Comelec vows accessible voting for seniors, OFWs in 2025 elections

The Commission on Elections signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the National Commission on Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ensure accessible 2025 midterm elections.

During her speech, NCSC Commissioner Mary Jean Loreche said the MOA will ensure that senior citizens will be prioritized during election day by providing priority lanes, among others.

Comelec earlier announced that the early voting hours policy will allow senior citizens, persons with disability, and pregnant women nationwide to vote exclusively between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Meanwhile, regular voting hours will proceed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

During the MOA signing, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said individuals accompanying the senior citizens will also be allowed to vote during the early voting hours.

Meanwhile, DFA Undersecretary Secretariat Domingo said the MOA with Comelec formalizes the transfer of funds to foreign service posts and ensures adequate resources for implementing overseas voting.

He added that the MOA also covers election-related expenses such as hiring additional manpower and stage fees for foreign service.

Comelec earlier announced that Filipino voters in 75 countries abroad will start casting their ballots through an internet-based voting system for the 2025 polls.

Under this system, voters no longer need to visit the consulate or embassy and may vote through their mobile devices after registering.

For countries that do not allow internet voting, the Comelec said Filipinos may still go to embassies to cast their votes. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News

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