PH Consulate General In New York Holds Media Hour With COMELEC On 2025 Online Voting System
NEW YORK CITY, 31 March 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in New York held its first quarter Media Hour on 28 March 2025 at the Philippine Center, with the participation of officials from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to present updates on the implementation of the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) for the 2025 Philippine national elections. The event followed the three-day Regional Training for North and Latin American Foreign Service Posts on the administration of overseas voting through the new online system, held in New York from 26 to 28 March 2025.
COMELEC Commissioner Aimee P. Ferolino, along with Director Ian Michael G. Geonanga and Director John Rex Laudiangco, briefed members of the Filipino-American media on the conduct of overseas voting under the OVCS. They responded to questions regarding system features, cybersecurity measures, voter verification procedures, and efforts to ensure accessibility for overseas voters.
For his part, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile emphasized the crucial role of the media and Filipino community leaders in raising awareness about the overseas voting process. He called for their continued partnership in encouraging voter participation, especially as the new system is introduced to Filipino voters abroad.
COMELEC officials underscored the significance of the 2025 elections as the first time the Philippines will implement internet voting for registered overseas voters. “We are the first in Asia to use internet voting,” said Commissioner Ferolino, highlighting that the system was developed to improve accessibility and to address longstanding issues such as postal delays and low voter turnout.
Registered overseas voters may cast their ballots online after completing a one-time enrollment process, which includes uploading any one of five acceptable Philippine IDs and a selfie for facial recognition. Those without valid Philippine-issued IDs may still enroll through in-person or live video verification, using any acceptable proof of identity. Assistance will be made available through the Philippine embassies and consulates.
COMELEC conveyed its assurance that the OVCS complies with Philippine election laws and international standards. They noted that the system underwent a rigorous certification process and a source code review by relevant government agencies and election stakeholders to ensure its integrity and reliability.
Consul General Mangalile also took the opportunity to announce a series of upcoming events by the Consulate. These include Sari-Sari Storytime on 5 April 2025; 80 Years of Valor: Honoring the Heroes of the Liberation of Manila on 8 April; Filipinnovation in Wealth Building on 24 April; The Filipino Nonprofit Leadership Playbook on 26 April; Philippine Graduation 2025 on 24 May; and the Evelyn Mandac Documentary Screening and Kundiman Masterclass on 29 May. END
