BALITANG KONSULADO
Opisyal na Lathalain ng Konsulado Panlahat ng Pilipinas sa Hong Kong
Vol. IV No. 4
Sixty Years Of Filipino Musicians In Hong Kong
A major concert honoring
the contributions and
achievements of Filipino
musicians in Hong Kong for
the last 60 years was held on
20 November 2005 with
President Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo as a surprise guest.
Dubbed “A Tribute to Fili-
pino Musicians in Hong
Kong: Six Decades of Music
and Entertainment,” the
concert featured Filipino
bands and musicians, some
in their ‘70s and ‘80s, in an
emotional reunion of senior
and popular artists during
the five-hour show at the
H o n g K o n g C u l t u ra l
Centre’s Piazza.
The musicians, performers
and honorees were surprised
and turned teary-eyed when
President Arroyo made an
unannounced appearance at
Consul General Corazon Belmonte-Jover: Foreign
service can never be boring, always challenging
S h e
joined
t h e
for-
eign
ser-
vice
to see
his-
tory
ConGen Belmonter-Jover i
n “It’s a great adventure.
t h e
making, see people making
history, and make history
happen.
Consul General Corazon
Belmonte-Jover has
accomplished this
challenging goal after 30
the stage to personally greet
them and thank the Hong
Kong government for
recognizing the talent of
Filipino musicians.
The core group who
co-organized the event said
that it was the first time a
President greeted the annual
concert.
The President likewise
viewed the photo exhibition
recounting the experiences
of the Filipino musicians in
Hong Kong from the 1940s
up to the present. After the
concert, the photo exhibition
was transferred to the
Philippine Consulate
General’s premises.
This year’s concert involved
the active cooperation of
Filipino musicians in Hong
years in foreign service.
She has witnessed historical
events unfolding in the many
countries she has directly
served – Philippines,
Mala ys ia, Ca mbodi a,
Singapore, London,
Moscow, Vietnam, Hong
Kong and Macau.
Foreign service can never be
boring. Always challenging,
always something new,” she
adds with pride.
Jover joined the Department
of Foreign Affairs in 1975.
Her previous foreign service
assignments included Kuala
Honoring Filipino Musicians. PGMA pays tribute to Filipino Musicians
for their contributions to Hong Kong society for six decades
Kong with Mr. Nicki Flores,
Mr. Dodie Marcelo, Mr.
Alex Canda, Mr. Armando
Manlangit and Mr. Jun
Santiago composing the core
group.
The concert started with the
Pinoy Music Provider’s
opening salvo of popular
Lumpur as deputy Chief of
M i s s i on ( 19 9 5 -2 0 0 0) ,
Singapore as Minister
Counselor then Director of
the APEC Secretariat then as
Charge d/Affaires (1994-
1995), Moscow as First
Secretary and Consul then as
Minister Counselor (1986-
1988), London as second
Secretary and Consul then as
First Secretary and Consul.
Her first foreign posting as
Third Secretary and Vice
Consul (1977-1978) was in
Vietnam where she
established the Philippine
Embassy in Hanoi.
She will leave Hong Kong
DECEMBER 2005
DECEMBER 2005
tunes from the 1940s to the
1960s. Its guest performers,
Ms. Lita Carrillo wowed the
crowd with her jazz
rendition of the song “On a
Clear Day” while Mr. Berry
Yaneza, blowing the trumpet
at age 78, delighted the
crowd with his rendition of
(Continued on page 2)
on 15 January 2006 to
assume her new post as
Deputy Chief of Mission of
the Philippine Embassy in
Beijing, China.
“It was tough but very
challenging,” says Consul
General Jover of her
two-year stint as Consul
General of Hong Kong
Special Administrative
Region.
“The only thing I can hope
for is that all the projects,
activities and services that
all of us – the Philippine
Consulate, the bankers, the
(Continued on page 3)
BALITANG KONSULADO
“WOW PHILIPPINES” is all-over Hong Kong
No less than Her Excellency
President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo had the first glimpse
of the Philippine Department
of Tourism–Hong Kong
SAR’s taxi advertising cam-
paign in Hong Kong during
her brief visit here. A fleet of
one hundred highly visible
Hong Kong urban taxis, trav-
PGMA with the “WOW Philippines” campaign ads on HK taxis. Photo was
taken in front of the Island Shangri-La Hotel on 20 November 2005.
PEPT Successfully Implemented in Hong Kong
One hundred fifty six OFWs
braved the cold weather of
Hong Kong on 4 December
2005 in order to get to Ba-
yanihan Centre by 7:00 in
the morning for the first
Philippine Educational
Placement Test (PEPT) for
Secondary Level.
The PEPT was administered
and supervised by Dr. Nelia
V. Benito, Director of the
National Education Testing
and R esea rc h Cent er
(NETRC) of the Department
