President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to actively participate in the 2025 elections, emphasizing that casting votes is now more accessible through online voting.
In a video message, Marcos encouraged OFWs to take advantage of this convenience. “Naka boto na ba kayo? Tuloy-tuloy po ang overseas voting para sa halalan 2025. Ito po ang inyong pagkakataon na makilahok sa kinabukasan ng ating bayan,” he said.
Marcos highlighted the ease of voting remotely, assuring OFWs that they no longer need to travel or stand in long lines. “Ngayon mas madali na ang pagboto, kahit nasaan kayo sa mundo hindi na kailangan pumila o bumiyahe. Sa pamamagitan ng online voting, maipapahayag ninyo ang inyong boses nang mabilis, ligtas, at maayos,” he added.
He also urged voters to choose candidates wisely, focusing on those who demonstrate genuine concern for public welfare. “Gamitin natin ang karapatang ito, piliin natin ang kandidatong may malasakit, kakayahan, at may panindigan. Sa tamang pagpili, sama-sama nating bubuuhin ang Bagong Pilipinas,” he emphasized.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced an extension for the pre-voting enrollment period under the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS), allowing overseas voters to register until May 10, 2025. This extension, detailed in Comelec Memorandum No. 250714 issued on May 5, 2025, was in response to a request from the Office for Overseas Voting.
As of May 6, around 200,000 overseas Filipino voters have registered for the online voting system. The official voting period for overseas Filipinos began on April 13 and will continue until May 12, 2025.
