DFA launches Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) PHLPost Center

To enable millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) around the world to cast their votes in this year’s national and local elections, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the opening of the first Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) Mailing Center located at the DFA Central Office in Pasay City.

Under the MOA, the COMELEC is tasked to send by mail, election paraphernalia and equipment to various Philippine embassies and consulates abroad which shall, in turn be sent to aforesaid overseas voters. Preparation of election paraphernalia shall be undertaken and completed in Manila.

To ensure a systematic implementation, the DFA and COMELEC tapped the services of PHLPOST and its partner courier/s in order that the ballots of overseas voters will be completely and promptly received.

PHLPost, is linked to the postal systems of 190 other member-countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a specialized agency under the United Nations.

Under the agreement, DFA will allow the use of an office space located at the Ground floor, DFA Building, Pasay City as the OV Mailing Center.

COMELEC Commissioner Arthur Lim said the ballots will be sent to the voters, and voters can vote either personally or by mail.

As an independent constitutional body, the COMELEC, with the assistance of the DFA, has the mandate to supervise the implementation of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act for the purpose of ensuring honest, orderly, peaceful and free elections among OFW’s. (PHLPost)