of Education. The tests,
administered with different
time allotments, were
completed at about 5:00 p.m.
The Philippine Consulate
General, Mrs. Lolita Brana,
President of the National
Organization of Professional
Teachers (NOPT), the Hong
Kong Bayanihan Trust and
Filcom volunteers provided
administrative support and
assistance during the exami-
nation. Defending Family
Values Foundation, Inc., and
elling all over the Kowloon
Peninsula and Hong Kong
Island, now carries the
“WOW Philippines”
destinations on the taxis’
4-door panels. The same
creative livery materials used
in the recently successful bus
and tram ad campaigns also
appear on the taxi doors,
First Metro International
Investment Co. Ltd. also
provided assistance for the
examinees.
The PEPT is a battery of
academic tests used to assess
the basic learning skills and
competencies in various
areas of endeavor which are
given credit for academic
equivalences as a means of
recognizing learnings
acquired outside the formal
school system covering five
(5) subject areas:
Communication Arts
(English); Sining ng
Komunikasyon (Filipino);
M a t h e ma t i c s ; A r a l i n g
Panlipunan or Social Studies
and Science.
The PEPT is a special form
of educational assistance
instituted by the Department
of Education which gives
recognition to the value and
potential of learning gained
outside of the formal school
system and accredits out-of-
school work with
2
DECEMBER 2005
(Continued from page 1)Sixty...
“What’s New”.
wh i c h s h o wc a s e t h e
Philippines as an exciting The all-male Akostika band
and awesome tropical and Mr. Alex Ahongon and
island-destination. His Miga International band
The ad campaign allows the played songs from the 1970s.
“ W O W P h i l i p p i n e s ” Popular tunes from the
destinations to be displayed 1980s were performed by the
on a 24-hour, 7 days a week Absolute 5 Band as well as
presence and ensure a high the father and son tandem of
level of exposure to the Mr. Filemon Corpus, who
widest range of audience due still plays the violin at the
to the eye-level mobile age of 82 and his son, Ernie,
medium with pedestrian, a pianist. They played the
vehicular and in-taxi classic Filipino love song
audiences, and deliver the “Dahil Sa Iyo”, easily one of
brand message closest to the the big Sunday crowd’s
buying consumer from every favorite. The older Corpus’
busy corner of Hong Kong. violin performance was
unique as he combined
The ongoing campaign music and showmanship to
which runs from November entertain the audience.
2005 to April 2006, is ex-
pected to capture the dis- Jazz numbers from the 1990s
criminating imagination of to 2000 were performed by
the Hongkong consumers, Mr. Bading Tuason and his
generate renewed interest in Jazz Band while Mr. Alex
the Philippines and sustain Canda and the Websight
the earlier bus and tram ad Band played OPM and con-
campaigns. cluded the show by singing
the finale number “Kay
Ganda ng Ating Musika”
with audience participation.
examination and shall give
credits for such capabilities The concert, one of the
and skills which are learned. Philippine Consulate
This program enables General’s major annual
Overseas Filipino Workers projects in partnership with
the Leisure and Cultural
to upgrade their academic
Services Department of
l e ve l ( e l e me n t a r y o r
Hong Kong, was so
secondary), for re-entry into
enjoyable that the audience –
formal school, job entry, job
Filipinos, local Chinese and
promotion and also other nationalities, did not
self-fulfillment. want it to end.
Dr. Benito expressed support
to institutionalize the PEPT The popular DJs of Good
in Hong Kong and to Evening Kabayan’s
conduct the examination program on Hong Kong
every first week of Decem- commercial radio, Mr. Stan
ber each year. Prospective Yumang, Mr. Mel Lirio, Jr.,
applicants are thankful that and Mr. EJ Emata, were the
DepEd is providing such an program hosts during the
opportunity. event.
Considering its value and Sponsors of the concert
significance on the lives of included BPI Remittance
the OFWs, the Philippine Centre (HK) Ltd., PNB Re-
Consulate General in Hong mittance Centre Ltd.,
Kong has recommended to AFreight (Asia Pacific) Ltd.,
the Department of Foreign Little Quiapo Restau-
Affairs that more support be rant, Jollibee (HK) Ltd., and
given to the project to enable San Miguel Brewery (HK)
its regular implementation in Ltd.
Hong Kong.
BALITANG KONSULADO
What is Illegal Recruitment?
What are its forms?
Illegal recruitment shall
mean any act of canvassing,
e n l ist in g, co nt r ac t ing,
transporting, utilizing,
hiring, or procuring workers
and includes referring,
