NEW YORK – Consul General Senen Mangalile announced significant developments regarding the May 2025 Philippine National Elections during the ConGen Hour with the media last week, highlighting the Philippine government’s efforts to modernize the voting process for Overseas Filipinos.
Mangalile revealed that, for the first time, internet voting would be the sole mode of participation for overseas voters. “There’s going to be one mode of voting for overseas voters — online,” he emphasized. This shift is expected to streamline the voting experience and improve turnout for Filipinos living abroad.
Registered voters will need to pre-enroll 45 days prior to the election to receive their credentials, ensuring that all eligible participants are accounted for and can access the system. Voters will be able to cast their ballots using laptops, tablets, or mobile phones, doing away with the need for paper ballots. This development represents a significant shift in how Overseas Filipinos will participate in their country’s democratic process, marking the first time that voting will be exclusively digital for this group.
Consul General Mangalile said he attended a series of key training sessions and information drives last month organized by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer. The September event was part of ongoing efforts by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) to prepare for the 2025 elections. The training aimed to equip Foreign Service Posts (FSPs) with the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate internet voting effectively. In parallel, Filipino community leaders were educated on the new process to help spread awareness within their communities.
Consul General Ferrer emphasized the significance of these efforts, noting that continuous learning and adaptability are essential in public service. “Activities like this one enable us to adapt to changing circumstances, develop innovative solutions, and remain grounded in the principles of good governance,” Ferrer remarked during the event. The information drive also saw participation from COMELEC Commissioners Socorro B. Inting, Ernesto P. Maceda, Jr., and Marlon S. Casquejo, who encouraged Filipino leaders to embrace the new voting technology.
In previous elections, participation among Overseas Filipinos has been a challenge. Only 35.5% of the 1.69 million registered Overseas Filipino voters participated in the 2022 national and local elections. Mangalile pointed out that a significant number of ballots were returned to the consulates due to various issues, including incorrect addresses and outdated voter information. With the introduction of online voting, the hope is that such logistical barriers will be eliminated, leading to higher voter turnout.
“The hope is that we get a high turnout this time,” Mangalile said, expressing optimism about the potential of internet voting to engage more Filipinos abroad. He further stated that there would be a concerted effort to inform the public through a “massive information campaign and training” to ensure voters are well-prepared to use the new system.
Special provisions will also be made for elderly voters, people with disabilities, and those with special needs, ensuring that all registered voters, regardless of their situation, can fully participate. Mangalile mentioned that there would be machines available to assist these individuals, and consulate staff will be on hand to provide support for those needing help with the pre-enrollment process or the actual voting.
The September 30 registration deadline closed with 10,646 voters officially registered, adding to the 1.69 million registered voters from previous years. However, the number of voters who will actually take part remains a focus for COMELEC, which aims to improve the historically low turnout among overseas voters. The internet voting system, they hope, will help address previous obstacles and increase participation.
Consul General Ferrer also called on the Filipino community leaders to take an active role in promoting voter participation. “You are here because we believe you are our ambassadors and partners in empowering the Filipino American community,” Ferrer said. He encouraged them to share the new information with their respective organizations and networks, urging them to participate in nation-building by exercising their right to vote.
