The 2022 Philippine National Elections will be held between April 10 and May 9, 2022. Having said that, Filipinos residing in Japan can vote promptly and safely in the next elections by checking their identities against the list of certified overseas voters at the Philippine mission. With this in mind, it is vital that registered overseas Filipinos understand the processes and conditions for voting in the next elections in their respective countries.
Also Read: Official List of Certified Filipino Voters in Japan for 2022 National Elections
However, keep in mind that this may differ from one location to another, so make sure you follow your respective foreign post’s guidelines. Before proceeding with the overseas voting procedure, overseas voters in Japan are asked to double-check their information on the Philippine Embassy’s website. To begin, read this guide to learn the step-by-step approach for a seamless and trouble-free overseas voting experience from Japan.
Voting Guidelines in Japan for the 2022 Philippine Elections
Filipinos who are registered voters in Japan may now vote fast and securely. After validating their name on the country’s list of certified overseas voters (CLOV), the next step is to schedule a visit for the overseas voting procedure at the Philippine foreign post between April 10 and May 9.
Of course, no one enjoys spending a long time in line or having their plans disturbed on any given day. As a result, it is beneficial for overseas Filipino workers and residents of Japan to plan their schedules for the overseas voting session. Here’s how to get started.
Step by Step Procedure of Voting as a Filipino in Japan
Step 1 – Check if your name is on the list of registered voters in Japan here.
The list of certified overseas voters (CLOV) has been made public by the Philippine Missions in Japan 120 days before the election season begins. The list should include the names of registered voters. Those who do not comply will be barred from voting in the said elections.
Step 2 – Vote wisely.
At this stage, you should know who to vote for, including the candidates’ career histories and political backgrounds, as well as their ideas on employment, health care, overseas workers, and immigration, to mention a few.
Step 3 – Cast your ballot in the vote-counting machine or VCM (formerly known as the PCOS machine).
This will allow for a faster review and recording of the votes. Also, ensure that you have shaded all relevant portions of the ballot so that you do not overlook any names for whom you wish to vote.
Step 4 – Get the indelible ink marked on your index finger.
This will act as documentation that you voted earlier when you depart the embassy. That’s it! You may now leave the poll to go home, work, spend the day with your friends, or to unwind alone.
Overseas Filipino Voting Schedule in Japan
The voting period for the overseas elections is from 8 a.m. local time to 7 p.m. Philippine time on April 10, 2022 to May 9, 2022.
During this period, walk-ins are welcome at the embassy. You must, however, authenticate your details on-site to guarantee that you are qualified to vote in the ongoing overseas absentee voting.
Video: HALINA’T BUMOTO!
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has released a video about the overseas elections. More information on the procedure for voting from abroad may be found here.
To fulfill their right and commitment to the country as Filipino citizens, every OFW and Filipino immigrant in Japan must vote overseas.
All Filipinos, no matter where they are in the world, must educate themselves on what to do and anticipate on Election Day.
Overseas Filipinos have a whole month to vote. This should be ample time for people to prepare and conduct study on who they should vote for as the country’s next leader. Once they’ve made their decision, representatives from the Philippine Embassy in Japan will work with them to ensure they vote correctly and consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to be able to vote in the 2022 National Elections?
During the voting season, Filipino citizens must carry their original passports or mariners’ books to the polls. Residents with dual citizenship must also provide their ID card or authorization document in order to vote.
How do I know if I am a registered voter in Japan?
The list of Filipino voters in Japan, as well as the list of seafarers, are available on the website of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) or at the Philippine Embassy in Japan. In the 2022 elections, only registered voters will be able to vote.
How does COMELEC decide on which voter records to deactivate?
The records of voters who did not vote in at least two elections were deactivated by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
When can applicants collect their Voter ID?
The Commission on Elections has suspended the distribution and production of voter id cards across the country due to the implementation of Republic Act 11055, or the National ID System.
The Philippine Statistics Authority is at work to implement the National ID system in the country. It is slated for implementation in all foreign service posts by 2022.
Where can I find important information and updates on overseas voting?
Filipinos in Japan are encouraged to remain up to date on election news by following the Philippine Embassy’s various social media platforms.
Summary
The Philippine Embassy in Japan wishes to make the overseas voting process as simple and convenient as possible for all Filipinos living in the country. Having said that, they advise Filipinos in the nation to verify the list of overseas voters (CLOV) before visiting the embassy to vote on April 10.
With the information provided in this article, overseas Filipinos, wherever they may be in the world, would enjoy trouble-free elections this year. Also, keep in mind that the overseas absentee voting takes place ahead of (a month before) the national elections in the home country, so please spread this information to your friends, coworkers, and family members in Japan who might need this.
Contact Information
Embassy of the Philippines in Japan
Address: 5-15-5 Roppongi Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8537
Office Hours: 0900H to 1800H Monday to Friday
Fax: (03) 5562-1603
Embassy Telephone Number: (03) 5562-1600 If you know the extension number of the person you are calling, at the voice prompt dial 8 + the local number + # + 0
Email: consular@philembassy.net
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Consulate-General of Philippines in Osaka
ADDRESS: Twin21 MID Tower 2-1-61 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-6124, Japan
PHONE LOCAL: (06) 6910.7892
INTERNATIONAL: +81.6.6910.7892
FAX LOCAL: (06) 6910.8750
INTERNATIONAL: +81.6.6910.8750
EMAIL: pc.osaka@dfa.gov.ph
Google Map Location