Did you know that in 2022, Kuwait was home to a remarkable 82,021 registered overseas Filipino voters? This staggering number not only reflects the strong Filipino presence in Kuwait but also places the country in the global spotlight as the 7th highest-ranking nation in terms of overseas Filipino voter registration.
On that note, let us take a look at the intricacies of Overseas Voter Registration for Filipinos in Kuwait, shedding light on the significance of this process and its impact on both the Filipino expatriate community and the democratic participation of overseas citizens. Read on.
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has been diligently preparing for the upcoming election, recognizing the significance of overseas Filipino voters in Kuwait, as highlighted by the impressive registration numbers of 82,000+ in 2022.
In line with this commitment, the embassy has taken proactive steps to engage with the Filipino expatriate community.
One notable initiative is the “HAVE YOUR SAY!” survey on overseas voting, which extends to overseas Filipinos, including contract workers and those with dual citizenship.
By inviting individuals aged 18 years and above to share their experiences, attitudes, and perceptions regarding overseas voting and registration in Philippine elections, the embassy aims to foster a sense of inclusivity and ensure that the voices of Filipinos in Kuwait are heard in the upcoming electoral process.
This outreach underscores the embassy’s dedication to facilitating a seamless and meaningful participation of overseas voters in the democratic exercise of their homeland.
Philippine (Midterm) Election – May 13, 2025
The upcoming Philippine Senate election in May 2025 is very important in the country’s history.
It’s the 35th time they’re having this kind of election, and each senator gets to work for six years once they’re elected.
This special election is set for May 13, 2025, and a lot of people are curious about who will run for the 12 senator positions that were last filled in 2019.
The senators chosen in this election will have a big job.
They’ll help make laws in the country until June 30, 2031.
They’ll also work with the senators elected in 2022, who will be in office until June 30, 2028.
Together, they’ll be part of the Senate for the 20th Congress of the Philippines.
This election is happening at the same time as other important elections, like the ones for the House of Representatives and local officials above the barangay level.
This shows how much it can change the direction of Philippine politics.
Qualifications / Eligibility
- Filipino Citizenship: In order to take part in the May 2025 Philippine Senate Election, you need to be a Filipino citizen either because you were born as one or because you went through the process of becoming a citizen. This rule is important because it ensures that only those who truly care about the Philippines’ future get to vote.
- Residency Status: Your living situation matters too. You should either be living abroad right now or have solid plans to be abroad during the 30-day voting period, which stretches from April 13, 2025, to May 12, 2025.
- Age Requirement: Make sure you’re old enough. You have to be at least 18 years old on May 12, 2025, which is the day of the election. This makes sure that only adults get to be part of the voting population.
- No Disqualifications: Check that you aren’t disqualified according to Philippine laws about who can vote. Here are the reasons why you might be disqualified:
- Losing Filipino Citizenship: If you lost your Filipino citizenship according to Philippine laws, you can’t vote. Be sure to know your current citizenship status before you try to vote.
- Pledging Loyalty to Another Country: If you’ve publicly given up your Filipino citizenship or sworn loyalty to another country, except if you’re a dual citizen under Republic Act 9225, you can’t vote. If you have dual citizenship, though, you’re allowed to vote.
- Criminal Conviction: If you’ve been convicted of a crime that could get you at least one year in prison, you can’t vote. However, this disqualification can be lifted if you get a full pardon or amnesty. If you fall into this category, you can start voting again five years after you finish your sentence.
- Declared as Insane or Incompetent: Any Filipino living abroad who was 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, can’t vote. But this disqualification can be undone if the qualified authority later says you’re sane or competent.
By understanding these rules about who can and can’t vote, you can make sure you meet all the requirements for participating in the May 2025 Philippine Senate Election.
Your vote is your way of influencing your homeland’s future, and every eligible Filipino living abroad has an important role in this democratic process.
Requirements
- Make Sure Your Passport Is Up-to-Date and Create Copies:
- It’s crucial to check that your Philippine passport is current and not expired.
- Make photocopies of the important pages of your passport, which you will need to submit.
- If You Don’t Have a Valid Passport:
- If you don’t possess a valid passport, you should get certification from the nearest foreign service post.
- This certification needs to confirm either that your documents are in order for passport issuance or provide a valid reason for not having a passport.
- For Seafarers:
- If you work as a seafarer, be sure to include a photocopy of your Seaman’s Book or any other proof of your seafaring status along with your passport or certification.
- Dual Citizens:
- Individuals with dual citizenship should submit their Dual Citizenship certificate or Order of Approval (both the original and a copy) along with the documents from steps 1 or 2.
- Personal Appearance:
- In most cases, you will need to appear in person for biometric recording. This step is important to ensure the security and accuracy of the registration process.
- Complete the Overseas Voting Form (OVF 1):
- You should fill out the Overseas Voting Form 1 (OVF 1), which you can find on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) website.
Additional Note:
- Registered overseas voters with complete biometric data can also utilize the Office for Overseas Voting’s (OFOV) Virtual Frontline Services (VFS) for specific types of applications.
Transfer of Registration:
- To transfer your registration from your overseas post to a Philippine Municipality, City, or District, submit your application to the local Office of the Election Officer in your intended voting area in the Philippines. Follow the local voter registration rules and regulations for this process.
By following these steps diligently, you will be well-prepared to take part in the democratic process and ensure your vote is counted, no matter where you are in the world. Your voice matters, and registering as an overseas voter gives you the chance to contribute to the future of the Philippines. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact!
How to Register at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait
Step 1: Get Ready with Your Essential Documents
Before you kickstart the overseas voter registration process, make sure you’ve got all the required documents lined up:
- Your Trusty Philippine Passport: Your current Philippine passport is your main ID here. Keep it handy when you’re registering.
- Substitute Papers: If you don’t have a valid passport, here are some backup options:
- A certification from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate General showing they got your passport application or explaining why you don’t have one.
- If you’ve regained Filipino Citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, you’ll need the original or a certified true copy of the Order of Approval or Identification Certificates.
- Seafarers, don’t forget to include a photocopy of your Seafarer’s Book.
Step 2: Fill in the Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1)
Get yourself an Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1) from your local registration spot or online. Complete it with care, making sure all the blanks are filled.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Take your completed Overseas Voter Registration Form (OVF1) and the required papers in person to the designated registration center. Make sure everything’s in order before you hand it in.
Step 4: Registration Timeframe
Note that for the May 2025 Philippine Senate Election, the registration period is from December 9, 2022, to September 30, 2024. Register within this time frame to make sure you can cast your vote.
Step 5: Verification
After you submit your application, authorities will check your documents and info to confirm if you’re eligible for overseas voting.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Once your application is processed and confirmed, you’ll get an official nod that you’re successfully registered as an overseas voter. That’s your ticket to taking part in the upcoming election.
By following these steps, you can be part of the democratic process in the Philippines even while living in Kuwait.
Remember, your vote has the power to shape your homeland’s future, no matter how far away you are. Mark those calendars and be a part of the upcoming election – every vote counts!
Video: COMELEC Commissioner Ma. Rowena V. Guanzon’s Message to Filipinos in Kuwait
Watch this insightful video clip from 2022 featuring a special message from COMELEC Commissioner Ma. Rowena V. Guanzon addressed to Filipinos in Kuwait. In this video, Commissioner Guanzon discusses the ongoing Overseas Voter Registration process at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait in preparation for the May 2022 Presidential Elections.
Contact Information for the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait
Address: Building 257, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem Area, State of Kuwait
Telephone number: +965 6500 2612
Office hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Sundays to Thursdays
Website: https://kuwaitpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHinKuwait