FAQs on Overseas Voting
(Download the PDF Brochure here: https://tinyurl.com/pcgsfovcsfaqs2025) 

What is Overseas Voting? Overseas voting is the process by which qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad exercise their right to vote.

What is OFOV? The Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) is an office of the Commission tasked to oversee and supervise the effective implementation of the Overseas Voting Act (R.A. 9189 as amended by R.A. 10590).

Who can participate in Overseas Voting? All citizens of the Philippines abroad, who are not otherwise disqualified by law, at least eighteen (18) years of age on the day of elections.

How can I check if I am an active voter? Check our website if you are on the list of registered and active voters: https://pcgsanfrancisco.org/overseas-voting/

Who cannot participate in Overseas Voting? Those who are disqualified by the law namely:

• Those who have lost their Filipino Citizenship;
• Those who have expressly renounced their Philippine citizenship and who have pledged allegiance to a foreign country except those who have reacquired or retained their Philippine citizenship under Republic Act No. 9225, otherwise known as the ‘Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003;
• Those who have committed and are convicted in a final judgment by a Philippine court or tribunal of an offense punishable by imprisonment of not less than one (1) year, such disability not having been removed by plenary pardon or amnesty: Provided, however, That any person disqualified to vote shall automatically acquire the right to vote upon the expiration of five (5) years after service of sentence; and
• Any citizen of the Philippines abroad previously declared insane or incompetent by competent authority in the Philippines or abroad, as verified by the Philippine embassies, consulates or Foreign Service establishments concerned, unless such competent authority subsequently certifies that such person is no longer insane or incompetent.

FAQs on Internet Voting

What is Internet Voting? It is a secure system of casting votes online. Votes are cast online instead of on paper ballots and can be done in the comfort of the voters’ own homes or workplace. Overseas voters (OVs) need not go to the Embassies / Consulates to cast their vote and only need a computer or mobile device (phone or tablet) with Internet access.

How do I vote online? Overseas voters need to undergo an online pre-voting enrolment or sign-up process. OVs need to present valid identification documents (i.e. Philippine passport) to the system to prove their identity

Can all overseas voters vote online? Overseas voters from pre-identified countries can vote. This is only available in 77 Posts, which includes all US Foreign Service Posts.

What if I’m registered in the Philippines? Voters registered in the Philippines are not allowed to participate in the overseas voting.

What if I’m registered in another country? Voters registered in another country may still avail of the online voting. Choose the appropriate Philippine embassy/consulate where the voter is registered on the pre-voting enrollment form.

When is the overseas voting period for the 2025 elections? The 30-day overseas voting period is from 13 April 2025 until 12 May 2025, ending at 7:00 PM Philippine Standard Time (PST). This is equivalent to 4:00 AM on 12 May 2025 in San Francisco (Pacific Daylight Time – PDT). Reminder that the overseas voting period is for 30 continuous calendar days, inclusive of all established holidays in the Philippines and the host country.

What do I need to remember when the polls close? Voting will automatically close on 12 May 2025 at 7:00 PM, PH time (or 4:00 AM, 12 May 2025 (Monday) San Francisco Time) Voters can no longer enter the voting portal on your device.

What if I am already inside the voting portal when the clock hits 7:00 PM (4:00 AM local time in San Francisco)? There is a 15-minute grace period for the voter to finish voting. At exactly 7:15 PM (PH Time), the said voter shall be automatically logged out.

What if some voters are still in line at the kiosk by 7 PM, PH time? (or 4:00AM local time in San Francisco) You may still vote at the voting kiosk. The voting kiosk can be manually closed by the SBEI once there are no more voters in the 30-meter vicinity of the polling center.

What is internet voting? Internet voting refers to the casting of votes in an election through an online platform. It can be done from any electronic devices connected to the internet, such as a computer, smartphone, or tablet.

What is the rationale behind the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) decision to implement internet voting? The rationale is based on Section 23 of Republic Act No. 10590 or the Overseas Voting Act of 2013, which allows voting “by any other means as may be determined by the Commission”. A careful reading of the same would lead to a clear conclusion that COMELEC is not strictly limited in determining whether voting abroad may be done either personally or by mail only. This is also in relation to Section 28 of the same law, which authorized the Commission to explore other modes or systems of voting, including electronic-based or internet-based technology or such other latest technology available.

Has internet voting been used in previous National Elections Overseas? Internet voting has not been used in previous National Elections Overseas. It will be used for the first time in the 2025 National Elections Overseas but only for overseas voters registered in selected 77 Posts.

How is voter privacy maintained in internet voting? The system is designed with audit trail capability that can track and verify the integrity of the voting process without compromising voter anonymity. Multi-factor authentication ensures that only eligible voters can access the voting platform, preventing unauthorized individuals from casting votes. Votes are encrypted during transmission to protect them from interception and unauthorized access.

How does internet voting work? Voters receive credentials to access the internet voting platform after successful voting pre-voting enrollment. After verifying their identity, voters can view the ballot, cast their vote, and submit it electronically.