contract services, promising
or advertising for
employment abroad, whether
for profit or not, when
undertaken by a non-license
or non-holder of authority.
(RA8042)
Some forms of illegal re-
cruitment include:
− Leaving the country as a
tourist but with the inten-
tion of working abroad;
− Escort Services – tour-
ist/workers “escorted” at
the country’s airports and
seaports;
− By Correspondence – ap-
plicants are encouraged by
the recruiter to comply
with employment require-
ments and placements
through mail;
− Blind Ads – fraudulent
and misleading advertise-
ments promising facility
of employment;
− Au Pair – an inter-cultural
program wherein a host
family sponsors a person
to study language and
culture for a monthly al-
lowance in exchange for a
home to stay in;
− Backdoor Exit – going out
of the country through
some airports and seaports
in the southern part of the
Philippines;
− Camouflaged participation
in foreign seminars and
sports events
− workers leave as partici-
pants in seminars or sports
events but eventually find-
ing jobs in the host coun-
try and
− Traineeship Scheme –
Hotel and Restaurant
Management(HRM) stu-
dents leaving in the guise
of a traineeship program
for hotels abroad but
eventually landing jobs in
the training establishment.
How to Avoid Illegal
Recruitment
1. Do not apply at recruit-
ment agencies not licensed
by POEA.
2. Do not deal with licensed
agencies without job or-
ders.
3. Do not deal with any per-
son who is not an author-
ized representative of a
licensed agency.
4. Do not transact business
outside the registered ad-
dress of the agency. If
recruitment is conducted
in the province, check if
the agency has a provin-
cial recruitment authority.
5. Do not pay more than the
allowed placement fee. It
should be equivalent to
one month salary, exclu-
sive of documentation and
processing costs.
6. Do not pay any placement
fee unless you have a valid
employment contract and
an official receipt.
7. Do not be enticed by ads
or brochures requiring you
to reply to a Post Office
(P.O.) Box, and to enclose
payment for processing of
papers.
8. Do not deal with training
centers and travel agen-
cies, which promise over-
seas employment.
9. Do not accept a tourist
visa.
10.Do not deal with fixers.
(Source: POEA)
3
DECEMBER 2005
New PCG Family Members. (L-R) The Consulate welcomes four new staff
members: Antonio Julao, Protocol Officer; Lerida Dy, head, Passport
Section; Rosa Nacario, Passport Officer; and Cynthia Depalobos,
Secretary to the Consul General.
(Continued from page 1)Consul... Jover also looks forward to
b u s i n e s s gr o u p s , t h e her retirement in two years
associations, the media, the time.
NGOs and churches - have
“When I retire, I want to
improved the lives of many
learn more, to read more
Filipinos in different ways,”
books, to go into plants and
Jover adds.
to learn more about our
She humbly admitted her culture.”
limitations. “I wish I could be
She definitely would like to
of help to different sectors in
go back to her first love -
different ways but time is not
education – and teaching
enough.”
history and literature with a
In those two years, Congen difference.
Jover participated and
An education graduate from
witnessed major events in
St. Theresa’s College, she
Philippine history. She
obtained her Masters in
definitely had a hand in the
American and European
successful implementation of
History from the University
the first Overseas Absentee
of Nebraska. She also took
Voting, from registration, to
up post-graduate studies in
casting of votes, counting and
Special Education from the
canvassing of votes.
same university.
Jover smiles knowing that
She also served the Foreign
she sees more Filipinos
Affairs Department in
smiling when they visit the
various capacities. She was
Philippine Consulate with
Assistant Secretary for the
changes and improvements
Office of Policy Planning and
she has institutionalized in
Coordination prior to her
the Consular services.
assignment to Hong Kong.
“The image of the Consulate She also served as Executive
has changed hopefully for the Director of the Foreign
better, thanks to all the staff Service Institute, director of
who have been working hard Office of Asian and Pacific
and reaching out more,” she Affairs, Director of OIEAD,
adds. Chief of Office of Consular
Affairs, and Principal
In China, she hopes to do
Assistant of Office of UN
more international relations,
Affairs and International
with focus on economic
Conference and also the
relations with the fast rising
Office of Political Affairs.
world’s economic power.
(Hong Kong News)
BALITANG KONSULADO DECEMBER 2005

