Fil-Ams urged to register for 2013 polls

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco advised qualified Filipino voters abroad to comply with the “The Voters Registration Act of 1996” and file their applications for registration or certification for the May 2013 elections.

Under Republic Act No. 9189, or the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, “all citizens of the Philippines abroad, not otherwise disqualified by law, at least (18) years of age on the day of the election, and who are registered overseas absentee voters with approved application to vote in absentia, may vote for senators and party-list representatives.”

Filipino citizens abroad may file their applications for registration/certification and transfer of registration at the Post or other designated registration areas from October 13, 2011 to October 13, 2012.

The 30-day voting period for the May 2013 elections will start on April 13, 2013 until 3 p.m. (Philippine time) of May 13, 2013. Filipinos may vote at all Philippine embassies and consulates.

For details, Filipinos may visit www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or contact Vice Consul Leah Victoria C. Rodriguez at telephone number 415-433-6666 ext. 320 or [email protected]. Fatima Reyes, contributor