Is internet voting secure? Internet voting is secure and free from tampering. Verification system in place that allows voters to verify whether their vote has been recorded correctly and remains unchanged. This system provides transparency and reassurance that votes have not been tampered with or lost. The system employs three layers of authentication to verify the identity of voters. This multi-factor authentication process helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only eligible voters can cast their votes.

What are the benefits of internet voting? The potential benefits include increased accessibility for voters, convenience, saves time, reduce costs association with voting by mail or personal voting, and increase voter participation and/or voter turnout.

Is the system on internet voting user-friendly and accessible, especially for people with disabilities? For individuals with disabilities, the members of Special Board of Electoral Inspectors at the Posts, who are deputized by the COMELEC, shall provide assistance to people with disabilities and allow them to vote using the voting kiosks.

Is the software for the internet voting password-protected? It is password-protected, with three layers of security.

How will you ensure that the person voting is the actual registered voter? What measures will be in place to verify this? There will be matching with overseas voters’ database. During pre-voting enrollment, voters will create an account and receive one-time-password via email or SMS.

What are the important dates to remember?

• 07 May 2025 (Wednesday) – Last day to enroll for internet voting
• 12 April 2025 (Saturday) – Last day for test voting
• 13 April 2025 until 12 May 2025, 7:00 PM Philippine Standard Time (PST) or 4:00 AM on 12 May 2025 in San Francisco (PDT) – Official Internet Voting period
• 12 May 2025 4:00 AM San Francisco Time (PDT) – Deadline to cast your vote

When is test voting available? Test voting can be done after successful enrollment and is available only until April 12, 2025, 23:59 Philippine time.

Are my votes in test voting counted? No. Votes cast during test voting are not counted.

FAQs on Pre-Voting Enrollment

What is the Pre-Voting enrollment phase for Internet Voting? Registered Overseas Voters falling under the jurisdiction of Internet Voting Posts (77 Posts) must still undergo pre-voting enrollment into the system for purposes of verification of his/her identity and status of registration before he/she can vote during the overseas voting period.

When is the Pre-Voting Enrollment period for Internet Voting? The Pre-Voting enrollment period will begin on 20 March 2025 and end on 07 May 2025.

What happens if the registered overseas voter fails to do the pre-voting enrollment step? The registered overseas voter may contact the Post where he/she registered or email at [email protected] to do the virtual enrollment. Also the overseas voter may personally appear at Post where he/she registered on or before 12 May 2025 4:00am (San Francisco/PDT Time).

What do I need to pre-enroll and vote online?

• An internet-capable device with a camera (computer, smartphone, or tablet)
• A valid email address and/or mobile number
• A valid ID listed below

How is Pre-Voting Enrollment done? Pre-Voting Enrollment can be done by the voter through any of the following means:

• Self-pre-voting enrollment using the voter’s own internet-capable device during the period for pre-voting enrollment; or
• Through the voting kiosk at the Post during the overseas voting period. Specifically, the voter will have to fill out an online pre-voting enrollment form and undergo the multi-step authentication process (which involves ID image and facial capturing).

What are the valid identification documents accepted by the system?

• Philippine Passport (Regular, Official and Diplomatic)
• Philsys ID
• Philippines Driver’s License
• IBP Card
• Seaman’s Book

What if the identification document presented is expired? It will still be accepted by the system. Despite the expiration of the ID, it still serves as a valid proof of identity for purposes of the pre-voting enrollment.

What if I do not have a Philippine ID but I am a registered overseas voter? You can still enroll but a manual verification will be made. The Consulate can assist in the manual verification process.

What else should I prepare? Please keep the following reminders in mind:

• Prepare your internet-capable device and valid ID
• Make sure you’re in a well-lit and quiet area
• Ensure that your device can take good photos
• Ensure you have a working email address and mobile number to receive your One-Time PIN (OTP)
• Select and do not forget your preferred password

Is there a verification process during the pre-voting enrollment? Yes. The system is customized and designed in such a way that there will be an automated verification process. Applications that do not pass this automated verification process will be marked as “for further verification” and will proceed to manual validation/verification process to be undertaken by the SBEI of the Post or the OFOV. In both cases, the enrollee will receive a notice and/or prompt of the status of his/her enrollment.

Why was my internet voting enrollment disapproved? Your enrollment for internet voting may have been disapproved for the following reasons:

• You are not a registered overseas voter.
• Your overseas voter registration is deactivated.

What if the information in the voter’s registration record do not match during the pre-voting enrollment form? This application will be marked as “for further verification” or will be outright denied, depending on the number of similar fields between what is in the registration record, and what was provided in the pre-voting enrollment form. The enrollee will receive a notice and/or prompt of the status of his/her enrollment.

Will there be an online verification through the use of online video calls/conferencing applications? Yes, the SBEI or the OFOV will conduct the manual validation by comparing the application with the complete voter registration record.

