF 
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE), THE MAIN FUNCTIONS 
OF WHICH ARE TO PROCESS, APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE 
ALL 
APPLICATIONS 
FOR 
REGISTRATION 
AND/OR 
CERTIFICATION 
AS 
OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE 
VOTERS, 
INCLUDING 
DEACTIVATION, 
REACTIVATION 
AND 
CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION RECORDS; 
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N. 
~~SEAFARERS" REFER TO SHIP OFFICERS AND RATINGS 
MANNING SHIPS, INCLUDING OFFSHORE WORKERS, 
SERVICE PROVIDERS AND FISHERMEN, AS DEFINED IN 
THE REVISED RULES ON THE ISSUANCE OF 'SEAFARER'S 
IDENTIFICATION AND RECORD BOOK' OF THE MARITIME 
INDUSTRY AUTHORITY; 
O.  ~~SPECIAL BALLOT RECEPTION AND CUSTODY GROUP 
(SBRCG)" REFERS TO THE GROUP CONSTITUTED BY THE 
COMMISSION TO RECEIV~ AND TAKE CUSTODY OF ALL 
ACCOUNTABLE AND OTHER ELECTION FORMS, SUPPLIES 
AND 
PARAPHERNALIA 
FROM 
THE 
COAV 
FOR 
TRANSMITTAL TO THE 'SPECIAL BOARDS OF ELECTION 
INSPECTORS' AND 'SPECIAL BOARDS OF CANVASSERS'; 
P.  "SPECIAL BOARD OF CANVASSERS (SBOC)" REFERS TO 
THE BODY DEPUTIZED BY THE COMMISSION TO CANVASS 
THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING ELECTION RETURNS 
SUBMITTED TO IT BY THE SPECIAL BOARD OF ELECTION 
INSPECTORS; 
Q.  "SPECIAL BOARD OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (SBEI)" 
REFERS TO THE BODY DEPUTIZED BY THE COMMISSION 
TO CONDUCT THE VOTING AND COUNTING OF VOTES; 
R.  "SYSTEM OF CONTINUING REGISTRATION" REFERS TO 
THE ACT OF ACCOMPLISHING AND FILING OF A SWORN 
APPLICATION 
FOR 
REGISTRATION 
AND/OR 
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CERTIFICATION BY A QUALIFIED OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
VOTER BEFORE THE PERSONNEL DEPUTIZED BY THE 
COMMISSION WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR BEFORE THE START 
OF THE VOTING PERIOD AND OF INCLUDING THE SAME 
IN THE NROAV UPON APPROVAL BY THE RERB; 
S.  "VOTING PERIOD" REFERS TO A CONTINUOUS THIRTY 
(30)-DAY PERIOD, THE LAST DAY OF WHICH IS THE DAY 
OF ELECTION, INCLUSIVE OF ESTABLISHED HOLIDAYS IN 
THE PHILIPPINES AND OF SUCH OTHER HOLIDAYS IN 
THE HOST COUNTRIES. 
Sec. 2. Section 4 of the same Act is hereby amended as follows: 
"Sec. 4. Coverage. - All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are 
not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on 
the day of elections, may vote for P[p]resident, V[v]ice-P[p] resident, 
senators and party-list representatives, AS WELL AS IN ALL 
NATIONAL REFERENDA AND PLEBISCITES." 
Sec. 3. Section 5 of the same Act is hereby amended as follows: 
"Sec. 5. Disqualifications. - The following shall be disqualified 
from voting under this Act: 
"a) 
Those who have lost their Filipino citizenship in accordance with 
Philippine laws; 
"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 
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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, [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 THE expiration 
of five (5) years after service of sentence, AND; [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;] 
["d) An immigrant or a permanent resident who is recognized as 
such in the host country, unless he/she executes, upon registration, 
an affidavit prepared for the purpose by the Commission declaring 
that he/she shall resume actual physical permanent residence in the 
Philippines not later than three (3) years from approval of his/her 
registration under this Act. Such affidavit shall also state that 
he/she has not applied for citizenship in another country. Failure to 
return shall be the cause for the removal of the name of the 
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immigrant or permanent resident from the National Registry of 
Absentee Voters and his/her permanent disqualification to vote in 
absentia] . 
[e] 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." 
Sec.4. Section 6 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Sec. 6. Personal Overseas Absentee Registration AND/OR 
CERTIFICATION. - Registration AND/OR CERTIFICATION as an 
overseas absentee voter shall be done in person AT ANY POST ABROAD 
OR AT DESIGNATED REGISTRATION CENTERS OUTSIDE THE 
POST 
OR 
IN 
THE 
PHILIPPINES 
APPROVED 
BY 
THE 
COMMISSION. 
"[Qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad who failed to register 
under Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise known as the liThe 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 
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guidelines herein provided, the Commission is hereby authorized to 
prescribe additional procedures for overseas absentee registration 
pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 8189, 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 hundr~d 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 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 
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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 aPRlication 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 
his/her 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, clearly stating therein facts and 
defenses sworn before any officer in the host country authorized to 
administer oaths. 
"[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 ofAbsentee Voters. 
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"[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 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 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.]" 
"FIELD AND MOBILE REGISTRATION CENTERS SHALL 
BE SET UP BY THE POSTS CONCERNED TO ENSURE 
ACCESSIBILITY BY THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS. 
"ALL APPLICANTS SHALL SUBMIT THEMSELV;ES FOR 
LIVE CAPTURE OF THEIR BIOMETRICS. 
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"REMOTE REGISTRATION THROUGH THE INTERNET 
2 
MAY ALSO BE ALLOWED BASED ON THE GUIDELINES AND 
3 
PROCEDURES 
DETERMINED 
BY 
THE 
COMMISSION, 
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PROVIDED THAT THE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY WILL 
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ENSURE ADEQUATE SECURITY AND VOTER AUTHENTICITY." 
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Sec. 5. A new Section 7 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
7 
"SEC. 7. RESIDENT ELECTION REGISTRATION BOARD 
8 
(RERB); 
COMPOSITION, 
POWERS AND 
EFFECT. 
-
THE 
9 
COMMISSION SHALL APPOINT AS MANY RESIDENT ELECTION 
TO 
REGISTRATION 
BOARDS 
(RERBs) 
AS 
THERE 
ARE 
11 
APPLICATIONS TO PROCESS AND FOR SUCH DURATION AS 
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MAY BE NECESSARY. 
13 
"THE RERB SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THREE RANKING 
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OFFICIALS FROM THE COMMISSION, THE HIGHEST RANKING 
15 
OF WHOM 
SHALL SERVE AS 
CHAIRPERSON, WITH A 
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REPRESENTATIVE EACH 
FROM THE 
DEPARTMENT OF 
17 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA) AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR 
18 
AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) AS MEMBERS." 
19 
"7.1. 
