Comelec defends overseas voters list publication

The Commission on Elections, through its Task Force KKK and the Office for Overseas Voting, has denied allegations that publishing the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) on official websites ahead of Eleksyon 2025 constituted a data privacy or security breach.

This statement came in response to an April 11, 2025, Facebook post by the Computer Professionals’ Union, which criticized the online release of the CLOV, citing supposed violations of data privacy and potential risks to the safety of millions of overseas Filipinos.

Comelec dismissed the union’s claims as “false and malicious,” asserting that the publication of the CLOV is not only legal but also required under Republic Act No. 10590, or the Overseas Voting Act.

The commission pointed out that the union may have overlooked key provisions of the law. Specifically, Section 8 mandates that the Resident Election Registration Board publish applicants’ names and application details on the bulletin boards and official websites of embassies or consulates.

In addition, Section 20 (formerly Section 13) of the law requires Comelec to prepare and release the CLOV at least 90 days before the overseas voting period begins. These lists must also be provided to relevant embassies and consulates for public posting.

“Sa makatuwid, ang paglalathala ng Certified List of Overseas Voters sa website ay siya mismong itinatakda ng batas, at isa sa mga kinakailangang gawin ng Comelec upang ipatupad ang RA No. 10590,” the commission emphasized.

(In short, the publication of the Certified List of Overseas Voters is mandated by RA No. 10590 and is a necessary part of Comelec's responsibilities.)

GMA News Online has sought comment from the Computer Professionals’ Union and will publish their response once available. — DVM, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.