Comelec clarifies overseas absentee voting process

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has addressed concerns regarding potential manipulation of overseas absentee votes, particularly those raised by a voter in Singapore.

A viral Facebook post expressed worries that the online ballot verification process might not accurately reflect cast votes, contrasting the current system with past elections where physical receipts were provided.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia clarified that the system is designed not to display the names of selected candidates on the QR code verification to prevent vote buying.

Garcia explained that the list of names voters see after casting ballots via the online voting and counting system (OVCS) are part of encrypted scripts, not the candidates they voted for.

He further stated that voters may review their votes after diplomatic posts print the ballots following the conclusion of the voting period on May 12, 2025.

Upon casting a vote, the ballot disappears, and the QR code verification will display machine-readable codes of all candidates, not the specific names chosen.