Have you registered to vote for the 2025 Philippine National Elections? If so, as a registered Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), you have the opportunity to make your voice heard by participating in the election and casting your vote for key national positions. The voting period will run from April 13 to May 12, 2025, giving you a full month to choose your candidates.
For this election, OFWs can vote in two specific categories: Senators and Party-List Representatives, ensuring representation for Filipinos abroad in shaping the future of the country.
This privilege for overseas Filipinos is based on Republic Act No. 9189, as amended by Republic Act No. 10590, which allows Filipinos abroad to cast their ballots in national elections. Although new voter registration closed on September 30, 2024, those who are already registered as overseas voters will be able to participate in the 2025 elections.
A notable change for the 2025 elections is the adoption of internet voting, which is expected to significantly increase voter accessibility and turnout. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has expressed optimism that this innovation will allow more overseas voters to participate easily, without needing to visit embassies or consulates. According to reports, a successful internet voting test was conducted in 2023, paving the way for this method to be implemented in 2025
COMELEC also shared that the convenience of internet voting is particularly vital for OFWs who are spread across different time zones and remote locations, allowing them to participate without any logistical challenges. This modernization is aimed at enhancing democratic participation among Filipinos living abroad.
If you’re a registered overseas voter, make sure your registration is still active and stay tuned for specific instructions from your local Philippine consulate or embassy regarding the voting process. Internet voting instructions and other election-related updates will be provided through official channels leading up to the election.
For those based in the UAE, here are the details of the nearest Philippine diplomatic offices:
Philippine Consulate General in Dubai: Villa No. 234-851, Beirut Street, Al Qusais 3, Dubai, UAE.
Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi: Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines, Al Bateen, Street No. 8, Villa No. 8, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
