Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) looking to transfer their voter registration records locally only have until August 31 to do so, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said.
In Resolution No. 10677, the Comelec said applications for transfer of registration records from overseas posts to the Philippines is from Sept. 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
"We've been having a very intensive campaign among OFWs asking them to transfer their registration (locally) because their deadline is August 31," Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the online forum of ABS CBN on Thursday, August 26.
He said this is also the reason why local field registration centers of the poll body in Metro Manila are open despite the prevailing modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
"Our Comelec office in Intramuros is open even with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and MECQ to accommodate those who will apply for transfer," said Jimenez.
Aside from the Comelec office in Intramuros, other local field registration centers for overseas voters that are open are the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)-Aseana Building at the Aseana Business Park in Parañaque City; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Building in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City; Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) - SM Manila Satellite Office in Manila; DFA Satellite Office in SM Manila in Manila; and DFA Satellite Office in Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City.
Jimenez, however, stressed that those looking to register as overseas voters have until Sept. 30, 2021 to apply.
"If they will get registered for the first time, they can visit the Philippine embassies and consulates to get registered," he said.
The government brought home thousands of OFWs due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.