A Tribute to Filipino Musicians in Hong Kong

Shown here are some photographs showcasing the Filipino musicians’ presence in Hong Kong since the forties up to the
present. These musicians have contributed their artistry, hard work, professionalism, talents, wisdom, and patience as world
class entertainers in Hong Kong.

These musical geniuses are a class of their own, their foothold have molded and shaped the musical scene of Hong Kong.
Through their pursuit of love and passion for music, they have paved the way for generations of Filipino to be admired,
recognized, welcomed, and to be employed in Hong Kong as musicians.

Our sincere appreciation, thanks, and salute to each and every single Filipino musician, past and present, whose talent,
professionalism and contribution have made a difference here in Hong Kong, be it big or small. Maraming, Maraming
Salamat Po!

MINSTRELS OF ASIA 1940’s

LOBING SAMSON (center) FRED CARPIO (second form left)
and THE SWING BAND and his band

MINSTRELS OF ASIA

They served as
volunteers with the
Royal Hong Kong
1950’s Regiment (police
TINO GATCHALIAN (first from left) with force) or Hong Kong
Auxiliary Force ARTURO DIMANLIG
BAND of TODAY

1960’s 1960’s
TONY CARPIO (center) and the LITA MENDOZA with CELSO CARILLO
CORSAIRS (on piano) and his band

4
BALITANG KONSULADO DECEMBER 2005

Six Decades of Musical Artistry

1960’s 1970’s
NONOY OCAMPO (center) VIC CRISTOBAL (second from right)
with MAJOR and MINOR and his band

1980’s
REMY M. SABINANO, SOPRANO, with 1980’s
the 65 PC. FILIPINO BRASS BAND, NIKKI FLORES (center)
conducted by REY CRISTOBAL and the LINICS

1980’s
CRIS BABIDA (center) 1990’s
with his BIG BAND ERNESTO CORPUZ

2000’s
Bottom Photo:
Berry Yaneza (center)
together with the
China Coast Jazzmen

BERRY YANEZA
1990’s
BADING TUASON

5
BALITANG KONSULADO DECEMBER 2005

Attached Agencies’ Corner

Major e-Service Conference to Highlight Filipino IT/BPO Strengths
There is no
other event in
the Philippines
which brings
together under
one roof the
full extent of
Filipino IT/BPO capabilities,
like e-Services Philip-
pines: 6th Outsourcing Con-
ference and Exhibition
which will be held on 16 -
17 February 2006 at the
EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.
E-Service Philippines, the
country’s first and only
annual outsourcing
conference and exhibition, is
organized by the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI)
through the Center for
International Trade
Expositions and Missions
(CIT EM). The event
promotes to both local and
global markets the country’s
world-class capabilities in IT
and IT-enabled services,
particularly in the following
areas: Business Process
Outsourc ing, Wire less
Applications, Data
Transcription, Animation,
and Software Development
Simultaneous with the
exhibit will be a conference
offering two full days of
presentations, high-level
panel discussions and
first-hand learning from
industry experts. The CEO
Forum on the first day is an
e xc e l -
l e n t
n e t -
working platform
for government and ICT
professionals. The Sec-
toral Tracks on the
second day will discuss the
e-services sectors that shape
the landscape of the ICT
industry in the Philippines.
The e-Services Philippines
held last February generated
about 1,300 corporate
attendees and more than 100
exhibitors. Encouraged by
this success,. The
Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) through the
Center for International
Trade Expositions and
Missions (CITEM), is
staging a bigger and more
enhanced show by focusing
on the IY Outsourcing
Conference to be led by a
powerhouse panel of
industry experts. E-Services
Philippines 2006 will be an
excellent opportunity for
companies to market their IT
outsourcing capabilities to
local and foreign firms.