THE 
RERB 
SHALL 
PROCESS, 
APPROVE 
OR 
20 
DISAPPROVE 
ALL 
APPLICATIONS 
FOR 
REGISTRATION 
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AND/OR CERTIFICATION AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS, 
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INCLUDING 
DEACTIVATION, 
REACTIVATION 
AND 
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CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION RECORDS. 
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"7.2 THE RERB SHALL HAVE THE SOLE POWER AND  
AUTHORITY 
TO 
APPROVE 
OR 
DISAPPROVE 
THE 
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION." 
Sec. 6. A new Section 8 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 8. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF TIlE RERB. ­
"8.1. UPON RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR 
REGISTRATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION FROM THE POSTS 
AND FROM THE DULY DESIGNATED REGISTRATION CENTERS 
IN THE PHILIPPINES, THE RERB SHALL SCHEDULE THE 
HEARING 
OF THE APPLICATIONS 
FOR 
REGISTRATION 
AND/OR CERTIFICATION. 
"THE RERB SHALL NOTIFY ALL POLITICAL PARTIES 
AND 
OTHER PARTIES 
CONCERNED OF THE 
PENDING 
APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION 
THROUGH A ·WEEKLY UPDATED PUBLICATION IN THE 
WEBSITES OF THE COMMISSION, THE DFA-OA VS, THE DOLE 
AND 
OF 
ACCREDITED 
FILIPINO 
CIVIL 
SOCIETY 
ORGANIZATIONS AND TO POST THE NAMES IN CONSPICUOUS 
PLACES NEAR THE PLACE WHERE RERB WILL HOLD ITS 
HEARINGS. 
"8.2. ANY PARTY MAY FILE AN OBJECTION TO THE 
APPLICATION 
WITHIN 
SEVEN 
(7) 
DAYS 
AFTER 
THE 
PUBLICATION OR 
POSTING OF THE 
NAMES 
OF THE 
APPLICANTS. 
IN 
CASE 
OF 
DISAPPROVAL 
OF 
THE 
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APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION, 
THE RERB SHALL NOTIFY THE APPLICANT, OR HERIHIS 
AUTHORIZED 
REPRESENTATIVE 
IN 
THE 
PHILIPPINES, 
WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF DISAPPROVAL, 
STATING THE REASONS THEREFOR. 
"8.3. THE RERB SHALL INCLUDE THE NAMES OF THE 
APPLICANTS WITH APPROVED 
APPLICATIONS 
IN THE 
NATIONAL REGISTRY OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS 
(NROAV) AND IN THE CERTIFIED LIST OF OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTERS (CLOAV) IN THE POSTS WHERE THEY 
INTEND TO VOTE, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE 
COMMISSION EN BANC. THE NAMES OF APPLICANTS WITH 
APPROVED APPLICATIONS SHALL BE PUBLISHED IN THE 
WEBSITES OF THE COMMISSION, THE DFA, THE DOLE AND 
THE ACCREDITED FILIPINO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS. 
"8.4. APPROVAL OF THE RERB ON APPLICATIONS FOR 
REGISTRATION OR CERTIFICATION SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY 
EXECUTORY, UNLESS REVERSED OR SET ASIDE BY FINAL 
AND EXECUTORY JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT 
JURISDICTION. 
"8.5. THE RERB SHALL PERFORM SUCH OTHER DUTIES 
AS MAY BE CONSISTENT WITH ITS FUNCTIONS, AS PROVIDED 
IN THIS ACT." 
Sec. 7. A new Section 9 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
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"SEC.9. PETITON FOR INCLUSION/ EXCLUSION ­
u9.1. PETITION FOR EXCLUSION. - IF THE APPLICATION 
HAS BEEN APPROVED, ANY INTERESTED PARTY MAY FILE A 
PETITION FOR EXCLUSION NOr LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED 
EIGHTY (180) DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF ELECTIONS WITH 
THE PROPER MUNICIPAL / METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT, 
EITHER WHERE THE RERB SITS, OR WHERE THE OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTER RESIDES, AT THE OPTION OF THE 
PETITIONER. 
"THE PETITION SHALL BE DECIDED ON THE BASIS OF 
THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS 
FROM ITS FILING, BUT NOT LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED 
TWENTY (120) DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE VOTING 
PERIOD. SHOULD THE COURT FAIL TO RENDER A DECISION 
WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD, THE RULING OF THE 
RERB SHALL BE CONSIDERED AFFIRMED." 
"9.2. PETITION FOR INCLUSION. - IF THE APPLICATION 
HAS BEEN DISAPPROVED, THE APPLICANT OR HER/HIS 
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO 
FILE A MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION BEFORE THE RERB 
WITHIN A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF THE 
NOTICE OF DISAPPROVAL. THE MOTION SHALL BE DECIDED 
WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS AFTER ITS FILING ON THE BASIS OF 
DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED. THE RESOLUTION OF THE RERB 
15 


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SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY EXECUTORY, UNLESS REVERSED 
OR SET ASIDE BY THE COURT. 
''WITHIN TEN (10) DAYS FROM RECEIPT OF NOTICE 
DENYING 
THE 
MOTION 
FOR 
RECONSIDERATION, 
THE 
APPLICANT MAY FILE A PETITION FOR INCLUSION WITH THE 
PROPER MUNICIPAL / METROPOLITAN TRIAL COURT, EITHER 
WHERE THE RERB SITS, OR WHERE 
THE OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTER RESIDES, AT THE OPTION OF THE 
PETITIONER. 
"THE PETITION SHALL BE DECIDED ON THE BASIS OF 
THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WITHIN FIFTEEN (15) DAYS 
FROM FILING, BUT NOT LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY 
(120) DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE VOTING PERIOD. 
SHOULD THE COURT FAIL TO RENDER A DECISION WITHIN 
THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD, THE RERB RULING SHALL BE 
CONSIDERED AFFIRMED. 
"QUALIFIED PHILIPPINE CITIZENS 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 NROAV. 
IN 
CASE 
OF 
APPROVAL, 
THE 
ELECTION 
OFFICER 
CONCERNED SHALL ANNOTATE THE NAME OF THE VOTER IN 
THE CERTIFIED VOTERS LIST AND IN HER/HIS VOTER'S 
REGISTRATION RECORDS." 
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Sec. 8. A new Section 10 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 10. TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION RECORD. - IN 
THE EVENT OF CHANGE OF VOTING VENUE, AN OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE 
VOTER 
MUST 
FILE AN APPLICATION FOR 
TRANSFER OF HER/HIS REGISTRATION RECORD TO THE 
COAV, THROUGH ITS CHAIRMAN, 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 
WITHIN 
THE 
TIME 
FRAME 
PROVIDED 
FOR 
LOCAL 
REGISTRATION IN THE MUNICIPALITY, CITY OR DISTRICT 
WHERE THEY INTEND TO VOTE AND; PROVIDED, FURTHER, 
THAT THOSE WHO HAVE REGISTERED IN THE MUNICIPALITY, 
CITY OR DISTRICT WHERE THEY RESIDED PRIOR TO THEIR 
DEPARTURE 
ABROAD 
NEED 
NOT 
REGISTER 
ANEW; 
PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT THE APPLICANTS SHALL NOTIFY 
THE COAV, THROUGH ITS CHAIRMAN, OF THEIR TRANSFER 
IN THE PHILIPPINES AT LEAST ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY (180) 
DAYS PRIOR TO THE NEXT NATIONAL ELECTIONS FOR 
PURPOSES OF CANCELLING THEIR NAMES IN THE CLOAV 
AND OF REMOVING THEIR OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER'S 
REGISTRATION RECORDS FROM THE BOOK OF VOTERS". 
