25 March 2004 - For many Filipinos in Western Japan, this will be their first experience of belonging to
 the Filipino electorate. Some of them have even waited a lifetime for the opportunity.

 According to the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, the oldest OAV registrant, Mr. Frank Catajoy of
 Kobe City, came to Japan together with General Douglas McArthur as part of the occupying Allied Forces at the end of World War II.

 “For the first time in my long life, I feel I am a true Filipino,” said Catajoy who just turned 83 this
 month and who has not seen a Philippine ballot ever.

 Catajoy, together with many other first-time Filipino voters, thanked the Consulate and the Philippine
 Government for giving them the opportunity to cast their ballots in the coming Philippine elections.

 The Consulate is currently working overtime to ensure that no qualified registrant will miss out on the
 opportunity to vote. Some 3,223 overseas absentee voters are expected to cast their vote by mail in Osaka.

 Acting Secretary Rafael E. Seguis said that “all those involved in carrying out the mandate of the Overseas
 Absentee Voting Law deeply appreciate the sentiments of Mr. Catajoy.  The views of Mr. Catajoy and those
 like him reinvigorate us and make us even more determined to ensure the success of overseas absentee
 voting.”  Acting Secretary Seguis is the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Special Projects and is the
 Chairman of the DFA’s Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat. END