The Voter Certification is an essential document issued by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) that proves your active voter status in the Philippines.

In Makati City, obtaining this certificate is often a prerequisite for various transactions, including applications for the Makati Yellow Card. Since COMELEC stopped issuing PVC voter ID cards in 2017, the Voter Certification has become the official proof of voter registration.

This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process to secure your Voter Certification in Makati.

What is a Voter Certification?

A Voter Certification is an official document from COMELEC confirming that you are a registered and active voter in a specific precinct within a city or municipality. It contains key personal and voter registration details, authenticated by a dry seal and a QR code for verification. It serves as your official proof of voter status.

Eligibility for Voter Certification

Before proceeding with your request, ensure you meet these basic eligibility criteria:

Registered Voter: You must be a registered voter in Makati City.
Active Status: Your voter registration record must be in "active" status. If your record is "deactivated" (e.g., due to failing to vote in two consecutive national and local elections), you'll need to file an Application for Reactivation and have it approved by the Election Registration Board (ERB) before you can get a certification.
Biometrics Captured: Your biometrics (photo, signature, and fingerprints) must have been successfully captured during your voter registration.

Documents and Fees Required

Prepare the following before your visit:

Valid Government-Issued ID: Present one (1) original and valid government-issued ID that includes your photo, signature, and current address. Examples include:

Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) ID (National ID)
Passport
Driver's License
Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID)
Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
Senior Citizen ID
PWD ID
Postal ID
School ID (for 18-year-old registrants)

Note: Community Tax Certificates (Cedula) and police clearances are generally not accepted for this purpose.

Certification Fee:

The standard fee for a Voter Certification is ₱75.00 per copy.

Exemption: Senior Citizens and Persons With Disability (PWDs) are exempt from this fee. Remember to present your Senior Citizen ID or PWD ID to avail of the exemption.

Where to Get Your Voter Certification in Makati

You must visit the Office of the Election Officer (OEO) for your specific legislative district in Makati City. Makati is divided into two congressional districts, each with its own COMELEC office.

COMELEC Makati - District 1 Office: If your registered barangay is in District 1 (e.g., Bangkal, Bel-Air, Carmona, Dasmariñas, Forbes Park, Kasilawan, La Paz, Magallanes, Olympia, Palanan, Pio del Pilar, Poblacion, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Lorenzo, Santa Cruz, Singkamas, Tejeros, Urdaneta, Valenzuela).
COMELEC Makati - District 2 Office: If your registered barangay is in District 2 (e.g., Cembo, Comembo, East Rembo, Guadalupe Nuevo, Guadalupe Viejo, Pembo, Pinagkaisahan, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside, Rizal, South Cembo, West Rembo).

To find the exact address and current operating hours, it's best to:

Check the official COMELEC website (www.comelec.gov.ph) for their local office directory.
Search for "COMELEC Makati District 1" or "COMELEC Makati District 2" on Google Maps for the most up-to-date location.
Call the COMELEC hotline or check their official Facebook pages, as satellite offices or specific schedules might be announced.

General Operating Hours: COMELEC offices typically operate Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but always confirm before your visit.

Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your Voter Certification

The process is generally straightforward and can often be completed in a single visit:

Identify Your District: Confirm whether your registered address falls under Makati District 1 or District 2 to ensure you go to the correct COMELEC office.
Proceed to the OEO: Go to your assigned COMELEC District Office during their operating hours. Expect queues, especially during peak periods or near election seasons. Some offices may have an online appointment system, so check if this is available for Makati before your visit to save time.
Present ID and Verify Status: Upon reaching the desk, present your valid government-issued ID. The COMELEC staff will check your voter record and biometrics in their system.
Fill Out Request Form: You might be asked to fill out a short form requesting the Voter Certification, indicating your details and the purpose for the certificate (e.g., "for Makati Yellow Card application").
Pay the Fee: Proceed to the cashier to pay the ₱75.00 fee. Remember to present your Senior Citizen or PWD ID if you are eligible for exemption. You'll receive an official receipt.
Receive Your Certificate: After payment, wait for your Voter Certification to be printed. This usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes.
Review and Sign: Carefully review all the information on your printed certificate for accuracy. Once confirmed, you may be asked to sign a logbook to acknowledge receipt.

Important Considerations

Personal Appearance: In most cases, personal appearance is required as your identity and biometrics need to be verified against their system. Proxy filing is only allowed under specific, limited circumstances (e.g., with a notarized Special Power of Attorney for individuals who are abroad or hospitalized).

Validity: While the Voter Certification doesn't have a statutory expiration, many government agencies and private entities typically require a certificate issued within the last six (6) months to one (1) year to ensure the information is current. Always confirm the required validity period with the agency requesting it (e.g., Makati Health Department for Yellow Card).

Deactivated Status: If your voter record is deactivated, you must first file an Application for Reactivation with COMELEC and wait for its approval by the Election Registration Board (ERB). You cannot get a Voter Certification while your status is deactivated.

By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to obtain your Voter Certification in Makati City, a crucial step for many civic and personal transactions.

How to Get Your Voter Certification in Makati City: A Complete Guide