Sec. 9. Section 7 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 11 and is 
amended to read as follows. 
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"SEC. [7111. -
System of Continuing Registration. -
The 
Commission shall ensure that the benefits of the system of continuing 
registration are extended to qualified overseas absentee voters. 
REGISTRATION SHALL BE CONDUCTED AT LEAST ONE (1) 
YEAR BEFORE THE START OF THE VOTING PERIOD. Towards 
this end, the Commission IS [shall]AUTHORIZED TO UTILIZE AND 
optimize the use of existing facilities, personnel and mechanisms of the 
various government agencies for purposes of data gathering AND [data] 
validation, information dissemination and facilitation of the registration 
process. 
"THE INFORMATION AND DATA ACQUIRED THROUGH 
THIS PROCESS SHALL BE TREATED AS CONFIDENTIAL AND 
SHALL BE USED SOLELY FOR AND IN CONNECTION WITH THE 
LAWFUL AND OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION, 
AND FOR THE PURPOSES INTENDED BY THIS ACT. 
"Pre-departure ORIENTATION programs (PDOS), serVIces and 
mechanisms offered and administered by the Department of Foreign 
Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas 
Employment Administration, Overseas Workers' Vvelfare Administration, 
Commission on Filipinos Overseas and BY other appropriate agencies of 
the government AND PRIVATE AGENCIES PROVIDING THE SAME 
SERVICES SHALL INCLUDE THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THIS 
ACT AND 
shall be utilized for purposes of supporting the overseas 
18 


1 
absentee registration and voting processes, subject to SYSTEMS 
2 
limitations AND THOSE imposed by law. 
3 
"ALL EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS 
PROCESSED AND 
4 
APPROVED BY THE PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT 
5 
ADMINISTRATION SHALL CONTAIN THE RIGHT OF THE 
6 
MIGRANT WORKERS TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL 
7 
RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE WITHIN THE LIMITS PROVIDED FOR BY 
8 
THIS ACT." 
9 
Sec. 10. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Sec. 12 and is 
10 
amended to read as follows: 
11 
"Sec. [8J 12. Requirements for Registration. ~ Every Filipino 
12 
registrant shall be required to furnish the following documents: 
13 
"a) 
A valid Philippine passport. In the absence of a valid passport, a 
14 
certification of the Department of Foreign Affairs that it has 
15 
reviewed the appropriate documents submitted by the applicant 
16 
and HAS found them sufficient to warrant the issuance of a 
17 
passport, or that the applicant is a holder of a valid passport but is 
18 
unable to produce the same for a valid reason; 
19 
"b) 
Accomplished registration form prescribed by the Commission, 
20 
AND; [containing the following mandatory information: 
21 
[Hi. Last known residence of the applicant in the Philippines before 
22 
leaving for abroad; 
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["ii. Address of applicant abroad, or forwarding address in the case 
of seafarers; 
["iii. Where 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 his/her 
registration as an overseas absentee voter under this Act. Such 
affidavit shall also state that he/she has not applied for citizenship 
in another country]; 
"C). APPLICANTS WHO AVAILED THEMSELVES OF THE 
CITIZENSHIP RETENTION AND REACQUISITION ACT 
(R.A. NO. 9225) SHALL PRESENT THE ORIGINAL OR 
CERTIFIED TRUE COpy OF THE ORDER OF APPROVAL 
APPROVING THEIR APPLICATION TO 
RETAIN 
OR 
REACQUIRE THEIR FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP ISSUED BY 
THE POST OR THEIR IDENTIFICATION CERTIFICATE 
ISSUED BY THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION." 
20  


"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 
AND/OR 
5 
CERTIFICATION AS AN OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER SHALL 
6 
BE CONSIDERED AS APPLICATIONS TO VOTE IN ABSENTIA. 
7 
AN OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER IS PRESUMED TO BE 
8 
ABROAD UNTIL SHE/HE APPLIES FOR TRANSFER OF HERIHIS 
9 
REGISTRATION RECORDS OR REQUESTS THAT HER/HIS 
10 
NAME BE CANCELLED FROM THE NROAV." 
11 
Sec. 11. Section 9 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 13 and is 
12 
amended to read as follows: 
13 
"Sec. [9J13. National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters 
14 
(NROAV). - The Commission shalrmaintain a National Registry of 
15 
Overseas Absentee Voters (NROAV) CONTAINING THE NAMES 
16 
OF REGISTERED OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS AND THE 
17 
POSTS WHERE THEY ARE REGISTERED. [Approved applications 
18 
of overseas absentee registrants shall also be included in the permanent 
19 
list of voters of the city or municipality where the registrant is 
20 
domiciled, with the corresponding annotation that such person has been 
21 
registered or will be voting as an overseas absentee voter. The registry 
22 
shall also include those registered under Republic Act No. 8189 and 
23 
who have been issued certifications as overseas absentee voters. The 
24 
entries in the National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters and the 
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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/she wishes to be removed from the 
Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters, or that his/her name 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 his/her failure to exercise hislher right to vote under this Act for 
two (2) consecutive national elections.] 
"LIKEWISE, THE COMMISSION SHALL MAINTAIN A 
REGISTRY OF OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS (ROAV) PER 
MUNICIPALITY, CITY OR DISTRICT CONTAINING THE NAMES 
OF REGISTERED OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS DOMICILED 
THEREIN. TOWARDS THIS END, THE COAV SHALL PROVIDE 
EACH AND EVERY MUNICIPALITY, CITY OR DISTRICT WITH A 
ROAV FOR THEIR REFERENCE." 
Sec. 12. A new Section 14 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC.14. DEACTIVATION OF REGISTRATION. - "THE RERB 
SHALL DEACTIVATE AND REMOVE 
THE REGISTRATION 
RECORDS 
OF 
THE 
FOLLOWING 
PERSONS 
FROM 
THE 
CORRESPONDING BOOK OF VOTERS AND PLACE THE SAME, 
PROPERLY MARKED AND DATED, IN THE INACTIVE FILE 
22 


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AFTER ENTERING THE CAUSE(S) OF DEACTIVATION. THE 
FACT OF DEACTIVATION SHALL BE ANNOTATED IN THE 
NROAV AND THE CORRESPONDING ROAV: 
"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 
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; 
"C). ANY PERSON WHO DID NOT VOTE IN TWO (2) 
CONSECUTIVE NATIONAL ELECTIONS AS SHOWN BY THEIR 
VOTING RECORDS, AND; 
"D). ANY PERSON WHOSE REGISTRATION HAS BEEN 
ORDERED EXCLUDED BY THE COURTS." 
