Filipinos in Italy can now register as overseas voters for the 2028 Philippine national elections. The Philippine Embassy in Rome accepts applications until September 30, 2027. Registered voters can cast their ballots from Italy during the month-long overseas voting period in 2028.
Did you know that Filipinos constitute the fifth-largest migrant community in Italy, following closely behind the Romanian, Albanian, North African, and Ukrainian communities? As of 2021, there were approximately 108,000 documented Filipinos living in Italy, either as temporary workers or permanent residents. Registering early is the best way to make sure your vote counts on election day.
In preparation for the upcoming elections, the Philippine Embassy in Italy has diligently prepared to facilitate the registration of qualified overseas voters.
They have organized a field registration event at the Catholic Institute in Floriana, Malta, located at Triq San Publiju. This proactive initiative, known as Field Overseas Voting Registration, exemplified the embassy’s commitment to engaging the Filipino community in Italy, making it easier for them to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
Key Dates for the 2028 Philippine Elections
- Overseas Registration Period: December 3, 2025 to September 30, 2027
- Overseas Voting Period: April 9, 2028 to May 8, 2028
- Philippine Election Day: May 8, 2028
Registration is open now. Applying early helps you avoid long lines close to the deadline. It also gives you time to fix any problems with your documents.
Who Can Register
You may register as an overseas voter if you meet all of these qualifications:
- Filipino citizen: You are a Filipino by birth, or you have reacquired or retained Filipino citizenship under the law.
- Living abroad: You live outside the Philippines, or you expect to be abroad during the overseas voting period from April 9 to May 8, 2028.
- Age: You will be at least 18 years old on or before election day, May 8, 2028.
Dual citizens who reacquired or retained Filipino citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225 are also eligible to register and vote.
Who Cannot Register
You are not qualified to register as an overseas voter if any of the following apply:
- Lost Filipino citizenship. You have lost your Filipino citizenship under Philippine law.
- Renounced citizenship or pledged allegiance to another country. This does not apply to dual citizens covered by RA 9225.
- Criminal conviction. You were sentenced by final judgment to at least one year in prison. You may regain your right to vote through a full pardon or amnesty, or five years after serving your sentence.
- Declared insane or incompetent. A competent authority in the Philippines or abroad has declared you insane or mentally incompetent. This disqualification ends once the same authority declares you competent again.
If you are unsure about your status, contact the embassy before applying.
Your active participation profoundly influences the nation’s destiny, so ensure your voice carries meaningful weight! Your involvement is pivotal in determining the future trajectory of our nation. Your vote is your means of expression, and it genuinely counts in shaping the Philippines’ future. Your contribution to this process is indispensable, and collectively, we can effect change that truly matters. Make your presence resonate in this democratic journey!
Required Documents
Prepare these documents before your visit:
- Valid Philippine passport: Bring the original and a photocopy of the data page.
- No passport: If your passport is lost or being renewed, bring a certification from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate explaining your passport status.
- Dual citizens: Bring the original and a photocopy of your Identification Certificate or Order of Approval, along with your passport.
- Seafarers: Bring a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or another document proving your seafarer status.
Check your passport’s expiration date ahead of time. If it has expired or will expire soon, you can renew it at the embassy.
How to Register at the Philippine Embassy in Italy
Step 1: Prepare your documents.
Gather your passport and any other documents that apply to you, such as your dual citizenship papers or Seaman’s Book.
Step 2: Fill out Overseas Voter Form No. 1 (OVF 1).
You can get the form from the COMELEC website or at the registration site. Make sure all your details match your passport.
Step 3: Visit the embassy in person.
Bring your completed OVF 1 and documents to the Philippine Embassy in Rome. You must appear in person so staff can capture your biometrics: your photo, fingerprints, and signature.
Step 4: Submit your application.
Embassy staff will review your form and documents. Double-check everything before you submit to avoid delays.
Step 5: Wait for approval.
The Resident Election Registration Board will evaluate your application. Once approved, your name will be added to the list of overseas voters.
Step 6: Check the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV).
Closer to the elections, the embassy will publish the CLOV. Confirm that your name is on the list before the voting period begins.
Other Registration Concerns
- Already registered from a past election? You may not need to register again. However, you can be removed from the list if you fail to vote in two consecutive national elections. Check with the embassy if you are unsure about your status.
- Need to update your record? You can request changes, such as a new address or name correction, during the registration period.
- Moving back to the Philippines? To transfer your registration to a local precinct, apply at the Office of the Election Officer in your city or municipality and follow local registration rules.
Video: COMELEC Commissioner Ma. Rowena V. Guanzon’s Message on Overseas Voting
Contact Information for the Philippine Embassy in Italy
Address: Via Aurelia 290 / A 00165 Rome, Italy
Telephone number: (+39) 06 397 46621
Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Website: https://romepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinItaly
The embassy may also hold mobile or field registration events in other parts of Italy. Follow its official website and Facebook page for schedules and advisories.