Philippine Consul General Marford Angeles says the online voting system is delivering on its promise of accessibility. EXPAT MEDIA

The Philippine Consulate in Dubai reported a good turnout on the first day of online voting on Sunday (April 13) for the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, with Filipinos in the UAE making history as they cast their votes remotely for the first time. According to Consul General Marford Angeles, the majority of voters took advantage of the convenience of internet voting from their homes, while only a few visited the consulate for assistance. “Only a handful of overseas voters, including two senior citizens, came to the Consulate today to seek assistance in online voting while the majority voted online in the comfort of their homes,” Angeles said in a statement sent to Expat Media. He noted that the online system enabled a smoother and more efficient experience, especially given the UAE’s current hot weather. “Compared to our previous elections, we can say we had a good turnout as more people were able to vote compared to if they came to the Consulate in person and queued under this hot weather,” he added. Online voting officially began on April 13 and will continue until May 12 at 3pm UAE time. Registered overseas voters can cast their votes for 12 senators and one party-list group through the Commission on Elections (Comelec) online portal. The UAE is home to the largest number of overseas Filipino voters, with 189,892 registered voters—123,891 in Dubai and the Northern Emirates and 66,001 in Abu Dhabi, the Philippine Consulate told Expat Media. The Philippine Consulate is optimistic about a higher turnout in the coming days. So far, around 5 percent of registered voters in Dubai and the Northern Emirates have enrolled and cast their votes on Day 1, Consul General Angeles said. “We are hoping that we get a higher turnout in the coming days, leading to the enrollment deadline of May 7, as only those pre-enrolled can cast their votes until May 12,” Angeles said. He said the online voting system is delivering on its promise of accessibility. “The online voting mode is making good with its promise of an easier and more convenient way to vote for our overseas voters,” he said. “Each vote is a step closer towards realizing what we envision our country's future should be. As an overseas voter, this is your chance to make your voice heard and we encourage you to make sure it is heard loud and clear,” he said. No manual voting will be held at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Philippine Consulate in Dubai, but online voting kiosks are available to assist senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and illiterate voters. “Only those who are illiterate, with disability, senior citizen, and pregnant may be accommodated to vote at the kiosk… There will be no manual voting as the kiosk will also be using online voting and the voter still has to use his or her own account,” clarified the Embassy and Consulate in a joint statement. Accredited poll watchers in the UAE include Citizen Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) and Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), while 10 media outlets, including Expat Media, have been authorized to monitor the elections. Ambassador Alfonso Ver and Consul General Angeles both emphasized the significance of this moment. “Voting is important, and at the same time it is exciting for all of us to be part of this historic voting because this is the first time we will have online voting,” Angeles said.

Full guide: How to vote online in the 2025 Philippine elections (UAE)

Who can vote?

Filipinos abroad who are: • Listed in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) • Have pre-enrolled for online voting Check your name here: • Dubai and Northern Emirates CLOV • Abu Dhabi CLOV

How to pre-enroll for online voting

All registered voters must pre-enroll to gain access to the online voting platform—even if they are already registered. Deadline to pre-enroll is on May 7. Steps: 1. Visit: ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll 2. Use a valid passport or ID (no photocopies) 3. Complete the identity verification: - Enter personal details - Submit live facial capture - Upload a valid ID - Record a video while holding your ID 4. Receive a One-Time Password (OTP) 5. Wait for email or SMS confirmation granting access to the online voting system

How to vote online

Voting period: • Start: April 13 at 8am (UAE time) • End: May 12 at 3pm (UAE time) Steps: 1. Use your approved device (mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop) with a working camera. 2. Log in to the Comelec online portal using your credentials. 3. Select your preferred candidates: - 12 senators - 1 party-list group 4. Confirm and cast your vote. Note: You must vote within the given time frame. Once the voting session starts, it is timed.

Frequently asked questions

Can I vote in person?

Yes—but only via the online voting kiosks at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. These are exclusively for: • Senior citizens • Persons with disabilities • Illiterate voters • Pregnant women There will be no manual ballots.

What if I get disapproved for pre-enrollment?

If your online voting registration is disapproved, it may be due to one of the following: • You are not a registered overseas voter • Your registration was deactivated for not voting in the 2019 and 2022 elections • You are currently in the Philippines (only overseas voters can enroll) For assistance, email: overseasvoting@comelec.gov.ph

Is the system secure?

According to Comelec Director Ian Michel Geonanga, the platform has multi-layered security, including: • Biometric verification • Facial recognition • OTP-based login “Pre-enrollment ensures that only legitimate voters can access the system,” said Geonanga. “Internet voting is an option so we can vote faster and easier. Anytime, anywhere voting can be done anytime, anywhere,” he added. Make sure you pre-enroll before May 7 so you can vote from your phone, tablet, or computer and be part of this digital milestone in Philippine electoral history. ICA/PIA/Expat
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