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Sec. 13. Section 10 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 15. 
Sec 14. 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 his/her overseas 
absentee voter certificate of registration. 
"[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 he/she has indicated his/her 
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. 
U[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 
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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 (10) 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. 15. A new Section 16 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 16. REACTIVATION OF REGISTRATION. - ANY 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER WHOSE REGISTRATION HAS 
BEEN 
DEACTIVATED 
PURSUANT 
TO 
THE 
PRECEDING 
SECTION MAY FILE WITH THE COAV AT ANYTIME, BUT NOT 
LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS BEFORE 
THE NEXT NATIONAL ELECTIONS, A SWORN APPLICATION 
FOR REACTIVATION OF HER/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. 16. A new Section 17 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
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"SEC.17. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION. - THE RERB 
SHALL CANCEL THE REGISTRATION RECORDS OF THOSE 
WHO HAVE DIED, AS CERTIFIED BY EITHER THE POSTS OR BY 
THE LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR, AND THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN 
PROVEN TO HAVE LOST THEIR FILIPINO CITIZENSHIP." 
Sec. 17. A new Section 18 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 
18. 
VOTERS EXCLUDED 
FROM THE NROAV 
THROUGH INADVERTENCE. - ANY REGISTERED OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTER WHOSE NAME HAS BEEN INADVERTENTLY 
OMITTED 
FROM 
THE 
NROAV 
MAY, 
PERSONALLY 
OR 
THROUGH HIS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE, FILE WITH 
THE COAV OR WITH THE POST HAVING JURISDICTION OVER 
HER/HIS RESIDENCE, AN APPLICATION UNDER OATH FOR 
REINSTATEMENT NOT LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED 1WENTY 
(120) DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE VOTING PERIOD. 
Sec. 18. A new Section 19 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 19. APPLICATION FOR CORRECTION OF ENTRIES 
AND CHANGE OF NAME. -
ANY REGISTERED ABSENTEE 
VOTER MAY FILE WITH THE COAV, OR WITH THE POST 
HAVING JURISDICTION OVER HER/HIS RESIDENCE, NOT 
LATER THAN ONE HUNDRED 1WENTY (120) DAYS BEFORE 
THE START OF THE VOTING PERIOD, AN APPLICATION 
UNDER OATH FOR THE CORRECTION OF MISSPELLED NAME 
OR OTHER ENTRIES; CHANGE OF NAME BY REASON OF 
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MARRIAGE, DEATH OF HUSBAND, OR BY VIRTUE OF A COURT 
ORDER; AND/OR CHANGE OR CORRECTION OF ANY ENTRY IN 
THE NROAV, CLOAV AND THE VOTER'S IDS." 
Sec. 19. Section 13 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 20 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
"Sec. [13] 20 . Preparation and Posting of Certified List of 
Overseas Absentee Voters. - The Commission shall prepare the CLOAV 
[Certified List of Overseas] within one hundred twenty (120) days before 
every NATIONAL 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 AND/OR WEBSITES within 
ten (10) 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' arms AND all other interested persons [and 
all embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments] shall 
be furnished copies thereof; PROVIDED, THAT NGO AND OTHER 
CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS ACCREDITED 
BY AND 
WORKING WITH 
THE 
COMMISSION AS 
PARTNERS 
ON 
OVERSEAS VOTERS' EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION SHALL 
BE EXEMPT FROM THE PAYMENT OF FEES." 
Sec. 20. Section 14 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 21 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
27 


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"Sec. [14J 21. Printing and Transmittal of Ballots, Voting 
Instructions, Election Forms and Paraphernalia. ­
"[14.1] 21.1. 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] THEY exceed the total number of approved 
applications. Security markings shall be used in the printing of ballots for 
overseas absentee voters. 
"[14.2]21.2. The Commission shall present to the a\lthorized 
representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs and OF 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]21.3. The Commission shall TRANSMIT, AS FAR AS 
PRACTICABLE BUT not later than FORTY [seventy]-five [75] (45) 
days BEFORE the day of elections, [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 integrity of the election." 
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"[14.4]21.4. The authorized representatives of accredited maJor 
political parties shall have the right to be present in all phases of printing, 
transmittal and casting of ballots abroad. [Unclaimed ballots properly 
marked as such, shall be cancelled and shipped to the Commission by the 
least costly-method.]" 
"Sec. 21. Section 15 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 22 
and is amended to read as follows: 
USec. 
[15] 
22. Regulation on Campaigning Abroad. ­
PERSONAL CAMPAIGNING, [T]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 
ALLOWED BY THE LAWS OF HOST COUNTRIES; PROVIDED, 
THAT, ALL FORMS OF CAMPAIGNING ABROAD WITHIN THE 30­
DAY OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING PERIOD SHALL BE 
PROHIBITED." 
Sec. 22. A new Section 23 of the same Act 
hereby inserted to read as 
follows: 
"SEC. 23. VOTING. - VOTING MAY BE DONE EITHER 
PERSONALLY, BY MAIL, OR BY ANY OTHER MEANS AS MAY BE 
ALLOWED 
UNDER 
OTHER 
EXISTING 
LAWS. 
FOR 
THIS 
PURPOSE, THE COMMISSION SHALL ISSUE THE NECESSARY 
GUIDELINES ON THE MANNER AND 
PROCEDURES OF 
VOTING. 
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"THE COAV, IN CONSULTATION WITH DFA-OAVS, SHALL 
DETERMINE THE COUNTRIES WHERE VOTING SHALL BE 
DONE 
BY 
ANY 
SPECIFIC 
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. 
"THE COMMISSION SHALL ANNOUNCE THE SPECIFIC 
MODE OF VOTING PER COUNTRY/POST AT LEAST ONE­
HUNDRED TWENTY (120) DAYS BEFORE THE START OF THE 
VOTING PERIOD. 
"THE 
COMMISSION 
SHALL 
ISSUE 
AN 
OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTER IDENTIFICATION CARD TO THOSE WHOSE 
APPLICATIONS TO VOTE HAVE BEEN APPROVED." 
SEC. 23. Section 16 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 24 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
"Sec. 
[16} 24. PERSONAL VOTING. - Casting and Submission of 
Ballots. 
"[16.1] 24.1 Upon receipt [by the designated officer of the embassy, 
consulate and other foreign service establishments] of the ballots AND 
OTHER ACCOUNTABLE FORMS, VOTING MACHINES AND 
OTHER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE for overseas absentee voters 
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[,voting instructions, election forms and other paraphernalia] THE 
SBRCG [he/she] shall make them available on the premises to the 
qualified overseas absentee voters in their respective jurisdictions [during 
the thirty (30) days before the day of elections when overseas absentee 
voters may cast their vote. Immediately upon receiving it, the overseas 
absentee voter must fill-out his/her ballot personally, in secret, without 
leaving the premises of the embassies, consulates, and other Foreign 
Service establishments concerned.] DURING THE THIRTY-DAY (30) 
VOTING PERIOD. 
