Comelec reports record 88% voter turnout for local absentee voting

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) reported a record-high 88 percent voter turnout for local absentee voting (LAV) in the May 9 elections, with 74,852 out of 84,358 registered individuals participating.

This turnout surpasses previous elections, with the highest recorded at 77% in both 2016 and 2019.

The majority of LAV participants were from the Philippine National Police (PNP) with 48,698, followed by the Philippine Army with 32,786, and Philippine Air Force with 4,261.

LAV, conducted from April 27 to 29, is available to government employees, military and police personnel, and media workers.

The poll body is currently canvassing the election returns for LAV, with 46 out of 188 processed.

Separately, the electronic and manual Certificates of Canvass (COCs) are being transmitted from 63 Philippine posts abroad, with 26 electronic and 37 manual COCs expected.