MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is exploring the possibility of allowing persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to participate in elections through an Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS). This initiative is contingent upon the success of overseas internet voting trials, as stated by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia.
According to Philippines News Agency, Chairperson Garcia emphasized that the future implementation of internet voting for PDLs, people with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens would rely heavily on the results of internet voting conducted abroad. In a press conference following a memorandum of agreement signing at the Palacio del Gobernador, Garcia remarked on the potential of using technological devices like cellphones, laptops, and tablets, or setting up voting stations for this purpose. This step is viewed as a prudent approach to assess the feasibility and reliability of online voting before a broader domestic rollout.
The overseas internet voting trial will take p
lace at 76 foreign service posts, including the Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO) and Mission, during the 2025 polls. Meanwhile, for these elections, the 68,448 registered PDL voters will cast their votes through special polling places established within jail facilities or through escorted voting at regular polling places.
In another development, Comelec has announced that there will be no extension to the December 13 deadline for the registration of online campaign platforms by national and local candidates for the May 2025 elections. As of December 11, 7,302 candidates, political parties, and party-list organizations have submitted their online registration applications. This includes 43 senatorial aspirants, 7,085 local candidates, and 174 party-list groups and political parties.
Resolution No. 11064 mandates that all participants in the May 2025 elections register their online campaign platforms. This requirement covers official social media accounts, websites, podcasts, blogs, and vlogs, among oth
ers.
