Comelec sets up OFW registration center at POEA

MANILA, Philippines - Instead of having to register for absentee voting at consulates in their host countries, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) now have the option to register before leaving abroad. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) encouraged OFWs Thursday to register as Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV) at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). An article on the Comelec blog site said the Comelec will accept applications for OAV registration at POEA until Aug. 31. Election Officer Ma. Bernadette Llamas said OFW applicants need only bring their passports or seaman’s books when they register. The Comelec cited the case of flight attendant Beverly Anne Dungo, 24, who processed her papers Tuesday inside the POEA building. Dungo, who will be leaving for the Middle East to work as a flight attendant, said she grabbed the opportunity to apply for OAV registration at the POEA. “Since andito naman na ako sa POEA, nagpa-register na rin ako [Since I'm already here at POEA, I might as well register]," Dungo said. Another OFW, Deana de Castro, applied for OAV registration while waiting for her number to be called at the POEA’s “Balik Manggagawa Center." De Castro was processing her overseas employment certificate at the POEA as she will be leaving for Rome, Italy on Saturday. “Maganda na may registration na dito sa POEA. Hindi na mahihirapan ang mga OFW kung gusto nilang magparehistro at bumoto [It is good the POEA allows registration here. OFWs will be saved the hassle]," she said. - GMANews.TV