OFW PARTY LIST ON OVERSEAS VOTERS: Participates in historic first internet voting

On Thursday, OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino reminded overseas voters, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Filipino seafarers, to participate in the first-ever Overseas Internet Voting in the upcoming elections.

In the latest informational video released by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), the mechanism for the historic internet voting in 77 foreign posts is now ready. Through this, overseas Filipino voters can cast their votes using tablets, laptops, or mobile phones.

According to COMELEC, the pre-voting enrollment period for registered overseas voters is from March 10 to May 7, 2025. Voters can enroll using an internet-capable device, voting kiosks at embassies and consulates, or through field/mobile pre-voting enrollment facilitated by embassies and consulates. Meanwhile, the voting period for overseas voting will run from April 23 to May 12, 2025.

Magsino stated: “We once again urge our overseas voters to participate in the first-ever and historic internet voting. This is something we fought for, together with COMELEC, because we know the challenges faced by our OFWs and seafarers when it comes to voting during elections due to the time and distance of polling places. Let us use our right to vote to help shape the Philippines we aspire for.”

In the 2022 elections, only 35.5% of registered overseas voters participated, according to COMELEC data. Because of this, Magsino filed the Overseas Electronic Registration and Voting Act (House Bill 6770) to make the registration and voting process easier and faster for Filipinos abroad.

HB 6770 aims to amend the Overseas Voting Act of 2003 (Republic Act 10590) to allow registration and voting through email, web-based portals, and other internet-based technologies that COMELEC deems suitable.

This initiative aligns with the implementation of internet voting for the 2025 elections by COMELEC, in accordance with Section 16.11 of Republic Act No. 9189 and Section 28 of RA No. 10590 – a temporary measure while waiting for the enactment of the Overseas Electronic Registration and Voting Act, which has already passed the House of Representatives but is still under discussion in the Senate.

According to Magsino, advocating for the empowerment of overseas Filipino voters, particularly OFWs and seafarers, to have easier access to casting their vote has long been her mission.

“Through internet voting, our OFWs can now vote more easily and conveniently, no matter where they are! Whether they’re at sea, doing laundry, or working—if there’s internet, there’s a way, and they have the right to vote. I hope our countrymen abroad fully utilize this opportunity, especially since they significantly contribute to our economy and society,” added the lawmaker.