9 June 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Berlin reported that it has registered close to 100 new voters since the announcement of the start of the overseas voters registration last May 6.
Filipinos young and old took time to register at the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, and some of them shared their thoughts on being a registered overseas voter.
Accompanying his five children, Rev. Fr. Dennis G. Santiago of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Charismatic Episcopal Church in Berlin, felt proud knowing that his children abroad can now exercise their fundamental right to vote. As a parent, Mr. Santiago said it is his “duty to instill in my children awareness not only of our culture but also of the socio- economic and political situation of our country. Since several (of my children) chose to remain Filipinos, I might as well encourage them to take part in finding a solution to the many problems besetting our nation and I think exercising their right of suffrage is a good start.”
The same sense of civic duty was also in the mind of Mrs. Carmelita Benz. Speaking in Tagalog, she narrated, “Pilipino naman tayo. Obligasyon yan. Natuwa ako na puede naman pala ako bumoto sa Germany basta mag-register na muna sa Embassy. Pero sino-sino naman ba ng mga kandidato? (We are Filipinos. It is an obligation to vote. I am happy that I can vote even if I am in Germany after registering with the Embassy. But who are the candidates for the elections?)”
The oldest Filipino who has so far registered was 81-year old Mrs. Lucila Ybanez Alaan, a native of Southern Leyte. She was petitioned by her daughter Rosalinda to come to Germany in 1986. For Mrs. Alaan, Filipinos abroad should have the chance to vote for leaders in the Philippines as it will be for the benefit of the country’s economy. When asked who her ideal candidate is, she said that she would vote “for people who have a plan to take care of teachers and senior citizens.”
Davao-born Elena Languido-Germann, who came to the Embassy to apply for a passport, was pleasantly surprised to learn that she could now register as an overseas voter. Talking in Bisaya, “Walay nagsulti nga pwede diay. Nalipay ako na naka-rehistro ako sa Embassy. (No one told me earlier that it was possible and I am happy to register now at the Embassy).” Mrs. Monica Bender, who has been in Germany for eighteen years, said the idea of being able to vote once again fills her with excitement. Explaining in Bisaya, “Gusto ko magbuto nalipay ko nga moabot ang balota. (I really wanted to cast my vote and now I am so happy my ballot is coming.)”
To raise awareness of the overseas voters registration, the Philippine Embassy participated in the Plenary Council Meeting of the Philippine Catholic Community in Berlin held in Bayernallee on June 1. Leaders of twenty eight Filipino community organizations based in Berlin offered their help to spread the news of the overseas voters registration.
The Philippine Embassy in Berlin is encouraging all Filipino citizens who will be at least 18 years old by 9 May 2016, and who have not yet registered for voting abroad, to register. Those who have already registered with the Embassy, but have changed their address since the time they registered, must also inform the Embassy of their new addresses. The Embassy may be reached through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions regarding the voting registration. END