Press Release No. 083-03
13 March 2003
SECRETARY
OPLE INAUGURATES
DFA OVERSEAS ABSENTEE
VOTING SECRETARIAT OFFICE
In line with the preparations of the Department of Foreign Affairs to carry
out its role and assist the Commission on Elections in
implementing the provisions of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003,
Secretary Blas F. Ople graced the inauguration ceremonies of the DFA Overseas
Absentee Voting Secretariat Office in simple rites held Thursday afternoon,
13 March 2003. Also in attendance were DFA and COMELEC officials, members
of the Secretariat, NGOs, and the media.
The event launched the hi-tech database systems of the Secretariat. These
include the OAV Environmental Mapping Database,
Overseas Filipino Associations Database, Electronic Verification System
Design, among others.
The DFA Overseas Absentee Voting Law Secretariat was created with the issuance
of Department Order no. 06-03 on 3 March 2003. It shall be responsible for
directing, coordinating and overseeing the Department’s participation in
the implementation of the Overseas
Absentee Voting Law of 2003, also known as Republic Act no. 9189.
The Secretariat is mandated to coordinate with the COMELEC, the primary
agency responsible for the implementation of the Overseas Absentee Voting
Law, in undertaking or supporting election activities or operations where
DFA assistance or intervention is necessary. It shall likewise
coordinate with other agencies of the government to ensure a coherent and
integrated approach in the implementation of the Overseas Absentee Voting
Law.
DFA Undersecretary for Special Concerns Arturo D. Brion serves as Chair
of the Secretariat.
The Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003, also known as
Republic Act 9189, was signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
on
13 February 2003. The signing ceremony was held in Malacanan Palace and
attended by various legislators and government officials.