OFW Party List Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino on Wednesday once again reminded overseas voters, especially Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipino seafarers, to participate in the first-ever Overseas Internet Voting in the upcoming elections.
In the latest informational video released by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the mechanism for historic internet voting in 77 foreign posts is ready. With this, overseas Filipino voters can now cast their votes using tablets, laptops, or mobile phones.
According to the COMELEC, the pre-voting enrollment period for registered overseas voters is from March 10 to May 7, 2025. Enrollment can be done using internet-capable devices, voting kiosks at embassies and consulates, or through field/mobile pre-voting enrollment conducted by embassies and consulates. Meanwhile, the voting period for overseas voting is from April 23 to May 12, 2025.
Magsino: “We once again call on our overseas voters to participate in the first and historic internet voting. We fought for this, together with the COMELEC, because we know the hardships our OFWs and seafarers face in voting during elections due to the time and distance of polling places. Let us use our right to vote to help shape the Philippines we dream of.”
In the 2022 Elections, only 35.5% of registered overseas voters cast their votes, according to COMELEC data. Because of this, Magsino filed the Overseas Electronic Registration and Voting Act (House Bill 6770) to make the registration and voting process easier and faster for Filipinos abroad.
HB 6770 aims to amend the Overseas Voting Act of 2003 (Republic Act 10590) to allow registration and voting through email, web-based portals, and other internet-based technologies deemed appropriate by the COMELEC.
This initiative coincides with the COMELEC’s implementation of internet voting for the 2025 Elections, pursuant to Section 16.11 of Republic Act No. 9189 and Section 28 of RA No. 10590 – a temporary measure pending the enactment of the Overseas Electronic Registration and Voting Act, which has already been passed by the House of Representatives but is currently being discussed in the Senate.
According to Magsino, he has long advocated for strengthening the voting rights of overseas Filipino voters, especially OFWs and seafarers, to give them an easier way to express their voice in elections.
“Through internet voting, it is now easier and more convenient for our OFWs to vote directly from wherever they are! Whether they are at sea, doing laundry, or working – as long as they have internet, they have the means and the right to vote. I hope our compatriots abroad will take full advantage of this, especially since they contribute greatly to our economy and society,” the lawmaker added.