"THE 
COMMISSION SHALL CONSTITUTE AS 
MANY 
SPECIAL BALLOT RECEPTION GROUPS (SBRCGs) AS MAY BE 
NECESSARY TO RECEIVE AND TAKE CUSTODY OF ALL 
ACCOUNTABLE AND OTHER ELECTION FORMS, SUPPLIES 
AND PARAPHERNALIA FROM THE COAV FOR TRANSMITTAL 
TO THE SPECIAL BOARDS OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (SBEIS) 
AND TO THE SPECIAL BOARD OF CANVASSERS. EACH SBRCG 
SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THREE (3) MEMBERS FROM AMONG 
THE STAFF OF THE POSTS CONCERNED, INCLUDING THEIR 
ATTACHED AGENCIES, AND FILIPINO CITIZENS ABROAD. 
"THE COMMISSION SHALL, LIKEWISE, CONSTITUTE AS 
MANY SPECIAL BOARDS OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (SBEIs) 
AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO CONDUCT AND SUPERVISE THE 
VOTING AND COUNTING OF VOTES. 
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"EACH SBEI SHALL BE COMPOSED OF A CHAIRMAN, 
DESIGNATED AS SUCH BY THE COMMISSION FROM AMONG 
CAREER PUBLIC OFFICERS POSTED ABROAD, AND 1WO (2) 
GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AS MEMBERS, ONE OF WHOM 
SHALL BE DESIGNATED AS POLL CLERK. IN THE ABSENCE OF 
SUCH OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, THE TWO MEMBERS 
SHALL BE FILIPINO CITIZENS QUALIFIED TO REGISTER OR 
VOTE UNDER THIS ACT AND SHALL BE DEPUTIZED BY THE 
COMMISSION NOT LATER THAN SIXTY (60) DAYS BEFORE THE 
START OF THE VOTING PERIOD. 
"ALL SBEI RESOLUTIONS SHALL BE VALID ONLY WHEN 
APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF THE MEMBERS OF THE 
BOARD." 
"24.2. VOTING SHALL BE DONE AT THE POSTS, OR 
WHEREVER FIELD REGISTRATIONS WERE CONDUCTED, OR 
AT ANY OTHER POLLING PLACE DESIGNATED/ACCREDITED 
AS SUCH BY THE COMMISSION.. 
"[16.2. The overseas absentee voter shall personally accomplish 
his/her ballot at the embassy, consulate or other foreign service 
establishment that has jurisdiction over the country where he/she 
temporarily resides or at any polling place designated and accredited by 
the Commission.] 
"[16.3]. 24.3. The overseas absentee voter shall cast HER/HIS 
[his/her] ballot, upon presentation of the absentee voter identification card 
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issued by the 
Commission OR SUCH OTHER DOCUMENTS 
ACCEPTABLE TO THE SBEI AT THE POST AS SUFFICIENT TO 
ESTABLISH HER/HIS IDENTITY [within 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]. 
"IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIVING HER/HIS BALLOT, 
THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER MUST FILL IT OUT 
PERSONALLY, IN SECRET AND WITHOUT LEAVING THE 
PREMISES 
OF 
THE 
POST 
OR 
OF 
ANY 
OTHER 
DESIGNATED/ACCREDITED POLLING PLACE. 
"[16.4] 24.4. All accomplished ballots received shall be placed IN 
sealed containers and kept in a secure place designated by the 
Commission. 
"[16.5] 24.5. The SBRCG [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 SBRCG [embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
establishments] shall submit a formal report to the Commission and TO 
the Joint Cc:ngressional Oversight Committee created under this Act 
within thirty (30) days from the day of elections. Such report shall contain 
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data on the number of ballots cast and received by the offices, the number 
of invalid and unclaimed ballots and other pertinent data. 
"24.6 BEFORE THE START OF THE COUNTING, ALL 
UNUSED 
BALLOTS 
SHALL 
BE 
ACCOUNTED 
FOR AND 
DISPOSED OF APPROPRIATELY BY THE CONCERNED POSTS, 
~TH THE CORRESPONDING FORMAL REPORT OF SUCH 
FACTS TRANSMITTED TO THE COMMISSION. 
"[16.6. The overseas absentee voter shall be instructed that his/her 
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 voteI'S 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] 22.7. Only ballots cast [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 othel' 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] AT 
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•  
OR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF VOTING ON THE DAY OF 
ELECTIONS SHALL BE COUNTED." 
"[16.9. A Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group composed of 
three (3) members shall be constituted by the Commission from among the 
staff of the embassies, consulates and'other foreign service establishments 
concerned, including their attached agencies, and citizens of the' 
7 
Philippines abroad, who will be deputized to receive ballots and take 
8 
custody of the same preparatory to their transmittal to the Special Boards 
9 
of Election Inspectors.] 
10 
1/[16.10] 22.S. During THE VOTING, [this phase of the election 
11 
process] the authorized representatives of the political parties, candidates, 
12 
and accredited citizens' arms of the Commission shall be notified 
13 
THEREOF in writing [thereof] and shall have the right to witness the 
14 
proceedings. 
15 
"[16.11. The Commission shall study the use of electronic mail, 
16 
Internet, or other secured networks in the casting of votes, and submit a 
17 
report thereon to the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.]" 
18 
Sec. 24. Section 17 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 25 and is 
19 
amended to read as follows: 
20 
"Sec. /171 25. Voting by Mail. - MAILING AND SUBMISSION 
21 
OF BALLOTS. 
22 
"[17.1.For the May, 2004 elections, the Commission shall authorize 
23 
voting by mail in not more than three, (3) countries, subject to the approval 
35  


1 
of the Congressional Oversight Committee. Voting by mail may be allowed 
2 
in countries that satisfy the following conditions: 
3 
a. Where the mailing system is fairly well-developed and secure 
4 
to prevent the occasion of fraud; 
5 
b. Where there exists a technically established identification 
6 
system that would preclude multiple or proxy voting; and, 
7 
c. Where the system of reception and custody of mailed ballots 
8 
in the embassies, consulates and other foreign service 
9 
establishments concerned are adequate and well-secured. 
10 
"Thereafter, voting by mail in any country shall be allowed only 
11 
upon reVIew and approval of the Joint Congressional Oversight 
12 
Committee.] 
13 
"25.1. THE COMMISSION SHALL TAKE CUSTODY OF ALL 
14 
OUTGOING BALLOTS PREPARATORY TO THEIR MAILING TO 
15 
THE VOTERS OR TO THE POSTS. 
16 
"THE 
COMMISSION 
SHALL 
MAIL 
THE 
BALLOTS 
17 
DIRECTLY TO THE REGISTERED VOTERS OR TO THE POSTS 
18 
THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF THE PHILIPPINE POSTAL 
19 
CORPORATION (PHILPOST). THE PHILPOST SHALL ENSURE 
20 
THE SECRECY AND SANCTITY OF THE MAILED BALLOTS AND 
21 
SHALL GIVE THEM PREFERENCE OVER ALL OTHER MAIL 
22 
MATTERS. 
