The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced over the weekend that if internet voting for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) next year is successful, the system may also be implemented locally to benefit the elderly population.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia stated that if the online voting process for OFWs goes smoothly, it could also be used for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women in the Philippines. “If this internet voting for OFWs proves to be successful, we can also do it domestically for our senior citizens, persons with disability, and pregnant women,” Garcia said during the online voting and counting system training in Busan, South Korea.
Garcia highlighted in a Phil Star report that many elderly people are now adept at using gadgets due to the free time they have after retirement. “Most of the senior citizens now are updated in terms of technology. You can see them using and playing with their cellphones most of the time,” he noted.
He added that implementing internet voting would eliminate the need for the elderly to leave their homes, navigate crowded precincts, and endure long walks to voting centers. “If we can do that, then there is no need for them to get out of their homes and show up in crowded precincts and go for long walks to be able to reach schools to cast their votes,” Garcia explained.
Garcia emphasized the importance of maintaining the system’s integrity. “The condition is for the internet voting system to be protected, highly reliable, and secured. And we can guarantee you these things,” he assured.
The Comelec also encouraged more people to register for both online and physical voting. “The registration is still ongoing and it will be until Sept. 30. There are a few months left, so there is still time to apply for registration,” Garcia said.
Previously, Comelec reported processing over 3.3 million new voter applicants for the 2025 midterm elections during the ongoing voter registration.