For more information, please

contact the IT Services and
Electronics Divisions of
C ITEM at te lephone
numbers 632-8325044,
6328312201 local 212, email
at itservice@citem.com.ph,
or visit www.e-
servicesphils.com

Pag-IBIG to provide housing loan facility for soldiers

Pag-IBIG Cooperative. The
F u n d 50-hectare property
r ec en tl y owned and donated
signed by the Manila
a n Banking Corporation
agree- and the Puyat family
m e n t will be developed
together into the First Scout
with the Ranger Housing
Manila Banking Corporation, Village and will
the Housing and Urban De- benefit 1,476
velopment Coordinating officers and
Council (HUDCC), the Na- personnel of the
tional Housing Authority, the AFP-FSRR. Shown
Department of Budget and signing the
Management and the Scout Agreement (picture, right) Regiment, Federico Laxa, Corporation, Atty. Romulo
Ranger Multi-Purpose Coop- are: Dave Puyat, Director, General Manager, National Fabul, Commissioner,
erative, to provide end-user Manila Banking Corporation, Housing Authority and Atty. Housing and Land Use Regu-
financing for officers and Vice President Noli de Romero Quimbo, President latory Board, San Miguel
enlisted men of the AFP-First Castro, concurrent and CEO, Pag-IBIG Fund. Mayor Pop Buencamino, and
Scout Ranger Regiment Chairman, HUDCC, General Looking on are (l-r, stand- General Benito Ramos,
(AFP-FSRR) through its Danilo Lim, Commanding ing): Benjamin Yambao, Commanding General, Spe-
Scout Ranger Multi-Purpose General, First Scout Ranger President, Manila Banking cial Operations Command.

6
BALITANG KONSULADO
The SSS Flexi-Fund Program: A Voluntary Provident Fund for OFWs
A new breed of heroes has
emerged on our country's
landscape. They work
hard to provide for their
families, toil endlessly in
foreign lands to get their
children through school,
and sacrifice relationships
to uplift the economy of
our nation as a whole.
Of course, we're talking
about our very own overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs), a
bastion of hope for our
country's economic recov-
ery. These tireless workers
labor everyday in faraway
countries to help us get by,
and in turn, these heroes
receive all the benefits
accorded to them such as
special financial programs,
workers' insurance, and an
overseas fund.
And now, our very own
Social Security System
(SSS) has added another
highlight to the OFWs
financial security. Starting
immediately, the SSS is
conducting the SSS Flexi-
Fund Program: A Volun-
tary Provident Fund for
Overseas Filipino Work-
ers. The program is a volun-
tary provident fund that pro-
vides a mechanism for the
OFW to save more for the
future, complementing the
benefits under the regular
SSS programs. This means
the program is open only to
OFWs abroad and is added
on top of existing SSS-OFW
membership benefits.
The SSS noticed that the
OFW earns a lot in a short
period of time, and then the
cash flow suddenly stops.
This program is a way for
the OFW to even it out. The
program is tax-free and
OFW members can avail of
the fund at any time, or
choose to leave the fund
alone until they retire. The
fund aims to provide OFWs
with a mechanism to save
part of their incomes
provided by overseas
employment.
Confronted with finding a
means of livelihood once
they return to the country,
the SSS Flexi-Fund allows
SSS-OFW members to
prepare by encouraging
saving while they are
emplo yed overseas.
Members have the option to
avail of the accumulated
balance in their provident
fund to meet their financial
needs. Early withdrawals
can finance housing, educa-
tion, or capital for business.
When held to retirement age,
the provident fund can
finance the member's needs
in old age in the form of
monthly pension, a lump
sum payment or both. The
fund is a significant supple-
ment to existing benefits
under the regular SSS pro-
grams. This is to help OFWs
re-enter the mainstream of
Filipino society after years
of hard work overseas.
Since OFWs earn higher
levels of income that are
otherwise not available
locally, the voluntary fund
encourages OFWs to take
advantage of the earnings
boost by saving a greater
portion of it for future needs.
Because it is a provident
fund, all amounts
accumulated plus interest
shall accrue solely to the
SSS-OFW member.
Membership in the fund is
open to all OFWs who fall
under the following catego-
ries:
• recruited in the
Philippines by a
foreign-based employer for
employment abroad;
• having a source of income
in a foreign country; or
• residing permanently in a
foreign country.
OFWs can contact the
foreign branches of the SSS
for an application to the
program. OFWs based in
countries without existing
SSS offices may submit
applications via mail or
7
email addressed to the Inter-
national Affairs and Branch
Expansion (IABE) office.
An OFW can pay his contri-
bution to the fund anytime,
provided that, at the time of
payment the maximum
required monthly contribu-
tion is paid to the regular
Social Security program.
Any amount paid in excess
of the required maximum
monthly contribution to the
regular Social Security
program shall be applied to
the fund. An OFW may con-
tinue paying the contribution
under this fund even after
the termination of his over-
seas employment, as long as
the OFW continues to pay
the required maximum con-
tribution to the regular
Social Security program.
Payments shall cease upon
filing of a final claim under
the regular SSS program.
Overall, the SSS
Flexi-Fund's program in-
cludes benefits such as:
RETIREMENT
• A member who has
reached 60 years of age is
PCG Contact Details
Tel : 2823 8500 (Switchboard)
Fax : 2866 9885 / 2866 8559
Website: http://philcongen-hk.com
E-mail: hongkongpc@dfa.gov.ph
ATN Hotline
Consular Hotline
Labor Hotline :
Anti-Human Trafficking
OWWA Counseling
Visa Section
Passport Section
Employment Contracts Section
Notarials Section
Assistance to Nationals Section
Legal Section
Cultural Section
Information Section
Community Relations Section
Office of the Labor Attaché
Office of the Tourism Rep
Office of the Trade Rep
Office of the SSS Rep
Office of the Pag-Ibig Rep
Office Hours
DECEMBER 2005
entitled to a retirement
benefit.
DEATH and DISABILITY
• Upon the death of a
pensioner (e.g. retirement,
disability or early
withdrawal pensioner), the
beneficiary shall receive a
lump sum benefit equivalent
to the cash value of the
remaining pension.
EARLY WITHDRAWAL
• A member may withdraw
his contributions to the fund
including interest anytime.
With the help of the
Department of Labor and
Employment and
Department of Foreign
Affairs, the SSS is making
this program available to
OFWs in many countries.
9155 4023
9332 7451
6080 8323
97703869
2823 8550 to 551
2823 8521 to 522
2823 8514 to 517
2823 8553 to 558
2823 8564 to 65
2823 8509 to 512
2823 8537
2823 8536
2823 8505
2823 8505
2823 8534
2823 8544
2845 5223
2823 8552
2823 8561
0900-1800H
(Sundays-Thursdays)
BALITANG KONSULADO DECEMBER 2005

