DFA OKs fine-tuning of pre-enrollment for online voting 

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed postponing the pre-enrollment period for the online voting and counting system (OVCS).

The Philippine News Agency said the schedule changed from March 10, 2025, to March 20, 2025, to ensure the initial OVCS implementation occurs smoothly. 

READ: CICC welcomes conviction of 17 Chinese for cybercrimes

On Saturday, the DFA said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decision proves “its commitment to safeguard the integrity of election overseas.” 

“The Department hopes Comelec’s decision for postponement shall enable it to ensure that the OVCS passes all the testing and certification required by Republic Act 9369, the Election Automation Law of 2007, prior to its launch,” the DFA stated. 

The DFA said it is ready to implement the OVCS under the Comelec’s direction. Also, it “remains resolute and committed” to fulfilling its mandate of administering the vote to registered Filipino overseas voters.

The overseas voting period lasts from April 13 to May 12. Also, overseas Filipinos must pre-register at www.comelec.gov.ph before online voting via OVCS.

On March 5, 2025, the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) warned the public of those claiming they could exchange election results in exchange for money. 

Comelec chairperson George Garcia filed a cyberlibel case against lawyer Jeryll Harold Respicio for allegedly violating the Cybercrime Prevention Act. 

On January 25, 2025, Respicio posted a video claiming he can manipulate vote-counting machines and backroom programs can change election results. 

CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos explained that these devices have the utmost cybersecurity to ensure the validity of election results.

Specifically, these machines have locks, a designated time for connections, and a consolidation server that only receives encrypted files.