Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed strong support for improving voting access for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad through innovative methods like electronic and postal voting.
This backing comes after Senate Committee Report No. 369 was submitted on November 27, 2024. The report, prepared by the Senate Committees on Electoral Reforms and Finance and sponsored by Senator Imee R. Marcos, proposes amendments to the Overseas Absentee Voting Act. These changes aim to address challenges faced by overseas voters and prevent disenfranchisement.
“Our OFWs and overseas Filipinos contribute significantly to our economy. We owe it to them to ensure they can participate in electing leaders who value their contributions,” Cayetano said in a Manila Standard report.
The proposal outlines the introduction of electronic voting through secure online platforms and postal voting for those with limited internet access. It also includes a specialized system for seafarers, enabling them to vote electronically while at sea.
Cayetano highlighted the economic importance of OFWs, citing their $33.5 billion in remittances in 2023, which accounted for 8.5% of the country’s GDP. He emphasized that ensuring their voting rights aligns with Article II, Section 5 of the Philippine Constitution, which mandates a secure system for absentee voting for Filipinos abroad.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will oversee the implementation of these new voting methods, ensuring they are secure, accessible, and user-friendly.
Cayetano is optimistic that the proposed measures, supported by a majority in the Senate, will enhance overseas voting for millions of Filipinos in time for the 2025 elections. “Our OFWs are vital to our nation. It’s time we give them a stronger voice in shaping our future,” he said.
