Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When is the 2016 Philippine national elections?
The 2016 Philippine national elections is on 09 May.
2. How will I know if I can vote during the elections?
Check if your name is included in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV). The link is found on the Embassy website at http://bernepe.dfa.gov.ph/
3. What positions can I vote for during the elections?
Certified overseas Filipino voters can vote for the president, vice president, party list candidate, and senators.
4. Can I vote even without a voter’s ID?
Yes, you can vote during the elections provided your name is in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV). Please refer to the Embassy website for the list.
5. How come I have not received my ballot?
You will receive your ballot before the start of postal voting on 09 April 2016.
6. Why did I receive a ballot when I did not register?
You will only receive a ballot when you are a registered overseas Filipino voter. You might not have registered during the registration period this year but you must have registered as overseas Filipino voter during the registration period of the previous elections. Hence, you received a ballot.
7. Where can I get information about the candidates for the elections?
You may search the Internet for information on the candidates. Should you wish to listen to their position/s on issues, you may watch or listen to the debates, the schedule of which are as follow:
Second Presidential Debate - 20 March 2016 – 5:00 p.m. Philippine time
Vice Presidential Debate - 10 April 2016 – 5:000 p.m. Philippine time
Third Presidential Debate - 24 April 2016 – 5:00 p.m. Philippine time
8. What will I do when I receive the COMELEC letter?
The letter from the COMELEC contains your ballot, the list of candidates and the instruction for voting. After reading the instructions and filling in the ballot, you can send the latter to the Embassy.
9. When can I cast my vote/send my ballot?
You can cast your vote anytime from 09 April 2016 from 8 a.m. local time to 09 May 2016 11 a.m. local time. You may cast your vote either in person (by bringing your ballot to the Embassy) or by post. Ballots sent by post have to be received by the Embassy by 09 May 2016 at 11 a.m.
10. Can I watch the counting of ballots during the elections?
Yes, you can witness the counting of ballots at the Embassy during the elections. The counting is open to the public.
