Losing a voter’s registration receipt (or the acknowledgment slip) is a common predicament, particularly during election seasons or when the document is required for government transactions. In the Philippine legal and administrative framework, this receipt is merely a temporary proof of the application process.

If you have lost your receipt, the official remedy is to secure a Voter’s Certification from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). This document serves as the official substitute for the now-defunct Voter ID and is legally recognized as valid identification and proof of registration.

I. Legal Basis and Purpose

Under Republic Act No. 8189 (The Voter's Registration Act of 1996), the COMELEC is mandated to maintain a permanent list of voters. While the issuance of plastic Voter IDs has been discontinued in favor of the National ID system, the Voter’s Certification remains a primary document to prove one’s status as a registered voter for:

Passport applications (DFA)
Local employment or licensing
Availing of government subsidies
Court proceedings or residency verification

II. Where to Apply

You have two primary avenues to secure this certification, depending on your proximity and urgency:

The Offices of the Election Officer (OEO): This is the local COMELEC office in the city or municipality where you are registered.
COMELEC Main Office (Intramuros): The National Central File Division (NCFD) located in the FEMII Building, Intramuros, Manila, can issue certifications for any registered voter nationwide.

III. Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Preparation of Requirements

Before heading to the office, ensure you have the following:

Valid Government-Issued ID: (e.g., Driver’s License, PhilID, SSS/GSIS, Postal ID). Bring the original and one photocopy.
Processing Fee: Generally PHP 75.00, though this may be waived for Senior Citizens, PWDs, and members of Indigenous Peoples groups (upon presentation of a valid ID or certificate).

2. Verification

Upon arrival at the OEO or the NCFD, proceed to the verification window. Since you have lost your receipt, the staff will look up your record in the Voter Registration System (VRS) or the Election Day Computerized Voters List (EDCVL) using your full name and date of birth.

3. Payment of Fees

Once your record is found, you will be directed to pay the certification fee at the authorized cashier. Ensure you receive an Official Receipt (OR), as the receipt number must be encoded on your certification.

4. Issuance

Present your Official Receipt to the receiving clerk. The Voter’s Certification, which typically includes your digital photograph and biometric thumbprint on file, will be printed and signed by the Election Officer.

IV. Special Considerations

Note on "Deactivated" Status: If you failed to vote in two consecutive regular elections, your registration may be deactivated. If the verification shows you are deactivated, the COMELEC cannot issue a certification of "Active" registration. You will instead need to apply for Reactivation during the designated registration periods.

Authorized Representatives: If you cannot go personally, a representative may claim the certification. They must present a Special Power of Attorney (SPA), a photocopy of your ID, and their own valid ID.
Online Appointment: Some cities (especially in Metro Manila) may require an appointment via the official COMELEC website or their specific local social media pages. It is advisable to check the "Project Precinct Finder" online first to confirm your registration is still active.

V. Summary of Action

Losing your receipt is not a bar to exercising your right to vote or proving your registration. The database maintained by COMELEC is the ultimate authority, not the paper slip. As long as your biometrics were captured and your application was approved by the Election Registration Board (ERB), a formal Certification can be issued in minutes.

Would you like me to help you draft a formal Letter of Authorization or a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) if you're sending someone else to claim the certification for you?