In a Facebook post made today, April 20, 2025, the Philippine Embassy in the UAE reminded overseas Filipinos that the 30-day overseas voting period is now ongoing, encouraging those who need assistance to visit the embassy even during weekends or holidays.
The voting period, which began on April 13 and runs until May 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. UAE time, marks the first time internet voting is being implemented for overseas voters in Philippine electoral history. The initiative by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) aims to increase voter participation among the 1.2 million registered Filipinos living abroad.
“Nagsimula na ang 30-day Overseas Voting! Ito ay mula sa 13 April 2025 hanggang 12 May 2025 (3:00 p.m., UAE time)!” the embassy wrote in its advisory. “Kung kailangan ng tulong para makapagboto online, mapa-weekend man o holiday, maaaring pumunta sa Embahada.”
The embassy also provided a dedicated hotline to assist voters through SMS, phone call, or WhatsApp. Overseas Filipinos in the UAE who encounter issues accessing the online voting portal or need help with their login credentials may contact:
- Email: abudhabioav@gmail.com
- Hotline: +971 50 74-1-8683 (+971 50 PH-1-VOTE)
To vote online, eligible overseas voters must have pre-enrolled on the official COMELEC Overseas Voting website and can now cast their votes via https://ov.comelec.gov.ph/vote.
COMELEC previously reported that only around 48,000 of the more than 1.2 million registered overseas voters had completed the necessary pre-enrollment by April 11, prompting intensified information campaigns from embassies and consulates worldwide.
In addition to online channels, the Philippine Embassy in the UAE has committed to offering on-site support throughout the voting period to ensure that no voter is left behind.
As part of the broader effort, COMELEC has implemented internet voting in 77 diplomatic posts globally. However, in jurisdictions like China, Russia, Turkey, and several Middle Eastern countries, in-person voting remains the only option due to local restrictions.
