When a natural-born Filipino retains or reacquires their citizenship after being naturalized in another country, they are privileged with the right to vote in national and local elections again. 

Data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) show that, as of 2018, more than 150,000 had applied for dual citizenship with the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Are you interested in voting as a dual citizen? Here’s some things you should know.

What are the registration requirements?

If you plan to vote in the Philippines, you will go through the same registration process as other Filipinos in the country, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez.

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If you’re voting overseas, you’ll need to present an original or certified true copy of:

• An Order of Approval to retain or reacquire Filipino citizenship issued by the Philippine post abroad
• Or, an Identification Certificate issued by the Philippine post abroad or the BI

If you’ve secured one of these, you’ll need to accomplish an application form called OVF No. 1. The PDF from Comelec’s website can be found here. Physical copies can also be found at the posts abroad. You can also fill up the form online using iRehistro.

What would disqualify me?

Dual citizens of the Philippines can vote, subject to other eligibility requirements. Even if you secured dual citizenship, you can’t vote if you:

• Were convicted in a final judgment by a court or tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year
• Were previously declared insane or incompetent by competent authority in the Philippines or abroad

Where and until when can I register?

You have until September 30, 2021, to register to vote for the 2022 polls. Registration is done in Philippine embassies, consulates, and designated registration centers abroad, or local Comelec offices for those voting in the Philippines. 

The Comelec website has the full list of posts and their respective countries or territories. 

For more information on how to register to vote overseas, read Rappler’s guide here:

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– Rappler.com

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