OFWs begin voting for Eleksyon 2025 via internet

Overseas Filipinos have begun voting for senators and party-list representatives in the Eleksyon 2025, with the voting period running until May 12.

A total of 1.24 million Filipinos are registered to vote abroad, with most participating via internet voting, a first in Philippine history.

Seventy-seven Philippine consular posts will utilize internet voting, while 16 posts will continue with traditional in-person or postal voting.

The internet voting abroad is open 24 hours a day.

Comelec is implementing internet voting to address historically low turnouts and disenfranchisement issues faced by overseas voters.

Some countries, such as China and Russia, do not permit the use of their local internet services for the Philippine elections, necessitating traditional voting methods in those posts.

Consulate personnel are available to assist voters with the new online system and provide help for those who prefer to use provided kiosks or laptops.

Voting for overseas Filipinos began on April 13 at 8 a.m. local time, with Filipinos in Wellington, New Zealand being the first to cast their votes at 4 a.m. Manila time.