COME the May 2025 polls, overseas voters will be able to cast their votes using the internet.
This after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc yesterday approved the internet mode of voting starting in the next midterm elections.
“We approved the policy direction and, therefore, we are now set to prepare the roadmap for electronic voting for overseas Filipinos,” Comelec chairman George Garcia told reporters.
The poll chief said the decision comes as the Comelec is looking to increase overseas voting turnout in the succeeding elections.
“(We want to have) higher overseas voter turnout… Why are so many overseas Filipinos not voting personally or by mail? Maybe they need another mode,” said Garcia.
In the past, the Comelec has been hesitant in tapping internet voting citing the lack of legal basis to do so.
But according to Garcia, in a separate statement, the Republic Act No. 10590 or the Overseas Voting Act of 2013 already allows the Comelec to use internet-based voting technology sans a specific law.
“With the additional authority granted to the Commission under RA 10590 vis-a-vis its stronger implementing authority, it can be assumed that the Congress has yielded to the expertise and knowledge of the Commission in understanding the peculiarities attendant to the overseas voting process,” he said.
“(To such) extent, Congress’ prior approval is no longer required in the form of legislation in order for the Commission to promulgate rules and regulations and consequently, implement other means of overseas voting that are more reliable, secure, and efficient,” Garcia added.
Section 28 of RA 10590 states that the Commission “may explore other more efficient, reliable, and secure modes or systems, ensuring the secrecy and sanctity of the entire process, whether paper-based, electronic-based, or internet-based technology, or such other latest technology available”.
