The Philippine embassy in Brussels stressed the importance of the overseas absentee voting (OAV) in preparation for the 2010 presidential elections.

“Importante po ito. Gusto sana lahat ng mga qualified na boboto makapag-register para makaboto rin itong mga Pilipino na nandito sa Belgium at Luxembourg. Ito po ay para sa presidential election ng 2010. It is important for all of us to be able to participate. If we would like to elect good leaders for the Philippines, kailangang-kailangan naming ang inyong boto at kailangan na bumoto kayo wisely as they say”, said Ambassador Cristina Ortega.

Ortega also maintained that the country’s progress shall rely on Pinoy votes.

“Kung gusto natin na magkaroon uli ng progreso ang Pilipinas, kailangan natin lahat na maging involved at tinatawagan ko kayong lahat na bumoto”, Ortega said.

The OAV started last February 1 and shall last until August 31, 2009. The embassy will be open for registration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eligible to register

The embassy emphasized that all overseas-based Pinoys who are at least 18 years old and who remain Filipino citizens can register for OAV. They only have to present their valid Philippine passport. Dual citizenship immigrants may also participate but they need to present the order of approval and identification certificates issued by the Philippine consulate.

For seafarers, they are required to submit a photocopy of Seaman’s Book or a proof of being seafarer.

Outreach program

Meanwhile, Ambassador Ortega shared with ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau that the embassy staff shall conduct outreach programs in Luxembourg, Antwerp, Ghent, Oostende, and other provinces of Belgium.

This is to advise and help Filipinos with their passports and give visas to Belgians who wish to visit the Philippines. Pinoys who live in the said areas may take the opportunity to register for OAV.

Consular officers shall also be visible in port areas for Akyat Barko program. This is to encourage seafarers to register and inform them of their right to vote in whichever country they may be at the time of elections.