The Philippine Embassy in Vientiane, Lao PDR officially opened the Overseas Votingfor the 2019National and Local Elections on Saturday, 13 April 2019 at the Philippine Embassy Conference Room (precinct).

      The Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI), led by its Chairperson Ms. Iris Vanessa Caranzo, opened the precinct at 8:00 a.m.to Filipino voters. Ms. Caranzowas assisted by SBEIPoll Clerk Ms. Annalyn Vallena and SBEI Member Ms. Rhanjyn Camongol. Philippine Ambassador to Laos Ms. Belinda Ante oversaw the turnover of all election materials and paraphernalia by the Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG) comprised ofMs. Maria Loida Jaso-Samala, Chairperson, and Ms. Cristina Llacuna and Mr. Benjamin Balagso, members, to the SBEI, which in turn assembled the COMELEC-issued ballot box and other paraphernalia in the presence of the other Embassy personnel and witnesses from the Filipino Community in Laos.

       The first two (2)Filipinos to cast their votes were Mr. Ernest Villanueva, Pastor of the Saisana (Victory) Baptist Church, and Mr. Marde Cano, Saisana church member. A total of five (5) Overseas Filipino voters cast their ballots at the Embassy on the first day of Overseas Voting.END