Overseas Voter Registration for Filipinos in Russia

Did you know that there is a growing Filipino community in Russia? With an estimated population of around 10,000 Filipinos, they contribute to the cultural diversity and economic fabric of the country. Despite being far from their homeland, Filipinos in Russia have the opportunity to actively participate in Philippine elections through Overseas Voter Registration. This process allows them to exercise their right to vote and have a say in shaping the future of the Philippines.

Join us as we explore the details of Overseas Voter Registration for Filipinos in Russia and discover how they can make their voices heard, even while residing abroad. Keep on reading.

Overseas Voter Registration for Filipinos in Russia

In an exemplary display of dedication, Ambassador Igor G. Bailen recently convened with members of the Filipino community in Vladivostok, Russia, during a consular outreach mission and overseas voting registration event organized by the Philippine Embassy.

The meeting with Mmes Lorna Monares, Jenelyn Lancian, Wilma Balintos, Marelyn Candole, Edna Vanguardia, Angie Aguilar, and Rosalie Gacuson showcased the embassy’s commitment to ensuring that Filipinos in the Russian Far East are well-prepared for the upcoming election.

Ambassador Bailen, who is also leading the Philippine delegation at the 8th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, from 10 to 13 September 2023, emphasized the importance of active participation in the electoral process.

This event underscores the embassy’s proactive approach in facilitating overseas voting registration and providing support to the Filipino community abroad.

It serves as a testament to the embassy’s dedication to ensuring that overseas Filipinos have the necessary resources and information to exercise their right to vote and actively contribute to shaping the future of the Philippines.

With such initiatives, the Philippine Embassy in Russia is playing a pivotal role in preparing the Filipino community for the upcoming election, echoing the sentiments expressed in the enlightening video mentioned earlier.

Philippine (Midterm) Election – May 13, 2025

The 2025 Philippine Senate election is of immense significance as it approaches on May 13, with overseas voting accessible from April 13 to May 12.

This election, occurring every six years, marks its 35th iteration.

What sets it apart is the selection of 12 senators, following the same process as in 2019, who will serve until June 30, 2031, aligning with those chosen in 2022 who will serve until June 30, 2028, forming the Senate for the 20th Congress of the Philippines.

This election’s importance is further magnified as it coincides with other pivotal events reshaping the nation’s political landscape.

Citizens are growing increasingly enthusiastic about exercising their right to vote, recognizing its vital role in shaping the future leadership of the nation.

This election symbolizes a turning point in the country’s history, demanding active citizen participation in the democratic process and marking a defining chapter in its journey toward progress.

The significance of this election cannot be overstated.

It will profoundly shape the nation’s trajectory, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

As the election date draws near, the anticipation among citizens continues to grow, reinforcing the idea that every vote cast will contribute to the nation’s progress and the realization of its democratic ideals.

overseas voting registration in philippine elections

Qualifications / Eligibility

Becoming a registered voter for the May 2025 Philippine Senate Election entails meeting specific requirements and qualifications. These prerequisites are carefully designed to ensure that individuals participating in the democratic process are genuinely committed to shaping the nation’s future.

Citizenship Requirement: The fundamental requirement is citizenship. To be eligible, you must be a Filipino citizen. Citizenship can be acquired either by birthright or by following the necessary legal procedures. This stipulation emphasizes the significance of a profound connection to the Philippines when engaging in the electoral process.

Residency Status: Another critical factor is residency status. Eligible voters should either reside in another country or have concrete plans to be abroad during the 30-day voting period from April 13, 2025, to May 12, 2025. This ensures that overseas voters have a genuine connection to the Philippines and are actively involved in its affairs.

Age Criteria: Age is also a vital condition for eligibility. Voters must be at least 18 years old on May 12, 2025, which is Election Day. This requirement ensures that participants are of an age where they can make well-informed decisions that contribute to the nation’s progress.

