M E S S A G E

Welcome to the official website of the COMELEC-Overseas Absentee Voting!

An insightful writer once noted the ironic fate of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese explorer who led the journey to circumnavigate the globe and discovered the Philippines in 1521.  Unfortunately, his voyage stopped here.  After nearly five centuries, what Magellan had failed to do, we Filipinos were able to accomplish.
           
Around the globe, there are Filipinos.  Wherever we may be, we always have a bond that connects us.  We belong to one ancient line, are products of similar history, and are heirs of the same legacy of our heroes.  One of the most treasured privileges handed to us by our past as a product of a long struggle is to have a republican and democratic state.  As such, being citizens of Asia’s oldest democracy, we Filipinos, so long as we are qualified and duly registered, have been blessed with the chance of enjoying its hallmark - the right to vote. 

Prior to the 2004 Elections, however, only those of us who were in the Philippines could vote.  That left a large number of Filipinos overseas, who were otherwise qualified to vote, without the privilege and opportunity to exercise this most basic and cherished of rights.  To highlight our democratic principles and to recognize the vast contributions of Filipinos overseas to our nation, the Overseas Absentee Voting Act was enacted in 2003 to give qualified citizens abroad an equal opportunity to exercise this fundamental right. 

As the body tasked to implement the law, the COMELEC, through the Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting and with the help of other government agencies and civil societies, has been continuously putting efforts to make true to its commitment – to enfranchise our fellow Filipinos abroad.  As part of our endeavor, we at the COMELEC-COAV have set up this website to make relevant information available to everyone. 

With the use of modern day technology, we aim at creating a more efficient partnership with the public in achieving an honest and orderly overseas absentee voting.  Through this website, we hope to aid Filipinos overseas to become more enlightened with balanced and objective information that will enable them to participate in electoral exercises effectively and to partake in safeguarding electoral integrity. 
           
As Filipinos, we do not need another great expedition to connect us to our motherland.  Through our votes, Filipinos from all corners of the world can take part in the political affairs of our beloved Philippines.  Filipinos everywhere can make their voices heard and can contribute change.

Sa lahat ng Pilipino, saan mang dako ng mundo, mabuhay tayong lahat!


ARMANDO C. VELASCO
Commissioner