Overseas Voting for the 2028 Philippine National Elections
Overview
Overseas Voting allows qualified Filipino citizens living or working abroad to participate in Philippine national elections even while outside the country.
This is mandated under Republic Act No. 9189, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, which grants overseas Filipinos the right to vote for national positions.
For the 2028 Philippine National Elections, registered overseas voters under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad (Pakistan and Afghanistan) will cast their votes through an online voting system approved by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
This enables voters to participate conveniently using an internet-enabled device without physically going to the Embassy.
Overseas Voter Registration Period
01 December 2025 – 30 September 2027
All qualified Filipinos who are not yet registered are strongly encouraged to complete their registration within this period.
Who May Register as an Overseas Voter
- Are a Filipino citizen
- Are at least 18 years old on or before 08 May 2028
- Are not otherwise disqualified by law
- Are residing or staying abroad
- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
- Permanent residents and immigrants
- Dual citizens
- Seafarers
- Filipinos temporarily abroad for work, study, or travel
Who Cannot Register or Vote
The following are disqualified under Philippine law:
- Individuals who have lost their Philippine citizenship and have not reacquired it
- Those convicted by final judgment of crimes punishable by one (1) year or more imprisonment, unless granted pardon or amnesty
- Those convicted of crimes involving disloyalty to the government
- Individuals declared insane or incompetent by a competent authority
Where to Register
- Philippine Embassies and Consulates
- The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO)
- Designated overseas registration centers
- Designated registration sites in the Philippines
The Embassy may also conduct outreach missions to assist applicants outside Islamabad.
Requirements for Registration
Primary Requirement:
- Valid Philippine Passport
For Seafarers:
- Seafarer’s Record Book (SRB)
For Dual Citizens:
- Identification Certificate or Order of Approval of Filipino Citizenship
Additional documents may be required when necessary.
How to Register (Step-by-Step)
- Check eligibility
- Complete online pre-registration via iRehistro: https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/ovf1
- Personally appear at the Embassy
- Submit requirements and accomplish forms
- Biometric capture (photo, fingerprints, signature)
- Wait for COMELEC approval
Once approved, your name will be included in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV).
Updating or Reactivating Registration
Forms
How Voting Will Be Conducted
Positions You May Vote For
Important Reminders
Election Timeline (General Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register again if I voted overseas before?
Not if your registration is still active. Otherwise, you may need to update or reactivate your record.
Can I register if I am only temporarily in Pakistan?
Yes, as long as you meet eligibility requirements.
Can dual citizens register?
Yes, with proper proof of Philippine citizenship.
Can I vote for local candidates?
No. Only national positions are included.
What happens if I fail to vote in two consecutive elections?
Your registration will be deactivated and must be reactivated before the deadline.
Is a Voter’s ID required for overseas voting?
No. A Voter’s ID is not required for overseas voter registration or voting.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has suspended the generation and issuance of Voter’s ID cards following the approval of a measure establishing a national identification system, which aims to implement a single unified ID for government transactions.
Registered voters may use their Philippine passport or other valid identification documents, as applicable, for registration and verification purposes.
Participate in Philippine Democracy
Overseas voting ensures that Filipinos abroad remain active participants in shaping the future of the Philippines. All eligible Filipinos in Pakistan and Afghanistan are strongly encouraged to register and exercise their right to vote.
For updates, please monitor official announcements from the Embassy and COMELEC.