However, it is equally important to be aware of the Important Disqualifications:

  1. Loss of Filipino Citizenship: If you have formally renounced your Filipino citizenship following Philippine laws, you are ineligible to vote. It is crucial to verify your citizenship status before attempting to participate.
  2. Pledging Loyalty to Another Country: Those who have publicly renounced their Filipino citizenship or sworn allegiance to another nation (except dual citizens under Republic Act 9225) cannot cast their votes. However, dual citizens still retain their voting rights.
  3. Criminal Conviction: If you have been convicted and served a minimum one-year prison sentence, you are disqualified from voting. Nevertheless, a full pardon or amnesty can reinstate your voting privileges, and you can regain your voting rights five years after completing your sentence.
  4. Declared as Mentally Incompetent: Anyone residing abroad who was previously declared mentally incapacitated or insane by a qualified authority is ineligible to vote. However, this disqualification can be reversed if the qualified authority later certifies your sanity or competence.

Understanding these requirements and disqualifications is pivotal in determining your eligibility for the upcoming election. Your vote holds significant influence over your homeland’s future, and every eligible Filipino abroad plays a vital role in this democratic process.

Your active participation is not to be underestimated. It carries substantial weight in shaping the nation’s destiny. Your vote is your means of self-expression and possesses the power to mold the Philippines’ future. Your contribution to this process is indispensable in bringing about meaningful change. Let your presence reverberate in this democratic journey with a resounding impact, and always bear in mind that your vote is your way of making a difference in the Philippines’ future direction. Your active participation holds substantial weight in influencing the nation’s destiny, so ensure that your voice carries significant influence! Your involvement is pivotal in charting the future path of the nation.

Requirements

Preparing Your Philippine Passport for International Travel

When embarking on your journey as an overseas Filipino voter, it’s crucial to ensure that your Philippine passport is ready for your global adventures.

  1. Verify Passport Expiry Date: First and foremost, check the expiration date on your passport to ensure it’s still valid for your upcoming travels.
  2. Duplicate Passport Pages for Added Security: Consider making copies of the essential sections of your passport that you’ll need during your travels. This extra precaution can provide added security.

Renewing Your Passport When Necessary

If you find that your passport is nearing its expiry date or has already expired, follow these steps for a seamless renewal process:

– Visit the Nearest Foreign Service Office: Head to the nearest foreign service office, where dedicated professionals will assist you with any passport-related concerns and guide you through the renewal process.

For Seafarers

If you are part of the esteemed seafaring community, remember to include these documents along with your passport or certification:

Seaman’s Book or Seafaring Documentation: Be sure to enclose a copy of your Seaman’s Book or any documentation confirming your seafaring status.

For Dual Citizenship Holders

If you possess dual citizenship, consider including these documents in addition to the ones mentioned in the previous steps:

Dual Citizenship Certificate or Order of Approval: Include both the original and a copy of your Dual Citizenship certificate or Order of Approval.

In-Person Visit is Mandatory

In most cases, an in-person visit is necessary for biometrics recording. This step is essential to ensure the security and accuracy of the overseas voting process.

Completing the Voting Form

To complete the voting process, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the COMELEC Website: Go to the COMELEC website and carefully fill out the Overseas Voting Form 1 (OVF 1).
  2. Refer to Virtual Frontline Services: If you have previously registered with biometric data, consult OFOV’s Virtual Frontline Services for comprehensive application instructions.

Transferring Your Registration

If you intend to transfer your registration to a different location within the Philippines, submit your application at the local Election Officer’s Office and adhere to the specific local voter registration procedures.

By diligently following these essential steps, you will be well-prepared to participate in the democratic process from anywhere in the world. Your voice carries significant importance, so seize this remarkable opportunity. Ensure that your passport is in order, and your overseas voting experience will be smooth and hassle-free. Remember, your involvement matters greatly in shaping the future of your homeland.

overseas voting for philippine elections

How to Register at the Philippine Embassy in Russia

Becoming an overseas voter and participating in the May 2025 Philippine Senate Election, even while residing in a foreign country like Russia, involves several crucial steps. These steps are vital to ensure your active involvement in shaping the future of the Philippines.

