In the Philippine electoral system, the right to suffrage is a fundamental constitutional guarantee. To exercise this right and to provide proof of registration, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) manages the records of all qualified voters. While the landscape of Philippine identification has shifted significantly with the introduction of the National ID system, the Voter’s Certification remains a vital document for various legal and administrative purposes.

1. The Status of the Voter’s ID

It is crucial to clarify a common misconception: The COMELEC has ceased the printing and issuance of the plastic Voter’s ID.

Under Republic Act No. 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, the PhilID (National ID) is intended to serve as the primary identification for all citizens, eventually replacing the functional need for separate IDs from various government agencies, including the Voter’s ID. Therefore, if you do not already possess a Voter’s ID, you cannot apply for a new one.

2. What is a Voter’s Certification?

Since the Voter’s ID is no longer issued, the Voter’s Certification serves as the official alternative. It is a document issued by the COMELEC certifying that a person is a registered voter of a specific precinct, city, or municipality.

Pursuant to COMELEC Resolution No. 10695, this certification is recognized as a valid government-issued identification document and can be used for:

Passport applications (DFA)
NBI clearance applications
Opening bank accounts
Proof of residency
Other government and private transactions

3. How to Obtain a Voter’s Certification

There are two primary ways to secure this document: through the local Office of the Election Officer (OEO) or the COMELEC Main Office in Intramuros.

A. Requirements

One Valid ID: Bring the original and a photocopy (e.g., PhilID, Driver’s License, UMID, Postal ID, or Student ID).
Transaction Fee: Generally PHP 100.00.
Note: The certification is free for Senior Citizens, PWDs, Indigenous Peoples, and members of the vulnerable sector, provided they present their respective IDs.

B. Step-by-Step Procedure (OEO/Local Office)

Visit your local COMELEC Office: This is typically located in the city or municipal hall where you are registered.
Verification: Approach the staff to verify your name in the Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL).
Payment: Pay the certification fee at the City/Municipal Treasurer’s Office or the designated payment window and secure an Official Receipt (OR).
Submission: Present the OR to the COMELEC staff.
Release: The Voter’s Certification is usually issued on the same day, bearing the seal of the office and the signature of the Election Officer.

C. Centralized Issuance (Intramuros)

If you are unable to go to your local municipality, you may request a certification at the COMELEC National Central File Division in Intramuros, Manila.

Present your ID and request a lead slip.
Pay the fee at the cash division.
Wait for the document to be generated based on the national database.

4. Registered Overseas Voters

For Filipinos living abroad who are registered as overseas voters, the Voter’s Certification can be requested through the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) in the COMELEC Main Office. Requests can also be coordinated through the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their current country of residence.

5. Legal Weight and Validity

The Voter’s Certification does not have an expiration date; however, many government agencies (such as the DFA) require that the certification be issued within the last six (6) months to ensure the information is current and the voter remains "active."

Important Note: If a voter fails to vote in two consecutive regular elections, their registration may be deactivated. A deactivated voter cannot secure a "Certified Active" Voter’s Certification until they undergo the Reactivation Process during a designated registration period.

6. Summary for the Public

New Voter’s IDs are no longer issued.
The Voter’s Certification is the official legal substitute.
It is available at the local COMELEC office where you are registered.
It is a valid ID for most legal and financial transactions in the Philippines.