12 April 2016 – The Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs-Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) that it has officially received 676 ballot envelopes intended for the 2016 Philippine Presidential Elections on April 09, the first day of the overseas voting period.

From April 09 to May 09, a total of 4,971 certified Filipino overseas voters (not counting seafarers) in Germany are given the opportunity to cast their vote by mail at the Philippine Embassy in Berlin. As of April 08, the Embassy has re-sent 360 Commission on Elections (COMELEC) mailing packets to Filipino voters residing in Germany.

The Philippine Embassy has conveyed – through email and various social media platforms – the information to Filipino overseas voters to exercise their right to vote, and to inform those who do not have their COMELEC mailing packets to check with the Philippine Embassy in case that it was delivered to the premises of the chancery by Deutsche Post.

Philippine Ambassador to Germany Melita Sta. Maria-Thomeczek encouraged all registered Filipino voters to mail their ballot envelopes or hand-deliver them to the Embassy at the soonest possible time to ensure their votes are counted.

Filipino voters who have not received their ballots may check the list posted at the Embassy website for names of those whose mailing packets are now with the Philippine Embassy. The list will constantly be updated every week, to take into account the COMELEC mailing packets that were undelivered by Deutsche Post.  For those whose names appear on the list, they may send their correct address and contact details through email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (attention to Consul Catherine Torres) or via SMS to the Embassy duty phone mobile no. +49 173 5215 703. END