PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN SAN FRANCISCO CONDUCTS FIRST-EVER ONLINE VOTING FOR OVERSEAS VOTERS
Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer reviews the official election returns following the successful conduct of the 2025 overseas online voting at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
San Francisco, 14 May 2025 – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco successfully conducted the first-ever online voting for overseas Filipinos under its jurisdiction during the 2025 National and Local Elections. The voting and counting period concluded on 12 May 2025, marking a historic milestone in expanding accessibility and modernizing the overseas voting process.
A total of 1,779 registered voters were able to cast their votes online through the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) newly implemented Overseas Voting and Counting System. While turnout reflected 3.98% of the 44,687 registered voters in the Consulate’s jurisdiction, the Consulate remains optimistic that participation will grow in future elections as voters gain more confidence in the digital platform.
To support the transition, the Consulate launched a multi-pronged outreach campaign, to reach overseas voters. Voters with record inconsistencies and those who have encountered difficulties in enrolling for online voting were assisted through Google Meet until the close of polls at 4:00 AM (PDT) on 12 May. Additionally, the Consulate’s AI-powered chatbot, Tala, responded to an average of 120 election-related inquiries daily, helping guide voters throughout the process.
Official Elections results are available via COMELEC’s website at https://2025electionresults.comelec.gov.ph/. In accordance with COMELEC Resolution No. 10181, the official Election Returns have been posted in the Consulate’s Kalayaan Hall for public viewing.
“We are grateful to our kababayans who embraced this new mode of participation and made their voices heard online,” said Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer. “We also extend our congratulations to COMELEC for this groundbreaking initiative, which paves the way for more inclusive, secure, and modern elections for Filipinos overseas.”
The Consulate thanks COMELEC, the OFOV team, the DFA-OVS, and partner Posts across the Americas for their support. This pioneering effort underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to harnessing technology for greater electoral access and transparency. END
Members of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco’s Electoral Board —comprised of the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEI), Special Ballot Reception and Custody Group (SBRCG), and Technical and Support Staff—at the conclusion of the 2025 overseas online voting period, proud to have extended dedicated service to the Filipino public they serve.