Continuous registration set for overseas Filipino voters

Overseas Filipino voters had been guaranteed continuous registration with the collaboration of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

This came following the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the two government entities, which aims to establish several registration centers for overseas voters, as part of the preparations for the May 2025 national and local elections.

Officials from both the Comelec and MARINA, along with other government agencies that include the Department of Migrant Workers and the Department of Foreign Affairs, signed the MOA.

"Consistent with the principle of leaving no one behind, the MARINA remains a strong partner of Comelec in promoting the continuing registration for qualified overseas Filipino seafarers through the Comelec-MARINA Registration Centers for Overseas Voters," said MARINA Deputy Administrator for Operations Nannette V. Dinopol, in a statement.

With this partnership, the two organizations hope to ensure that every eligible Filipino voter can exercise their right to suffrage.

"We definitely have one aim or hope in mind — that is, they (overseas voters) will be able to exercise their right to suffrage come the 2025 National and Local Elections wherever they may be or whatever seas their ships may sail, their votes will be counted," added Dinopol.

With this, qualified overseas Filipino voters are guaranteed continuous registration until September 30, 2024.

The Registration Centers are expected to operate from the signing of the agreement the other day until September 30, 2024, and will operate from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.