Manila: Filipinos abroad who would use internet voting may enroll their gadgets for the purpose until May 7, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday. In an interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that registered voters who wish to utilize the new Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) in 77 Philippine Embassies (PEs) and Philippine Consulates General (PCG) can visit ov.comelec.gov.ph/enroll.

According to Philippines News Agency, the poll body chief reported that over 55,000 Filipinos abroad have enrolled to avail of internet voting. However, Garcia noted that they cannot disclose the number of those who have already voted at the start of the 30-day overseas voting period on Sunday. He emphasized that disclosing such information is prohibited under Section 240 of the Omnibus Election Code, which is adopted in the Overseas Voting Law.

Garcia mentioned that the number of enrollees is on the rise. He highlighted the convenience of internet voting, which is available 24/7, allowing voters to log in using their assigned account and password on their gadgets to cast their votes.

Additionally, voters in 16 Posts overseas using automated counting machines have started casting their votes. Voting hours inside PEs and PCGs are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A total of 1.321 million Filipino voters are residing abroad. Overseas voters will only vote for national positions, which include electing 12 senators and one party-list group.