PDP-Laban, others ask SC to halt online voting for overseas Filipinos

Members of the Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), along with senatorial candidates, overseas Filipino workers, and registered overseas voters, have asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the use of online remote voting with digital ballots for overseas voters in the May 2025 elections.

The petitioners seek to nullify Commission on Elections (COMELEC) resolutions 11061, 11076, 11079, and 11081, arguing they are unconstitutional and threaten the integrity of the electoral process.

They contend that COMELEC implementing a voting system not authorized by Congress bypasses the legislative process, breaching the separation of powers.

The petition argues that the automated counting of votes and the use of digital ballots for overseas voters violate Sections 7 and 31 of the Election Automation Law (Republic Act 9369) and Section 210 of the Omnibus Election Code.

Furthermore, the petition asserts that the fully automated counting and canvassing of overseas votes violates RA 10590, or the Overseas Voting Act of 2013, which requires on-site counting and canvassing.

Concerns were also raised that overseas Filipinos were not consulted about the new voting procedure, and that it is discriminatory to those not tech-savvy.

The petitioners are also requesting a temporary restraining order (TRO) and writ of preliminary injunction, directing COMELEC to properly implement laws on automated elections and overseas voting.