QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10590)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10590 is "The Overseas Voting Act of 2013."
All citizens of the Philippines abroad, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of elections, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, may vote for President, Vice-President, Senators, Party-List Representatives, and in all national referenda and plebiscites.
Disqualifications include those who have lost Filipino citizenship, those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship (unless they reacquired it under Republic Act No. 9225), those convicted of an offense punishable by imprisonment of at least one (1) year (unless five years have lapsed after sentence served), and any citizen declared insane or incompetent by competent authorities unless certified otherwise.
The RERB acts on registration applications for overseas voters, posts applicant names and hearing dates, notifies political parties of pending cases, deactivates voter registrations when necessary, and performs other related duties consistent with its functions under the Act.
Registration and certification must be done in person at any Philippine post abroad, designated registration centers outside the post, or registration centers in the Philippines approved by the Commission. Applicants must submit to live biometric capture and present required documents, such as a valid Philippine passport.
Voting may be done personally, by mail, or by any other means as determined by the Commission. The mode of voting per country/post will be announced at least one hundred twenty (120) days before the start of the voting period.
Prohibited acts include influencing voters improperly, providing false information for registration or voting, tampering with ballots or election materials, campaigning for candidates after being deputized, engaging in partisan political activity abroad during the voting period, and participation of non-Filipinos in the Philippine political process abroad, among others.
Penalties include the imposition of those under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code. For serious offenses like tampering with ballots, the penalty is prision mayor in its minimum period without benefits. Public officers or candidates found guilty may face maximum penalties plus perpetual disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right to vote.
The Commission ensures all stages of the electoral process preserve ballot secrecy and integrity. Representation of candidates, political parties, citizen's arms, and NGOs is allowed for transparency. Transfers and movements of foreign service officers are regulated to maintain continuity. A Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group handles ballots securely at each post.
The NROV is a consolidated list maintained by the Commission containing names of registered overseas voters and their respective posts. It helps in managing overseas voter registration records, deactivations, reactivations, and cancellations, facilitating the election process for overseas Filipinos.