There were 361,457 registered overseas absentee voters in 2003 (with a 650/o voter turnout in the May 2004 elections) increasing to 503,896 by the May 2007 elections (16% voters turnout). Since February 2009 and nearing the end of the registration period on 3l August 2009, there have been an additional204,720 OAV registrants. While positive this is still a very small proportion of potentially eligible Filipino migrant worker voters. The process appears hindered by an insufficient information dissemination campaign, uneven registration and voting machinery and insufficient resources. Civil society organtzations. Within their limits, civil society organtzation (CSOs) are already effective systems for migrant worker advocacy and support. Philippine migrant service NGOs and migrant mass organizations play an active and important role in migrant rights advocacy and even in giving direct services and support to migrants. The organizations of migrants themselves are also particularly important for being means for migrants to raise their level of awareness of issues, for being concrete venues of active engagement on their own concerns, for being vehicles for building solidarity and networks with other migrants and workers, and for being platforms to engage in official venues at the national and international levels. There are two particular aspects stemming from the non-goverrmental character of CSOs distinguishing them and establishing their specific role: first, they are much less restricted in their actions and in dealing with others on migrant concerns, whether with the Philippine government or of host countries as well as with other civil society groups; and second, especially in the case of membership-based orgaruzations, they are more immersed in the overseas migrant community and in domestic migrant family communities. These make them particularly grounded, approachable and responsive. CSOs can provide vital assistance and support throughout the migration cycle although their lack of resources is a limiting factor. They are proven to be quick in responding and can be less tied to office hours or discouraged by long distances or difficult circumstances. They can also contribute by pressing for a government response, as in the case of many high-profile victims of maltreatment and abuse but also in countless instances of smaller matters such as monetary claims from the POEA and NLRC. CSOs abroad can also more directly engage employers in a way that the government may not be able to for diplomatic or protocol reasons. In the home country CSOs establish links with migrant families and aside from direct services also conduct information and education carnpaigns on rights matters. Migrant victims often approach CSOs precisely because of the lack of response and support from government structures. It appears that outside of the Philippines, countries in Southeast Asia generally do not have well-developed NGO networks for addressing migrant concerns. Ratification of international instruments and engagement with international IIN Migrant Workers Convention of 1990 in particular establishes a comprehensive legal framework for guaranteeing minimum rights for migrant workers bodies. The 53