President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos living and working abroad to exercise their right to vote in the midterm elections.
In a video message, Marcos said taking part in the 2025 polls gives overseas Filipino voters (OFWs) a chance to decide the future of the country.
Overseas voting began on 13 April 2025 and will remain open until 12 May, the same day as Election Day in the Philippines.
This year also marks the inaugural implementation of internet voting in several areas abroad, enabling voters to cast their ballots online.
According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), around 1.2 million Filipinos abroad are registered to vote.
Seventy-seven Philippine consular posts will serve as voting centers, while 16 embassies and consulates will conduct in-person voting activities with ballots transported via mail.
Marcos emphasized the convenience that internet voting brings to Filipinos overseas.
“Ngayon mas madali na ang pagboto, kahit nasaan kayo sa mundo, hindi na kailangan pumila o bumyahe. Sa pamamagitan ng online voting, maipapahayag ninyo ang inyong boses nang mabilis, ligtas at maayos,” he said.
(Now voting is easier, no matter where you are in the world, there is no need to queue or travel. With online voting, you can express your voice quickly, safely, and efficiently.)
He also urged voters to choose candidates who are thoughtful and capable of leading with strength and determination.
“Gamitin natin ang karapatang ito, piliin natin ang kandidatong may malasakit, kakayahan, at may paninindigan,” he stressed.
(Let's exercise this right, let's choose candidates with compassion, competence, and integrity.)
In the 12 May polls, Filipinos will elect 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list lawmakers, and 17,942 local officials, including governors, mayors, and councilors.