Resolution No. 9903

WHEREAS, Section 28 or R.A. 10590 authorizes the Commission to explore other modes or systems using the Automated Election System, whether paper-based, electronic-based or internet-based technology or such other latest technology available, for onsite and remote registration and elections."

WHEREAS, the Commission has launched in the selected Offices of the Election Officers in the Philippines the iRehistro Project which provides an online accomplishment of application for registration or transfer using the COMELEC website.

WHEREAS, the iRegistro Project will provide the applicants the flexibility to schedule their time to register, lessen the Post's encoding workloads and minimize the queuing of registrants inside the Post's premises.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in it by the constitution, the Omnibus Election Code, Republic Act No. 9189 as amended and other related election laws, the Commission on Elections RESOLVED, as it hereby RESOLVES, to adopt the iRehistro Project for purposes of the overseas voting subject to the following guidelines:

Section. 1. Who may avail. - All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of elections.

Sec. 2. Pilot testing and authority to implement the iRehistro Project. - The iRehistro Project shall be implemented initially at the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, Spain. It shall commence on November 3, 2014 to cover both the sea-based and land-based applicants in the said Post.

Within Thirty (30) days from its initial implementation, the Philippne Embassy in Madrid, Spain shall submit to the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV), through the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS), its report and recommendation on the viability to continue the implementation of the project.

On the basis of the Post's requests, subject to the favorable recommendation of the DFA-OVS, the Commission may authorize the adoption of the iRehistro Project in the other Posts.

Sec. 3. How to accomplish the form. - the applicant shall:

1. Access www.irehistro.com or www.comelec.gov.ph;
2. Select type of application from the list;
3. Fill-up the application form;
4. Select the preferred appointment date and time for biometrics capturing;
5. Submit electronically the form and print.
6. On the scheduled date and time of appointment, the applicant shall go to the Post and bring the following:

1. Accomplished form;
2. Valid Philippine passport or in the absence of a valid passport, the DFA may certify that it has reviewed the appropriate document submitted by the applicant and found them sufficient to warrant the issuance of a passport, or that the applicant is a holder of a valid passport but is unable to produce the same for a valid reason. In addition;
3. In case of a seafarer, a photocopy of his Seaman's Book or any other pertinent document; or
4. In case of a dual citizen, the original or certified true copy of the Order of Approval of his application to retain or reacquire his Filipino citizenship or Oath of Allegiance issued by the Post or the Bureau of Immigration.

7. Submit the accomplished form to the VRM Operator;
8. Sign the accomplished form in the presence of the Post's representative;
9. Submit to biometrics capturing.

Sec. 4. Failure to print/bring the accomplished form during the scheduled date for capturing of biometrics. - In case an applicant fails to bring a printout of the accomplished Online Application form (OAF) during his/her appointed schedule for biometrics capture, the VRM Operator may retrieve the OAF record for the applicant who shall provide the OAF Reference Number. The VRM Operator shall then print the form for the applicant accordingly.

However, to save on resources at the Post, it is advisable to require the applicant to print the accomplished OAF before coming to the Post for biometrics capture.

The VRM Operator shall request the applicant to sign the form in his presence and then capture the biometrics.

Sec. 5. How to retrieve the records of applicant. - on a daily basis, the VRM Operator of the Post shall:

1. Retrieve the records of iRehistro applicant from the Internal Website of the COMELEC (See attachment "A");
2. Copy the retrieved records to the VRM assigned for the purpose;
3. Using the voters Search Application, verify the status of applicant's registration. If applicants is already registered overseas voter in the Post, e-mail the applicant that he need not register anew. If already registered overseas voter in another Post, check if the applicant submitted the correct form. If not, email the applicant to submit the correct form.
4. Using the Overseas Form System application (See attachment "B"), locate and transfer the retrieved correct records of the applicant to the VRS
5. Access the applicants records in the VRS;
6. Capture the applicant's biometrics.

Sec. 6. Procedural and technical assistance. - The OFOV and the Information Technology Department (ITD), through the DFA-OVS, shall oversee the implementation of the iRehistro project and designate a team who shall specifically address the procedural issues and assist on the technical requirement that may be raised by the Posts.

Sec. 7. Applicability of other election laws. - The pertinent provisions of the Omnibus Election Code, as amended and other election laws, which are not in conflict with the provisions of the Overseas Voting Act of 2003 as amended and COMELEC Resolution 9843 shall remain in full force, and shall have suppletory application to the Rules.

Sec. 8. Enforcement and administration by the Commission. - the Commission shall, for the purpose of ensuring honest, orderly, peaceful and free elections abroad, have exclusive charge of the enforcement, administration and implementation of the Overseas Voting Act of 2003 as amended.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - These Rules shall take effect immediately after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines.

Sec. 10. Dissemination. - The Education and Information Department of the Commission shall cause the publication and widest dissemination of these Rules and furnish copies hereof to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Transportation and Communication, Philippine Postal Corporation, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Commission on Filipino Overseas, and Maritime Industry Authority.

SO ORDERED.