A party-list lawmaker expressed serious concern over reports from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) encountering discrepancies while casting their votes online for the 2025 national elections.
“This is deeply alarming. If these reports are true, they raise serious questions about the integrity and reliability of the overseas voting system. Our OFWs deserve better,” said Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo.
He called on Comelec to immediately investigate the matter and take swift corrective action.
“Comelec must get to the bottom of this. Even a single compromised vote can erode confidence in the integrity of the election process,” Salo added.
Reports from OFWs highlight issues such as difficulties in the enrollment process, unresponsive systems, and concerns over vote confirmation.
Some OFWs also reported discrepancies between their selections and the final ballot, with some even finding their votes altered after submission.
These challenges have raised significant apprehension among the Filipino diaspora, which already faces obstacles in accessing and participating in the voting process.
It is also alleged that the online system does not allow seafarers who are registered voters and are currently in the Philippines to cast their vote.
“We maintain our trust in the electoral system, and incidents like this must not be ignored. They must be addressed immediately to dispel any doubt or mistrust they may cause among our voters overseas,” Salo emphasized.
Salo, an advocate for the rights of OFWs and seafarers, stressed the right to vote is sacred and must be protected at all costs, regardless of where a Filipino resides.
“OFWs and seafarers make enormous sacrifices for their families and for our country. The least we can do is ensure that their votes are cast accurately and counted properly,” Salo said.
