2022 Philippine presidential and local elections

Elections are often one of the most important events almost everywhere in the world. The Republic of the Philippines will have theirs in May next year, with national presidential and local elections at the level of smaller municipalities. There is a precise procedure for the possibility of passive participation in elections from abroad.

The presidential and local elections are held in the Philippines on May 9, 2022. In order for a Filipino citizen to be able to participate in the election, it is necessary to register for this opportunity no later than at September 30, 2021, when the deadline for these requirements ends. It is also necessary for the Philippine citizen to be eighteen years old at the latest on the election day, a resident of the Philippines who has resided for at least one year here and has been a resident of the place where he or she intends to vote for at least half a year.

Registration cannot be done online, the voter must first fill in the OVF1 form, which can be filled in either by his or her own hand or by means of the iRehistro website. Subsequently, the voter will come in person at the Philippine embassy or consulate, where biometric data will be collected. For this visit, you need to bring printed application documents, a photocopy of a valid passport and other proof of Philippine citizenship. In the case of seamen, a photocopy of the seaman’s book or similar relevant document is required. The next steps include a decision by the Council to register the elections at the next scheduled Council meeting. If the Filipino registered for the elections back in 2019, there is no need to re-register for these purposes; all you have to do is have an online verification that you are a previously registered voter.

If you have any questions, please contact the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines at praguepe.consular@dfa.gov.ph.