The Commission on Elections (Comelec), through the Philippine Press Institute’s Midterm Elections Forum held on April 11, laid out its preparations for the 2025 elections—emphasizing its commitment to a credible, accessible, and modern electoral process.
Key initiatives include the introduction of internet voting for overseas Filipinos, measures to combat disinformation, and the enforcement of anti-discrimination policies to ensure inclusive and transparent elections.
Internet Voting for Overseas Filipinos
Comelec is rolling out internet voting for overseas Filipinos in an effort to improve historically low voter turnout. Chairman George Erwin Garcia acknowledged the challenges in previous elections, saying, “For this election, we are going to allow our Filipinos abroad to vote via the internet. First time po ito.”
Garcia cited barriers such as the need to travel long distances to embassies or consulates and the low return rate of mail-in ballots as major deterrents.
“In 2022, it resulted in a 40.59% voter turnout. We spent 600 million pesos to conduct that election. Out of 1.697 million registered voters abroad, only about 600,000 voted,” he said.
To be eligible for internet voting, overseas Filipinos must pre-enroll by May 7. The enrollment process includes biometric verification and the issuance of a One-Time Pin (OTP) and password to secure voter identity. The commission hopes this innovation will boost turnout to between 50% and 60%.
Internet voting will be open for a full month, from April 13 to May 12.
Combating Disinformation
Comelec is also tackling the growing threat of disinformation, especially on social media platforms.
Chairman Garcia expressed concern over the absence of specific legal frameworks to regulate social media use in the Philippines. He highlighted the challenge of combating false information while respecting freedom of expression.
Despite these limitations, Comelec has released its own guidelines to help address the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
“That’s why, if you noticed, the commission promulgated our guidelines on social media, artificial intelligence, deep fakes, soft fakes, and other digital platforms,” Garcia explained.
Anti-Discrimination Resolution
Promoting inclusivity is another key priority. Comelec discussed measures to prevent discrimination based on belief, religion, political affiliation, disability, and other personal circumstances.
The commission has released a resolution that prohibits discriminatory practices during the electoral process. In addition, Comelec has designated “safe spaces” in all precincts, polling places, campaign rallies, canvassing centers, and even on social media platforms.
“At the same time, we likewise promulgated a supplemental resolution establishing safe spaces,” Garcia said.
He also condemned candidates who resort to discriminatory rhetoric for political gain.
Among the new policies is an optional early voting window from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and heavily pregnant women.
Technical Safeguards and Transparency
Addressing concerns about the integrity of the vote, Garcia assured the public that voting machines are secure, battery-powered, and not connected to the internet.
To enhance transparency, Comelec will require that election returns be printed and posted at each precinct before the results are electronically transmitted.
“We will print the election returns and post them on the walls of each precinct. Everyone can take pictures before transmission,” Garcia said.
Election results will be transmitted to multiple servers, including those of citizens’ arms like the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), as well as media organizations, to enable independent verification.I Erica Razo
Photo by Philippine Press Institute