During the last Philippine national elections, OFWs in Hong Kong ranked fourth globally in terms of the number of voters. With a staggering 93,800+ registrations, it’s evident that the Filipino community in Hong Kong takes their civic duty seriously.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong reported the success of the Overseas Voting for the People’s Republic of China, encompassing not only Hong Kong but also votes from registered overseas voters in Beijing, Macau SAR, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Xiamen.
If you are a Filipino based in HK, PCG HongKong has launched the online voting registration procedure. So if you have not yet registered as an overseas voter in Hong Kong, please note that registration is ongoing until 30 September 2027. Bring your original Philippine passport and proceed to the overseas voter registration counters on 18/F and 29/F, United Centre, Admiralty.
Note: If you have already registered, then check your name in the list of OFW voters in Hong Kong here. They will announce the official list a few months before the voting period.
To streamline and enhance the registration process, the Consulate has proactively promoted the use of the IREHISTRO platform for online overseas voting registration.
This user-friendly portal, endorsed by the Commission on Elections of the Philippines (COMELEC), provides eligible Filipino nationals in Hong Kong with a convenient and efficient means to register for the 2028 National Elections.
By actively encouraging the community to utilize the iRehistro portal, the Consulate aims to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate in this vital democratic exercise, further reinforcing the community’s active participation in shaping the nation’s future.
Philippine National and Location Elections – May 8, 2028
The Philippine National and Local Election is set for May 8, 2028. This election will determine 12 senatorial seats, along with the President, Vice President, members of the House of Representatives, and local officials above the barangay level.
The winning senators will serve until June 30, 2034, joining the 2025 batch of senators — who will serve until June 30, 2031 — to form the 21st Congress of the Philippines.
Qualifications / Eligibility
- Citizenship: To vote, you must be a Filipino citizen, whether you were born as one or obtained citizenship through the legal process. This rule is important because it ensures that those who genuinely care about the Philippines’ future have the privilege to vote.
- Residency: Your current living situation is crucial. You must either be residing abroad or have definite plans to be abroad during the 30-day voting period, which runs from April 9 to May 8, 2028.
- Age: Make sure you’re old enough. You must be at least 18 years old on May 8, 2028, which is the election day. This ensures that only adults have the opportunity to be part of the voting population.
- Disqualifications: Check that you’re not disqualified according to Philippine laws on voting eligibility. Here are the reasons you might be disqualified:
-
- Loss of Filipino Citizenship: If you lost your Filipino citizenship according to Philippine laws, you can’t vote. Be aware of your current citizenship status before attempting to vote.
- Pledging Loyalty to Another Country: If you’ve publicly renounced your Filipino citizenship or sworn allegiance to another country (except if you have dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225), you can’t vote. However, if you have dual citizenship, you are allowed to vote.
- Criminal Conviction: If you’ve been convicted of a crime that could result in at least one year of imprisonment, you are disqualified from voting. However, this disqualification can be lifted if you receive a full pardon or amnesty. If you fall into this category, you can start voting again five years after completing your sentence.
- Declared as Insane or Incompetent: Any Filipino living abroad who has been previously declared insane or incompetent by a qualified authority in the Philippines or abroad, as confirmed by the Philippine Embassy, consulates, or Foreign Service offices, cannot vote. However, this disqualification can be reversed if the qualified authority later certifies that you are sane or competent.
By understanding these rules about who can and can’t vote, you can ensure that you meet all the requirements for participating in the May 2028 Philippine Senate Election.
Your vote is your way of influencing your homeland’s future, and every eligible Filipino living abroad plays an important role in this democratic process.
Requirements
- Valid Passport: Make sure your Philippine passport is not expired. Prepare photocopies of the essential passport pages.
- For Seafarers: Include a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or proof of seafaring status along with your passport.
- Dual Citizens: Submit your Dual Citizenship certificate or Order of Approval (original and copy) along with passport documents.
- Personal Appearance: You’ll need to appear in person for biometric recording.
- Complete the Voting Form: Fill out Overseas Voting Form 1 (OVF 1) on the COMELEC website. Already registered with complete biometric data? Use the OFOV’s Virtual Frontline Services (VFS) for specific applications.
- Transfer of Registration: To transfer your registration to a Philippine Municipality, City, or District, apply at your intended voting area’s local Office of the Election Officer.
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your vote counts. Registering as an overseas voter is your chance to help shape the future of the Philippines.
How to Register at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong
Step 1: Prepare Your Documents
Make sure you have the following ready before registering:
- Valid Philippine Passport – your primary ID for registration.
- Alternative documents if no passport:
-
- Certificate from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate explaining your passport situation.
- For those who reacquired Filipino citizenship under RA 9225: original or certified true copy of the Order of Approval or Identification Certificate.
- Seafarers: photocopy of your Seafarer’s Book.
Step 2: Fill Out the OVF1 Form
Download the Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1) online or pick one up at your local registration center. Complete all fields carefully.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Bring your completed OVF1 form and supporting documents to the designated registration center in person. Make sure everything is in order before submitting.
Step 4: Registration Period
The registration period for the May 2028 Philippine National and Local Election runs from December 3, 2025 to September 30, 2027. Register within this window to secure your right to vote.
Step 5: Verification and Approval
Authorities will review your submitted documents to confirm your eligibility. Once approved, you’ll receive official confirmation of your registration as an overseas voter.
Every vote counts — register on time and make your voice heard in the upcoming election!
Video: PCG HKG Launch of 2028 National and Local Elections OFW Voters Registration
The video shows the announcement of the Consulate being ready to take registrations from OFWs based in this region.
Contact Information for the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong
Address: Philippine Consulate General Fourteenth Floor, United Centre 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Telephone number: 2823 8500 (Switchboard)
Office hours: Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Website: https://hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK