Section 17February 13, 2003, Sec./Art. 17

Voting by Mail.

17.1. For the May, 2004 elections, the Commission shall authorize voting by mail in not more than three (3) countries, subject to the approval of the Congressional Oversight Committee. Voting by mail may be allowed in countries that satisfy the following conditions:

a. Where the mailing system is fairly well-developed and secure to prevent the occasion of fraud;

b. Where there exists a technically established identification system that would preclude multiple or proxy voting; and,

c. Where the system of reception and custody of mailed ballots in the embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments concerned are adequate and well-secured.

Thereafter, voting by mail in any country shall be allowed only upon review and approval of the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee.

17.2. The overseas absentee voters shall send his/her accomplished ballot to the corresponding embassy, consular or other foreign service establishment that has jurisdiction over the country where he/she temporarily resides. He/She shall be entitled to cast his/her ballot at any time upon his/her receipt thereof, provided that the same Is received before the close of voting on the day of elections. The overseas absentee voter shall be instructed that his/her ballot shall not be counted if not transmitted in the special envelope furnished him/her.

17.3. Only mailed ballots received by the Philippine embassy, consulate and other foreign service establishments before the close of voting on the day of elections shall be counted in accordance with Section 18 hereof. All envelopes containing the ballots received by the embassies, consulates and other foreign service establishments after the prescribed period shall not be opened, and shall be cancelled and disposed of appropriately, with a corresponding report thereon submitted to the Commission not later than thirty (30) days from the day of elections.