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"THE 
COMMISSION 
SHALL 
CONSTITUTE 
SPECIAL  
BALLOT RECEPTION GROUPS (SBRCGs) FOR EVERY POST 
FOR WHICH VOTING BY MAIL IS THE DESIGNATED VOTING 
MODE 
TO 
RECEIVE 
AND 
TAKE 
CUSTODY 
OF 
ALL 
ACCOUNTABLE AND OTHER ELECTION. FORMS, SUPPLIES 
AND PARAPHERNALIA FROM THE COAV FOR TRANSMITTAL 
TO THE SPECIAL BOARDS OF ELECTION INSPECTORS (SBEIS) 
AND TO THE SPECIAL BOARD OF CANVASSERS, AS WELL AS 
TO RECORD, VERIFY, RECEIVE AND TAKE CUSTODY OF ALL 
MAILED ACCOMPLISHED BALLOTS. EACH SBRCG SHALL BE 
COMPOSED OF THREE (3) MEMBERS FROM AMONG THE 
STAFF OF THE POSTS CONCERNED, INCLUDING THEIR 
ATTACHED AGENCIES, AND FILIPINO CITIZENS ABROAD." 
"[17.2] 25.2. The overseas a~sentee voter shall send HER/HIS 
[hislher] accomplished ballot IN THE ACCOMPANYING SPECIAL 
ENVELOPE AT ANY TIME AFTER RECEIPT THEREOF AND 
ENSURE THAT THE SAME BALLOT IS RECEIVED AND 
STAMPMARKED BY THE POST ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSE OF 
VOTING ON THE DAY OF ELECTIONS [to the corresponding 
embassy, consular or other foreign service establishment that has 
jurisdiction over the country where he/she temporarily resides. He/she 
shall be entitled to cast hislher ballot at any time upon his/her 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 tht 
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hislher ballot shall not be counted if not transmitted m the special 
envelope furnished himlher]. 
"[17.3] 25.3. 
Only mailed ballots STAMPMARKED BY THE 
LOCAL POSTAL SERVICE AS HAVING BEEN MAILED 
BEFORE CLOSE OF VOTING AND RECEIVED BY THE 
SBCRG DURING THE COUNTING OF VOTES SHALL BE 
COUNTED. [received by the Philippine embassy, consulate and other 
foreign service establishments before the close of voting on the day of 
elections shall be counted in accordance with Section 18 hereof.] All 
envelopes containing the ACCOMPLISHED ballots received AFTER 
THE COUNTING OF VOTES SHALL NOT BE OPENED AND 
SHALL BE FILED AND KEPT [by the embassies, consulates and other 
foreign service establishments after the prescribed period shall not be 
opened, and shall be cancelled and disposed of] appropriately FOR 
PURPOSES 
OF 
DOCUMENTATION, 
with 
a 
corresponding 
INVENTORY report thereon [submitted to the Commission not later 
than thirty (30) days from the day of elections]. ACCREDITED 
MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES SHALL BE FURNISHED 
COPIES OF THE SAID REPORT NOT LATER THAN THIRTY 
(30) DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF ELECTIONS. 
"26.4. THE COMMISSION SHALL MAINTAIN A COMPLETE 
REPORT OF THE NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF THE VOTERS TO 
WHOM THE BALLOTS WERE SENT, INCLUDING THE NUMBER 
38 


OF BALLOTS CAST AND RECEIVED BY THE SBRCG, THE 
NUMBER OF INVALID AND UNCLAIMED BALLOTS, AS WELL AS 
OTHER PERTINENT DATA AND MAKE A TIMELY REPORT 
THEREON 
TO 
JOINT 
CONGRESSIONAL 
OVERSIGHT 
5 
COMMITTEE. 
6 
"26.5. ALL MAILED BALLOTS MARKED "RETURN TO 
7 
SENDER" AND RETURNED TO THE COMMISSION SHALL NOT 
8 
BE 
OPENED. THE SAME SHALL BE 
CANCELLED AND 
9 
DISPOSED OF APPROPRIATELY, WITH A CORRESPONDING 
10 
INVENTORY REPORT THEREON DULY FURNISHED THE 
11 
MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES NOT LATER THAN THIRTY (30) 
12 
DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF ELECTIONS." 
13 
Sec. 25. A new Section 27 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
14 
"SEC. 27. VOTING BY SEAFARERS. . SEAFARERS MAY 
15 
VOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 21 OF THIS ACT. FOR 
16 
THIS PURPOSE, THE COMMISSION SHALL PREPARE A 
17 
SEPARATE CLOAV FOR SEAFARERS." 
18 
Sec. 26. A new Section 28 of the same Act is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
19 
"SEC. 28. VOTING PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERS OF THE SBEI, 
20 
SBRCG AND SBOC. -
GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES POSTED 
21 
ABROAD WHO WILL 
PERFORM ELECTION 
DUTIES AS 
22 
MEMBERS OF THE SBEI, SBCRG AND SBOC SHALL BE 
23 
ALLOWED TO VOTE IN THE POST; PROVIDED, THAT, THEY 
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ARE REGISTERED EITHER IN THE PHILIPPINES OR AS  
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS." 
Sec. 27. Section 18 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 29 and 
amended to read as follows: 
"Sec. [18] 29. - On-site Counting and Canvassing ­
"[18.1] 29.1. The counting and canvassing of votes shall be 
conducted onsite in the country where the votes were actually cast. The 
opening of the specially-marked envelopes and containers containing the 
ballots and the counting and canvassing of votes shall be conducted within 
the premises of the [embassies, 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.] 
POSTS 
or 
WITHIN 
ANY· 
OTHER 
POLLING 
PLACE 
DESIGNATED/ACCREDITED AS SUCH BY THE COMMISSION. 
The Commission shall ensure that the start of counting in polling places 
abroad shall, 
[be 
synchronized] AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, 
COINCIDE with the start of the counting in the Philippines, TAKING 
INTO CONSIDERATION THE RESPECTIVE TIME ZONES OF THE 
DIFFERENT POSTS." 
"[18.2]. 29.2. [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 hereof. The Special Boards of Election Inspectors to be 
constituted therein shall be composed of a Chairman and two (2) 
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members, one (1) of whom shall be designated as poll clerk. The 
ambassador, or consul-general, 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 register 
and 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.] 
"Immediately upon the completion of the counting, the [Special 
Boards of Election Inspectors] SBEls shall transmit [via facsimile and/or 
electronic mail] the results to the Commission in Manila and TO the 
accredited major political parties VIA FACSIMILE, ELECTRONIC 
MAIL AND/OR BY ANY OTHER SAFE, SECURE AND RELIABLE 
MEANS OF TRANSMISSION." 
["18.S. Only 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] 29.3. A Special Board of Canvassers (SBOC) composed of 
THE HIGHEST RANKING OFFICER FROM THE POST [a lawyer 
preferably of the Commission] as chair[man]PERSON, a senior career 
officer from any of the government agencies maintaining a post abroad 
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· . 
and, in the absence of another government officer, a citizen of the 
Philippines qualified to vote under this Act AND deputized by the 
Commission, 
as 
vice-chair[manJPERSON 
and 
member-secretary, 
respectively, shall be constituted to canvass the election returns submitted 
to it by the SBEls 
[Special Boards of Election Inspectors], Immediately 
upon the completion of the canvass, the chair[man]PERSON of the 
SBOC [Special Boards of Canvassers] shall transmit via facsimile, 
electronic mail, AND/or BY any other SAFE, SECURE AND 
RELIABLE 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 SBOC [Special Board of Canvassers] shall also furnish the 
accredited major political parties and accredited citizens' arms with copies 
thereof via facsimile, electronic mail AND/or BY any other SAFE, 
SECURE AND RELIABLE means of transmission [equally safe, secure 
and reliable]. 
"The Certificates of Canvass and the accompanying Statements of 
Votes as transmitted via facsimile, electronic mail AND/or any other 
SAFE, SECURE AND RELIABLE means of transmission [equally safe, 
secure and reliable] shall be the primary basis for the national canvass." 
"[18.5] 29.4. The canvass of OVERSEAS votes shall not cause the 
delay of the proclamation of a winning candidate if the outcome of the 
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election will not be affected by the results thereof. Notwithstanding the 
foregoing, the Commission, AS NATIONAL BOARD OF CANVASSERS 
FOR SENATORS AND PARTY-LIST REPRESENTATIVES, OR 
CONGRESS, AS NATIONAL BOARD OF CANVASSERS FOR 
PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESID~NT, SHALL PROCLAIM THE [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] 29.5. 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 P[p]resident and V[v]ice-P[p]resident prepared by the 
Special Board of Canvassers shall be deemed a certificate of canvass of a 
city or a province." 
"[18.7]29.6. 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 accordance with the 
Implementing Rules and Regulations promulgated by the Commission." 
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Sec. 28. A new Section 30 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 30. AUTHORITY TO ADOPT OTHER MODES OR 
SYSTEMS 
USING 
AUTOMATED 
ELECTION 
SYSTEM 
­
NOTWITHSTANDING 
CURRENT 
PROCEDURES 
AND 
SYSTEMS 
HEREIN 
PROVIDED, 
FOR 
THE 
PROPER 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS ACT AND IN VIEW OF THE 
PECULIARITIES ATTENDANT TO THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
PROCESS, THE COMMISSION MAY EXPLORE AND ADOPT 
OTHER MORE EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND SECURE MODES 
OR 
SYSTEMS, 
WHETHER 
PAPER-, 
ELECTRONIC-, 
TECHNOLOGY- OR INTERNET-BASED, FOR ONSITE AND 
REMOTE 
REGISTRATION 
AND 
VOTING, 
COUNTING, 
CANVASSING AND CONSOLIDATION OF VOTES, AS WELL AS 
FOR THE TRANSMITTAL OF RESULTS." 
Sec. 29. A new Section 31 is hereby-inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 31. PROCUREMENT OF FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT, 
MATERIALS, SUPPLIES OR SERVICES. - TO ACHIEVE THE 
PURPOSE OF THIS ACT, THE COMMISSION MAY, LIKEWISE, 
PROCURE FROM LOCAL OR FOREIGN SOURCES, THROUGH 
PURCHASE, 
LEASE, 
RENT 
OR 
OTHER 
FORMS 
OF 
ACQUISITION, HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE, FACILITIES, 
EQUIPMENT, MATERIALS, SUPPLIES OR SERVICES IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING LAWS, FREE FROM IMPORT 
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TAXES 
AND 
DUTIES, 
SUBJECT 
TO 
GOVERNMENT 
PROCUREMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS." 
Sec. 30. Sec. 19 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 32 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
"Sec.{19]32. {Authority of the Commission to Promulgate] 
Rules AND REGULATIONS. - The Commission shall PROMULGATE 
[issue the necessary] rules and regulations FOR THE [to effectively 
implement the] IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE 
provisions of this ACT within sixty (60) days from the effectivity 
THEREOF [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]. 
"[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 
and 
Employment 
Administration, Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration and the 
Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Non-government organizations and 
accredited Filipino organizations or associations abroad shall be 
consulted.]" 
Sec. 31. Section 20 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 33 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
"Sec. {20]33. - 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 
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qualified overseas absentee voters. It may reqUIre the support and 
assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the POSTS 
[through 
the 
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 organizations/associations overseas for 
the same purpose: Provided, that any such deputized organization/ 
association shall be prohibited from participating in the elections by 
campaigning for or fielding candidates; Provided, further, That if any such 
deputized organization/association 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.] 
"Such information campaign shall educate the Filipino public, within and 
outside the Philippines, on the PHILIPPINE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, 
[on] theIR rights AS 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 [web sites] any 
information material without the prior approval of the Commission. 
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"THE COMMISSION IS AUTHORIZED TO APPROPRIATE 
NOT LESS THAN TEN PER CENT (10%) OF THE OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTING BUDGET TO DEFRAY THE COSTS OF 
EFFECTIVELY CARRYING OUT THE OVERSEAS ABSENTEE 
VOTERS INFORMATION AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. 
"THE COMMISSION MAY ENTER INTO CONTRACTS WITH 
PUBLIC OR PRIVATE ENTITIES TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE AND 
EFFICIENT INFORMATION DISSEMINATION." 
Sec. 32. A new Section 34 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
((SEC. 34. ROLE AND ENGAGEMENT OF FILIPINO CIVIL 
SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS. -
THE COMMISSION SHALL 
ENCOURAGE AND ENGAGE THE PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL 
AND OVERSEAS FILIPINO CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS AS 
ACCREDITED OR DEPUTIZED PARTNERS AT ANY STAGE OF 
THE OVERSEAS ELECTORAL PROCESS, SUBJECT TO THE 
GUIDELINES AND LIMITATIONS ELSEWHERE PROVIDED IN 
THIS ACT OR IN OTHER RELEVANT LAWS, AS WELL AS THOSE 
THAT THE COMMISSION SHALL PROMULGATE; PROVIDED, 
THAT ANY SUCH ORGANIZATION OR ASSOCIATION SHALL BE 
ACCREDITED OR DEPUTIZED I ON THE BASIS OF THEIR 
PRESENCE, REACH AND RESOURCES TO EDUCATE THE 
FILIPINO PUBLIC ON THE PHILIPPINE ELECTORAL SYSTEM, 
THEIR RIGHTS AS OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTERS, THE 
ABSENTEE VOTING PROCESSES AND 
OTHER RELATED 
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CONCERNS, AS WELL AS TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION 
DEVELOPED BY THE COMMISSION EFFECTIVELY AND IN A 
TIMELY MANNER; PROVIDED, FURTHER, THAT NO SUCH 
ACCREDITED 
OR 
DEPUTIZED 
ORGANIZATION 
SHALL 
PREPARE, PRINT, DISTRIBUTE OR POST ANY INFORMATION 
OR MATERIAL \V1THOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE 
COMMISSION; 
PROVIDED, 
FURTHER, 
THAT 
ANY 
SUCH 
ACCREDITED 
OR 
DEPUTIZED 
ORGANIZATION 
OR 
ASSOCIATION SHALL BE PROHIBITED FROM CAMPAIGNING 
FOR OR FEILDING CANDIDATES; PROVIDED, FINALLY, THAT 
IF 
ANY 
SUCH 
ORGANIZATION 
OR 
ASSOCIATION 
IS 
DISCOVERED TO HAVE A MEMBER WHO IS NOT QUALIFIED 
OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTER AS HEREIN DEFINED, SUCH 
DEPUTIZED ORGANIZATION OR ASSOCIATION SHALL BE 
BANNED FROM PARTICIPATING IN ANY MANNER AND AT ANY 
STAGE IN THE PHILIPPINE POLITICAL PROCESS ABROAD." 
