The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) may require a voter’s certificate from Filipino applicants as part of its efforts to verify identity, nationality, and ties to the Philippines, especially when dealing with visa, residency, or document authentication applications.
Here are the main reasons why TECO might require a voter’s certificate:
1. Proof of Nationality and Identity
TECO uses it to confirm that the applicant is a Filipino citizen.
Some Filipinos may not have a valid Philippine passport, so TECO uses other official documents, like a voter’s certificate, for identity verification.
2. Proof of Active Civil Status in the Philippines
A voter’s certificate proves that the applicant is still actively registered in the Philippine civil system (Comelec), which helps show legitimate ties to the country.
3. Anti-Fraud and Anti-Illegal Immigration Measures
It helps prevent fraudulent applications by verifying that the applicant’s identity matches government records.
This is especially important for visa and work permit applications where false identities or multiple aliases can be a concern.
4. Supporting Document for Passport or Visa Applications
TECO may request it if:
You are applying for a passport renewal without enough valid ID.
You're processing marriage, work, or long-stay visas.
5. Compliance with TECO's Internal Rules
TECO has its own requirements that can vary from case to case. Voter’s certificates may be specifically required for certain situations, especially when:
Birth records are incomplete
Identity mismatches are found
Extra proof of residence or citizenship is needed