OVERSEES ABSENTEE VOTING (OAV)

PRESS RELEASE- GFN 1-01-14-2010 Global Filipinos hopeful about extended voters' registration Global Filipino Nation filed a request with Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for a special two-day registration period of Overseas Absentee Voters (OAV). The filing was done in collaboration with National Federation of Filipino American Associates (NAFAA) together with a long list of Overseas Filipinos desirous of registering as first time voters. NAFAA filed a parallel petition with COMELEC. The clamor originated from GFN Overseas Absentee Voters Lead coordinators (harvesters) all over the world who claimed that regular registration period for elections 2010 was too short for first time Filipino voters residing abroad because the consular offices where located far from their workplace and residences. Others complained that the consulates were closed during the weekends. Mobile registrations were limited also in some countries only. Atty. Eduardo de los Angeles of the Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & Delos Angeles Law Office filed the request last January 8, 2010 for GFN. Atty. de los Angeles is Senior Partner and former Dean of the Ateneo de Manila Law School and has personally committed himself to the assist Global Filipinos in building good governance. Upon checking with COMELEC Commissioner Melo and Commissioner Velasco's offices, GFN secretariat was informed that they met en banc last Monday January 11, 2010. However, there is no approval yet since it is only on the 1st hearing stage. There is no schedule for the 2nd hearing as of today. GFN lead coordinators/harvesters located in 26 countries and in collaboration with NAFAA assert the right to vote as Overseas Filipinos this 2010 elections. It is a fundamental right imbedded in the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives". Overseas Filipinos contribute to the country’s development and economic sustainability. Global Filipinos assert the right to participate in the Elections 2010 to effect the changes needed in the building of good governance in the homeland. CONNIE GOMEZ VALDES Deputy Executive Director GLOBAL FILIPINO NATION GFN 0632 7261697/09175281323 Off. Add 2240 Chino Roces Bgy Bangkal Makati City Metro Manila Philippine