Step 1: Gathering Necessary Documents To begin your journey as an overseas voter, you must collect essential documents. The most critical among these is your Philippine passport, serving as your primary identification. If you don’t possess a Philippine passport, alternative options exist. You can obtain a letter from the Philippine Embassy/Consulate explaining your passport situation or ensure you have the original or a certified copy of the Approval Order or Identification Certificates if you’ve regained Filipino citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225. Seafarers should include a copy of their Sailor’s Book.

Step 2: Completing the Overseas Voter Form (OVF1) Next, you should obtain the Overseas Voter Form (OVF1), accessible from your local registration center or through online channels. Take your time to complete this form accurately and thoroughly.

Step 3: Submitting Your Documents Visit the registration center with your fully completed OVF1 and all the required documents. Before submission, carefully review your application to ensure its accuracy.

Step 4: Registration Timeline Keep in mind that the registration period for the May 2025 Philippine Senate Election has been extended from December 9, 2022, to September 30, 2024. Registering within this designated period is crucial to secure your voting privilege.

Step 5: Document Evaluation Officials will conduct a comprehensive examination of your documents and details to verify your eligibility for overseas voting. This step ensures the fairness and accuracy of the voting process.

Step 6: Awaiting Confirmation Following a thorough assessment, you will receive confirmation of your status as a registered overseas voter. This confirmation signifies your readiness to participate in the upcoming election.

By diligently following these steps, you can actively engage in Philippine democracy, irrespective of your geographical location. Your vote carries significant weight and plays a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s future. It offers you a means to make a lasting impact on history and contribute to positive change in the Philippines.

So, mark your calendar and become an integral part of the upcoming election! Your voice holds genuine significance in the pursuit of a better Philippines. Stay informed and engaged in the democratic process, as your involvement is of the utmost importance.

Video: Philippine Embassy in Russia Extends Consular Services and Overseas Voting Registration to Vladivostok Filipino Community

In this inspiring video, join the Philippine Embassy in Russia as they embark on a remarkable journey to Vladivostok, traveling 6,400 kilometers and crossing seven time zones east of Moscow.

Witness their dedicated efforts to provide essential consular services and facilitate overseas voting registration for the vibrant Filipino community in the Russian Far East.

Discover the challenges they overcome and the impact they make in ensuring that Filipinos in this region have access to vital consular assistance and the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the future of the Philippines.

Be inspired by the Embassy’s commitment to serving their fellow Filipinos, even in the most distant corners of the world.

Don’t miss this captivating glimpse into the Embassy’s extraordinary mission to connect and empower the Filipino community in Russia.

Contact Information for the Philippine Embassy in Russia

Address: Karmanitskiy Pereulok, 6, Moscow, Russia, 119002
Telephone number: +74992410564
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: https://moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia

Google Map Location

Certified List of OFW Voters (CLOV) in Russia

Despite what the country and the region have experienced in the past, Filipinos in Russia are eager to participate in the upcoming Philippine elections. To check your eligibility, search for your name on the certified list of OFWs voters (CLOV) on the Philippine Foreign Post’s website. The Philippine Embassy in Russia will make the voters’ list available to our kababayans as the Philippines prepares for the elections.

In this election, the most recent list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) will be utilized. This document can be used to figure out how many overseas voters there are in the area. By participating in the upcoming COMELEC national elections, Filipinos in Russia can have a say in shaping the future of the Philippines and their status and welfare in the country.

The Philippine Embassy in Russia is taking proactive steps to ensure that Filipinos living in the country can exercise their democratic rights, particularly with the establishment of the Resident Election Registration Board.

This board is responsible for hearing applications for overseas voting registration filed from July 1 to September 30, 2023, in preparation for the upcoming midterm elections on May 12, 2025.

Such a focused effort on voting registration is highly beneficial for Filipinos in Russia.

It offers a structured process that makes it easier for them to register and, subsequently, to vote, thereby increasing political participation among overseas Filipinos.

This initiative also serves as a timely reminder for those who may not be aware of the election schedules, ensuring that they don’t miss out on having their voices heard in matters that significantly affect them and their home country.

Therefore, the embassy’s preparations greatly contribute to fostering a more robust democratic engagement among Filipinos in Russia.