Sec. 33. A new Section 35 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"SEC. 35. TRAININGS. - "TRAINING OF THE MEMBERS OF 
FOREIGN SERVICE CORPS ON OVERSEAS ABSENTEE VOTING 
PROCESSES, RULES AND PROCEDURES, TO BE UNDERTAKEN 
BY THE COMMISSION IN COORDINATION WITH THE DFA­
OAVS, SHALL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THEIR BRIEFING 
AND ORIENTATION PRIOR TO THEIR POSTING ABROAD. 
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"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." 
Sec. 34. Section 21 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 36. 
Sec. 35. Section 22 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 37 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
~~Sec. [22]37. - 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 primaryresponsibilities, 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]. 
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"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. 36. Section 23 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 38. 
Sec. 37. Section 24 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 39 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
"Sec. [24] 39. Prohibited Acts. In addition to the prohibited acts 
provided by law, it shall be unlawful: 
"[24.1]39.1. For any officer or employee of the Philippine 
government to influence or attempt to influence any person covered by 
this Act to vote, or not to vote, for a particular candidate. Nothing in this 
Act shall be deemed to prohibit free discussion regarding politics or 
candidates for public office. 
"[24.2]39.2. For any person to deprive ANOTHER [any person] of 
any right secured in this Act, or to give false information as to 
HERlhis[lher] name, address, or period of residence for the purposes of 
establishing HERlhis[lher] eligibility or ineligibility to register or vote 
under this Act; or to conspire with another person for the purpose of 
encouraging the giving of false information in order to establish the 
eligibility or ineligibility of any individual to register or vote under this Act; 
or to pay, or offer to pay, or to accept payment either for application FOR 
REGISTRATION, or for voting; 
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"[24.3] 39.3. For any person to STEAL, CONCEAL, ALTER, 
DESTROY, MUTILATE, MANIPULATE, OR IN ANY WAY tamper 
with [the ballot,] the mail containing the ballots for overseas absentee 
voters, 
THE BALLOT, the election returns, 
[including the 
destruction, mutilation and manipulation thereof;] OR ANY RECORD, 
DOCUMENT OR PAPER AS REQUIRED FOR PURPOSES OF THIS 
ACT; 
["24.4. For any person to steal, destroy, conceal, mutilate or alter 
any record, document or paper as required for purposes of this Act;] 
"[24.5] 39.4. For any deputized agent to refuse without justifiable 
ground, to serve or serving, or to comply with hislher sworn duties after 
acceptance of his/her appointment; 
"[24.6]" 39.5. For any public officer or employee OR ACCREDITED 
OR DEPUTIZED ORGANIZATION OR ASSOCIATION TO [who shall] 
cause the preparation, printing, distribution OR POSTING of information. 
OR material[, or post the same in web sites] without the prior approval of 
the Commission; 
"[24.7] 39.6. For any public officer or employee to cause the 
transfer, promotion, extension, recall of any member of the Foreign Service 
corps, including members of the attached agencies, or otherwise cause the 
movement of any such member from his current post or position one (1) 
year before and three (3) months after the day of elections, without 
securing the prior approval of the Commission; 
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"[24.8] 39.8. For any person· who, after being deputized by the 
Commission to undertake activities in connection with the implementation 
of this Act, shall campaign for or assist, in whatever manner, candidates in 
the elections; 
"39.9. FOR ANY PERSON TO ENGAGE IN PARTISAN 
POLITICAL ACTIVITY ABROAD DURING THE 30-DAY OVERSEAS 
ABSENTEE VOTING PERIOD." 
"[24.9] 39.10. For any person who is not a citizen of the Philippines 
to participate, by word or deed, directly or indirectly through qualified 
organizations/associations, in any manner and at any stage of the 
Philippine political process abroad, including participation in the campaign 
and elections. 
"The provision of existing laws to the contrary, notwithstanding, 
and with due regard to the Principle of Double Criminality, the prohibited 
acts described in this section are electoral offenses and ARE punishable in 
the Philippines. 
"The penalties imposed under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election 
Code, as amended, shall be imposed on any person found guilty of 
committing any of the prohibited acts as defined in this section: Provided, 
That the penalty of prision mayor in its minimum period shall be imposed 
upon any person found guilty UNDER Section [24.3]39.3 hereof without 
the benefit of the operation of the Indeterminate Sentence Law. If the 
offender is a public officer or a candidate, the penalty shall be prision 
mayor in its maximum period. In addition, the offender shall be sentenced 
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to suffer perpetual disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of 
the right to vote." 
"[Immigrants and permanent residents who do not resume 
residence in the Philippines as stipulated in their affidavit under Section 
5(d) within three (3) years after approval of his/her registration under this 
Act and yet vote in the next elections contrary to the said section, shall be 
penalized by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, and shall be 
deemed disqualified as provided in Section 5(c) of this Act. Hislher passport 
shall be stamped "not allowed to vote.]" 
Sec. 38. Section 25 of the same Act is hereby renumbered as Section 40 and is 
amended to read as follows: 
··Sec. [251 40. 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 ElectOl'al Reforms and seven (7) other 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 
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reVIew, revise, amend and approve the Implementing Rules and 
Regulations promulgated by the Commission.]" 
Sec. 39. Sections 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the same Act are hereby renumbered 
accordingly. 
Sec. 40. A new Section 45 is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
"Sec. 45. TRANSITORY PROVISION - ALL PRIOR ACTS, 
RESOLUTIONS, ISSUANCES OF THE COMMISSION UNDER 
THIS ACT, NOT OTHERWISE INCONSISTENT HEREWITH, 
INCLUDING THE REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND MODES 
OF VOTING, SHALL REMAIN VA:LID AND EFFECTIVE." 
Sec. 41. 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. 42. 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. 
Sec. 43. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or at least in three (3) newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved, 
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