EU recommends reforms for Philippine elections

On Wednesday, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) received recommendations from European Union (EU) poll observers regarding the recent 2025 national and local elections.

The EU team met with Comelec officials to hand over their final report, which highlighted suggestions for reducing voter queues and improving ballot secrecy.

Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco stated that all members of the commission will review the recommendations and consider including them in proposals for a revised Omnibus Election Code (OEC).

The EU observers noted a reduction in election-related violence but also pointed out issues such as vote-buying, fake news, and ballot secrecy.

Laudiangco emphasized that updating laws and increasing funding are key to enhancing election conduct, citing the outdated nature of current legislation enacted in 1985.

EU observers will submit their final report to Congress, which Comelec hopes will aid in modernizing Philippine election laws.