The Philippine Embassy in the UAE has released key details about the online overseas voting process for the 2025 Philippine senatorial elections, following the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) move to introduce internet voting for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in select locations. This initiative aims to increase voter participation by providing a more accessible and convenient voting method.
Important dates for online overseas voting
The online voting process includes several crucial dates:
- March 20, 2025 – Start of pre-enrollment and test voting
- April 12, 2025 – Last day for test voting
- April 13, 2025 – Start of overseas voting period (8:00 AM UAE time)
- May 7, 2025 – Last day to enroll in the online voting system
- May 12, 2025 – End of the overseas voting period (3:00 PM UAE time / 7:00 PM Philippine time)
Who can vote?
All Filipino citizens residing abroad who are at least 18 years old by May 12, 2025, and are registered as overseas voters, are eligible to vote. However, only those who completed their voter registration by September 30, 2024, can participate in the upcoming elections.
Pre-enrollment requirement for online voting
Registered overseas voters must complete a pre-enrollment process to participate in internet voting. This step is essential to verify voter identities and ensure the integrity of the system.
- Pre-Enrollment Period: March 20 – May 7, 2025
- Voters must provide a valid email address or phone number (capable of receiving a One-Time Password or OTP) and a valid passport or other accepted IDs.
- Enrollment will be done via a link that COMELEC will release on March 20, 2025.
Steps to participate in internet voting
1. Check your registration status
Voters must verify if their name is included in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) for Abu Dhabi or Dubai. QR codes for quick verification will be available.
2. Complete pre-enrollment
3. Visit the Overseas Voting and Counting System (OVCS) portal during the pre-enrollment period (March 20 – May 7, 2025).
Cast your vote
After successful pre-enrollment, log into the OVCS during the voting period (April 13 – May 12, 2025) to vote for senators and party-list representatives.
What if an overseas voter prefers to vote in-person?
While the online voting system is encouraged, the Philippine Embassy has confirmed that a kiosk will be available at the Embassy for voters who face difficulties voting online, particularly for:
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Senior citizens
- Pregnant women
- Individuals who struggle with reading and writing
