Embassies told to estimate cost of absentee voting

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has instructed Philippine embassies and consulates abroad to submit cost estimates on facilities and resources to be utilized for the implementation of the proposed absentee voting law.

Merlin Magallona, undersecretary for migrant workers’ affairs, said the proposed law will not require the nearly eight million overseas Filipinos to pay for any consular services when they register and vote as absentee voters.

Magallona earlier admitted that the DFA was not prepared to carry out the measure in the 2004 elections because of lack of resources and insufficient funds.

Under the measure, absentee voters will vote for candidates running for national elective positions.

The DFA, Magallona said, will have to share part of the burden of implementing the proposed law once it is enacted. — Pia Lee-Brago