e
n te n
se tio
Ab tra

REHISTRADO
as gis
rse Re
e g
Ov tin
Vo

KA NA BA?
Magparehistro para makaboto
sa darating na halalalan ng 2007!

Who may register? When

• A Filipino citizen who is
abroad or who will be
abroad on election day;
• At least eighteen (18) years
of age on the day of the
elections;
• Those who have reacquired
or retained their Philippine
citizenship under R.A. 9225,
otherwise known as the
“Citizenship Retention and
Reacquisition Act of 2003,”
and who execute, upon
filing of an application for
registration as overseas
absentee voter an Affidavit
of Intent to Return; and
• An immigrant or a
permanent resident who is
recognized as such in the
host country and executes
upon filing of an application
for registration as overseas
absentee voter an Affidavit
of Intent to Return.
Applications for registration as overseas absentee voter Want to know more?
shall be filled at the Philippine Consulate General in Hong For more information, contact:
Kong SAR, beginning 1 October 2005 up to 31 August The Committee on Overseas
Absentee Voting
2006, Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Commission on Elections
.
Where 7th Floor, United Centre,
Gobernador Bldg.
• Personally appear at the Philippine Consulate General, Gen. Luna St., Intramuros,
14/F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Manila, PHILIPPINES
Kong SAR. Tel. No. 2823 8500 / 8536/ 8540;
Tel Nos: +63 2 5222251
• Seafarers may file their applications personally at any +63 2 5212952
Embassy, Consulate, or Mission, indicating in his applica- E-mail: coav@comelec.gov.ph
tion from the specific address where he wants his ballot to or visit the websites:
be sent. www.comelec.gov.ph
www.philcongen-hk.com
How
• Accomplish the appropriate application forms;
• Submit the appropriate supporting documents;
• Submit yourself to the capture of your biometric data.
Documentary Requirements
• Valid Philippine Passport (original and photocopy); and
• If you are a seaman, photocopy of your Seaman’s Book, Commission on Elections
Committee on Overseas
or any other document proving that you are a seafarer.
Absentee Voting
• If you have reacquired or retained you Philippine citizen-
ship under R. A. 9225, otherwise known as the *
Education and Information
“Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003,” a
certified true copy of the signed Oath of Allegiance. Department

“Makialam, Makilahok, Magparehistro.”

Balitang Konsulado is the quarterly publication of the Philippine Consulate General - Hong Kong SAR with
office address at 14F United Centre, 95 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong SAR. Corazon L. Belmonte-Jover,
Consul General; Noel M. Novicio, Editor; Angelita C. Aguilar, Assistant Editor; Allan Fernandez, Ariel Gonzales,
Edmound Cortes, Photos and Layout; Arneil Torres, Columbus De Leon, Circulation.