According to an article in The Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced that pre-enrollment for overseas online voting will begin on March 20, 2025, and end on May 7, 2025.
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The national and local elections in the Philippines will be held on May 12, 2025. However, for Filipinos based overseas, the voting period will span 30 days, from April 13 up to May 12, 2025.
Pre-Registration Required for Overseas Voting
Internet voting is a new option for Philippine overseas voters But is being conducted in a limited number of posts worldwide.
According to The Philippine Daily Inquirer, COMELEC has informed overseas Filipinos that pre-registration is required for online voting. Pre-registration starts on March 20, up to May 7, 2025. They will register through the Overseas Voting and Counting System during the 30-day pre-registration period.
For the upcoming elections, there are select regions where online voting will be used. In the Middle East, Qatar is one of the countries where such an option is available.
Meanwhile, a COMELEC Facebook post outlines the online registration process. Voters can:
(a) pre-register using their internet connection,
(b) utilize voting kiosks at Philippine Posts, or
(c) await announcements regarding mobile pre-voting enrollment sites from Philippine Posts.
The online voting option provides convenience for overseas Filipinos, allowing them to vote from their location, provided they have a stable internet connection. Crucially, voters are strongly advised to safeguard their login information and credentials.
For registered online voters, they will receive a link for online voting of the 2025 elections.
Overseas voters can elect 12 senators and 1 party-list group. Voters may select up to twelve senatorial candidates; however, selecting more than twelve will invalidate their senatorial votes. Senators are elected every three years.
Who are Qualified to Vote?
According to an article in the Daily Tribune, Filipinos working abroad who are unable to vote physically in the Philippines are eligible for overseas voting. In addition, Filipino citizens who are 18 years old and above who are based abroad also qualify. They must also have registered as voters on or before September 30, 2024. However, COMELEC strongly advises voters to verify their eligibility with Philippine embassies and consulates.
Aside from online voting, overseas Filipinos can also come to their respective embassies to vote. In other countries, there is also an option to send their votes by mail.
Who are Not Qualified to Vote?
COMELEC lists down the criteria of those who cannot participate in the election:
- Those who have lost their Filipino citizenship
- Those who have renounced their Philippine citizenship and have pledged allegiance to another foreign country
- Those who have committed and convicted by a Philippine court of a punishable crime
- Those declared legally incompetent in other countries
For additional information or queries, voters can contact their embassies or consulates. They can also get in touch with COMELEC or the Office of Overseas Voting PH.
As citizens of a democratic country, voting is a right of every Filipino. Each vote counts for the development of our future. So use it wisely.
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