List of Registered Overseas Filipino Voters in Russia

Philippine diplomatic missions may be able to assist overseas Filipinos who have registered to vote in the elections. Citizens will be guided on how to vote in the next elections by officials from the Philippine embassy. Make sure your name is on the country’s certified list of OFW voters (CLOV) before participating in the Philippine national elections from Russia.

The Philippine embassy can provide you with the most up-to-date information and assistance on national elections and abroad voting in your host country by visiting their website or calling their office.

As of the writing of this article, the Philippine Embassy in this region has NOT yet published the updated CLOV for the forthcoming 2025 elections. Keep an eye out for additional updates, whether from the Philippine Embassy or this blog, as we will disseminate all relevant information once it becomes public.

If you are a Filipino resident in Russia and need assistance with the overseas voting procedure or validating your information on the CLOV, please contact the country’s foreign post. Despite its enormity, the list is structured alphabetically to make it easier to navigate. Officials from the COMELEC may also add comments or remarks to the list. Use the quick shortcut offered in the following section to validate your voter’s data from the list.

Tip: To prevent having to navigate through a long list of names, use CTRL + F. On the file, there will be a search box where you may type your last name to see if your information is included. Because the document is case-sensitive, double-check that your name is spelled correctly and that the field is clear of any unnecessary spaces or characters.

How to Find Your Name in the List of Absentee Voters in Russia

  1. Visit the website where the Philippine Embassy in Russia has displayed the Certified List of OFW Voters (CLOV). The list is sorted alphabetically by last names for easy navigation.
  2. Locate the PDF file that matches the first letter of your last name and click to open it. The list is segmented into various PDFs, each one dedicated to a particular range of last names in alphabetical order.
  3. Thoroughly review the list to find your name. If you discover it, that’s excellent news! You are qualified to vote in the forthcoming elections.
  • If your name appears on the list, this confirms that you’ve successfully registered for overseas voting and are eligible to participate in the important decisions of the upcoming COMELEC national elections.
  • If your name is not on the list, don’t be discouraged! This simply means you won’t be participating in this election cycle. However, you can prepare for future elections.

How to Vote in Philippine Elections at the Philippine Embassy in Russia

Step 1: Confirm Your Right to Vote

First, ensure your name is listed on The Philippine Embassy in Russia’s Certified List of Overseas Voters. This confirms your voting eligibility.

Step 2: Show Valid ID

Approach the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI) and present a valid form of identification, such as your passport, to verify your identity.

Step 3: Acquire Your Ballot

Upon verification, sign the voter register and collect your voting ballot. Inspect it for any signs of damage or marking.

Step 4: Enter the Voting Zone

Move to the assigned voting space. The SBEI will provide you with a folder and a pen to maintain the confidentiality of your vote.

Step 5: Complete the Ballot

Carefully adhere to the guidelines to fill out your ballot without any extra markings or mistakes.

Step 6: Make Thoughtful Choices

You may select one President, one Vice President, a maximum of twelve Senators, and one Party List. Be cautious not to overvote.

Step 7: Hand in Your Filled Ballot

Go back to the SBEI and insert your completed ballot into the Vote Counting Machine (VCM).

Step 8: Wait for Receipt

Stand by as your voter’s receipt is being printed. Do not pull it out yourself; it serves as evidence of your vote.

Step 9: Verify Your Choices

Examine your voter’s receipt to ensure that all your selections have been correctly documented.

Step 10: Dispose of the Receipt

If everything is accurate, place your voter’s receipt in the designated box for Voter’s Receipts. Remember, taking pictures or making copies is not allowed.

Step 11: Report Any Issues

If you find any discrepancies, inform the SBEI immediately. However, be aware that making false allegations is prohibited.

Step 12: Leave the Voting Location

Well done! You’ve successfully cast your vote at the Philippine Embassy in Russia. Thank you for participating in this vital democratic activity.

Contact Information of the Philippine Embassy in Russia

Address: Karmanitsky Pereulok, 6/8, Moscow, Russia
Telephone: +74992410564
Office Hours: Weekdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: https://www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/PHLinRussia

Google Map Location

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