The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Thursday opened the enrolment period for those who will use the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS).

In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia told registered overseas voters to start enrolling for the OVCS.

"From today until May 7, let us take the time to get enrolled. Even if you are a registered overseas voter, if you aren't enrolled, you cannot cast your vote," he added.

He said the enrollment is necessary for the Comelec to check identity of the voters.

"We need to be sure that it is you voting, and give you your password to be able to use the (internet voting) system," said Garcia.

The Comelec said enrolment may be done using the voter's own internet-capable device during the pre-voting enrolment period.

Another way to enrol is through the voting kiosks set-up at Philippine posts during the overseas voting period.

A total of 77 posts abroad will be using the OVCS, while the remaining 16 Philippine embassies and Philippine Consulates General will use the automated counting machines.

The overseas voting period, where 1,241,690 are registered voters, is set to run from April 13 to May 12. DMS