What happens during manual verification/validation? If you receive the error “for further verification” or if you are unable to pre-enroll for various reasons, may contact the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco via email at [email protected] or the Office for Overseas Voting PH via Facebook Messenger or via email at [email protected] to do the manual validation. The voter may also personally appear at the Consulate where he/she registered on or before 12 May 2025 4:00am (San Francisco/PDT Time). The Consulate’s SBEI or the Office for Overseas Voting PH will check the list of registered and active overseas voters, review the complete voter registration record and verify the identity of the voter using his/her available IDs. The voter will need to provide his/her valid email address and mobile number to receive the link for online voting.

What if the overseas voter’s registration record is missing biometric information, can they still undergo pre-voting enrollment? Yes, they can still enroll. Biometric data of the overseas voter is not used for matching by the system during the verification process.

What if the email and/or mobile number of the overseas voter in his/her registration record differs from what he uses for pre-voting enrollment? Will this have an effect on the pre-voting enrollment process? None. However, the overseas voter will receive his/her OTP and further instructions related to online voting through the email and/or mobile number he/she inputs in the pre-voting enrollment step.

Can multiple overseas voters register using only one email address and/or mobile number? No. The system will not allow for one email address or one mobile number to be associated to multiple overseas voters. In case of overseas voters who do not have email addresses and/or mobile numbers, it is suggested that an email address be created for him/her so that they will be able to receive the OTP. If all else fails, going to the Post to vote using the voting kiosk is also an option for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and/or pregnant women.

How long will the pre-voting enrollment phase normally take? On average, it will take around two-three minutes to finish (filling out the form and image capturing).

What if there is an electricity and/or internet connection interruption during the pre-voting enrollment phase? As long as the pre-voting enrollment form has not been submitted, the overseas voter will just have to repeat the process to ensure that his application has been properly filed. In any case, as earlier stated, the whole pre-voting enrollment phase can be done in only a few minutes.

Will facial recognition be used for the pre-voting enrollment phase? Yes, the system will prompt the overseas voter for photo capturing of the following: His/her face; His/her ID; His/her face while holding the said ID.

FAQs During Voting

When is the voting period for overseas voters? Is it possible to vote earlier than this period or even beyond it? The overseas voting period is a continuous thirty (30)-day period ending on the day of the election. For the 2025 National Elections Overseas, the overseas voting period is from 13 April to 12 May 2025, with the closing of polls synchronized with the local elections based on Philippine Standard Time. This period is mandated by RA 9189, as amended by RA10591, or the Overseas Voting Act. As such, this period is fixed and voters cannot vote earlier nor beyond the said period.

What happens if the voter is already logged on to the OVCS, and has not yet cast his/her vote upon the closing of polls? The voter who is already logged in to the online voting portal at the close of voting may still cast their votes within fifteen (15) minutes. If the voter still did not cast the vote, he/she will then be automatically logged out of the portal.

What if happens if a voter tries to log on after the close of polls on 12 May 2025? Unfortunately, he/she will no longer be able to access the voting portal.

Will there be voting kiosks to ensure vote secrecy? For internet voting, registered overseas voters can vote anywhere that they feel secure and safe. As long as they have internet-capable devices, they can access the online voting portal and cast their votes. In addition, there will be voting kiosks at Posts to cater to the following: 1) Those who are illiterate 2) Persons with Disability 3) Senior citizens 4) Pregnant

Will there be a notification system that alerts voters if their vote has not been cast, along with instructions on how to complete the process? There will be a notification or confirmation screen that will appear once the vote has been successfully cast. The voting portal has been customized to make it intuitive and user-friendly, making the voting process easy to navigate. Further, the Commission will also make voting instructions available online.

What happens if there is a power interruption during the casting of votes? If there’s an interruption during voting, the vote will not be cast. Consequently, the voter will have to re-do the voting process within the 30-day overseas voting period. Voters are advised to vote early.

How will a registered voter know that he/she is eligible to vote? The Voters may check his/her names in the Certified List of Overseas Voters available at the COMELEC website and DFA or Posts websites. However, as stated earlier, he/she must still enroll into the system to ensure that they can vote online.

What if a registered overseas voter who successfully enrolled for internet voting, suddenly returns to the Philippines during the overseas voting period, can he still vote? Yes, with internet voting, the registered overseas voter may vote wherever in the world using any internet-capable device. You may not pre-enroll while in the Philippines.

Can a Filipino who acquired foreign citizenship be allowed to vote? To be qualified to vote, said individual must first reacquire Filipino citizenship by taking an oath of allegiance to the Philippines. An individual who loses Filipino citizenship and still votes in the elections may be held liable under Philippine law.

Can a voter vote using both their phone and laptop if voting is done through a link or specific site? Should they log out from one device before accessing another? A voter can only be logged in on one device at a time.

What if my enrollment shows that manual verification is needed? The consulate will notify the voter through email to manually verify the information in the Registration of Overseas Voters. The voter should have access to his/her device during the verification procedure for a QR code with 15 minutes validity will be sent to the voter’s email.

Can I still request for my voting ballots to be mailed even though there is already an Overseas Online Voting? Since there is already an Online Voting portal, we do not mail the ballots anymore.