On 01 December 2016, the Philippine Embassy in Wellington commenced the registration of qualified Filipino overseas voters for the 13 May 2019 Midterm National Election. The Philippine Embassy continuously encourages Filipinos in New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Cook Islands to register and exercise their sacred right to suffrage in this very significant democratic process that charts and determines the nation’s future as we elect the next leaders of our beloved country.

Who may register. - All citizens of the Philippines, who are abroad or will be abroad during the 30-day voting period, commencing on 13 April 2019 (Philippine Time) until 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon of 13 May 2019 (Philippine Time), at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of the elections (13 May 2019) and not otherwise disqualified by law, may register.

Who may not register. - The following shall be disqualified from registering:

1. Those who have lost their Filipino citizenship in accordance with Philippine laws;
2. Those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship or who have pledged allegiance to a foreign country; except dual citizens as referred to under Republic Act No. 9225, otherwise known as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003;
3. 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, such disability not having been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty; Provided, however, That any person disqualified to register under this subsection shall automatically acquire the right to vote upon expiration of five (5) years after service of sentence;
4. 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.

Where to file application for registration/certification. - Applications may be filed at the Embassy of the Philippines in Wellington or during the mobile consular services outreach mission scheduled in the North and South Islands in New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Cook Islands.

What are the requirements for filing of applications for registration/certification. - Every applicant shall accomplish OVF No. 1 and submit any of the following:

1. Valid Philippine passport;
2. In case of applicants who availed themselves of dual citizenship (RA 9225), either of the following: (1) Order of Approval; (2) Identification Certificate; or (3) Oath of Allegiance; or
3. In case of seafarers, a photocopy of their Seamans Book or any other pertinent document.

How to apply. – The applicants shall:

1. Secure OVF No. 1 either by getting it from the Philippine Embassy or during the mobile consular services outreach mission, or by downloading it from the websites of the Commission on Elections (www.comelec.gov.ph), the Department of Foreign Affairs (www.dfa-oavs.gov.ph) or the Embassy of the Philippines (www.philembassy.org.nz);
2. Accomplish the form and personally appear before the Philippine Embassy in Wellington or during the scheduled mobile consular services outreach mission;
3. Submit the accomplished form and supporting identification documents. The Embassy may require additional documents to establish the identity and qualification of the applicant.

Applications shall be heard and acted upon in accordance with the schedule set by the Commission on Elections. The lists of the names of those whose applications have been approved and disapproved shall be posted at the Philippine Embassy Notice Board and on its website (www.philembassy.org.nz)

Download Overseas Voting Filipino Forms