As the Philippines concluded its midterm elections on May 12, 2025, Filipinos around the world once again took part in shaping the future of the country. For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the elections offered a chance to assert not only their rights but also their long-standing desire to be more than just economic contributors. Despite geographical distance, OFWs remained deeply invested in the nation’s political affairs, using their vote as a tool for influence and change.
This year’s elections brought fresh urgency to the OFW voting experience, with many raising concerns about accessibility, representation, and the need for legislative reforms that address the realities of life abroad.
A Dispersed Yet Determined Electorate
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported that over 1.8 million Filipinos living overseas had registered to vote for the 2025 midterms. These registered voters were based in more than 90 countries, casting ballots through Philippine embassies and consulates from the Gulf region to North America.
Unlike their counterparts at home, OFWs vote only for national positions—this time, for 12 senators and party-list groups. While they don’t vote for mayors or governors, the weight of their votes at the national level remains crucial, especially as issues specific to migrant workers increasingly shape legislative debates.
The Impact OFWs Wield
OFWs continue to be one of the Philippines’ strongest economic lifelines. In 2024, remittances totaled over $37 billion, directly supporting millions of Filipino families. Despite this financial influence, many OFWs feel their voices are underrepresented in national policymaking. Participating in elections, therefore, becomes not just a civic duty but a powerful assertion of their political will.
In this election cycle, concerns about contract protection, reintegration programs, healthcare access, and public service delivery abroad were at the forefront of many OFW ballots. Several candidates acknowledged this by incorporating OFW-related platforms into their campaigns, some even conducting virtual town halls or working with diaspora organizations to engage the overseas electorate.
Turnout Remains a Struggle
While the number of registered OFW voters is sizable, actual voter turnout remains modest. Preliminary figures from COMELEC suggest a participation rate of roughly 28%, an improvement from previous midterm elections but still far from ideal. Low turnout continues to be driven by:
- Logistical hurdles in reaching embassies or polling centers.
- Work restrictions that prevent time off for voting.
- Lack of access to voter education materials.
- Delays or errors in receiving mailed ballots.
These barriers are particularly challenging for seafarers, domestic workers, and land-based laborers in remote areas.
Efforts to Improve Participation
Recognizing the need to boost engagement, COMELEC and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) worked on several initiatives for this year’s elections. These included:
- Expanding social media outreach and information campaigns targeting OFW communities.
- Strengthening partnerships with migrant organizations to spread awareness.
- Implementing postal voting enhancements and simplifying ballot submission procedures.
- Conducting pilot studies for online and mobile voting platforms, though these are still in development stages.
While the results are still mixed, these steps show promise in gradually improving accessibility for Filipinos abroad.
What Mattered Most to Overseas Voters
This year’s midterm elections saw OFWs focusing on candidates and groups that addressed pressing concerns relevant to life abroad. Key priorities included:
1. Workplace Protection and Legal Assistance
Many overseas workers, especially in the Middle East, sought assurances that bilateral agreements would be strengthened to provide better protection against abuse, unfair labor practices, and contract violations.
2. Support for Returning OFWs
Migrants returning home after years abroad often struggle with reintegration. Policies that offer livelihood support, training, and financial assistance were seen as essential by many voters preparing for eventual repatriation.
3. Improved Consular Services
Renewing passports, obtaining legal documents, and seeking assistance during emergencies remain significant challenges. OFWs favored candidates who promised to streamline embassy services and expand their reach to underserved areas.
4. Healthcare and Insurance Reforms
The increase in mandatory PhilHealth contributions in recent years sparked pushback from many OFWs, especially those who feel disconnected from the country’s healthcare infrastructure. Calls for making contributions optional or reforming the system featured heavily in OFW discourse.
5. Voting Accessibility
Many OFWs continue to lobby for the adoption of secure digital voting, which they believe would eliminate key obstacles and boost participation significantly.
Who Caught the OFW Vote
Based on partial results, several senatorial candidates with strong labor and migrant advocacy gained substantial support from overseas voters. Among those leading:
- A former migrant rights lawyer who has championed reforms for overseas workers.
- An incumbent senator known for pushing legislation on consular modernization and welfare programs.
- A new face in politics, formerly an OFW herself, who ran on a platform of experience-based policy reform.
Likewise, party-list groups representing OFWs and migrant family sectors appeared to gain traction, with at least two on track to secure seats in Congress.
OFW Voices: Personal Experiences, Collective Hope
Stories from overseas Filipinos painted a complex picture—one of hope, frustration, and commitment.
“It’s not easy to vote when you work six days a week and the embassy is three hours away,” said Jomar, a technician in Riyadh. “But I still tried. It’s our only way to demand better treatment.”
“A candidate I voted for once helped a friend in trouble with her employer,” shared Liza, a domestic helper in Hong Kong. “That made the decision easy.”
“I missed voting because my ballot never arrived. That has to change. Why can’t we vote online like other countries?” asked Mark, a ship crew member who travels between ports in Asia.
These sentiments highlight both the commitment OFWs have to participating and the structural improvements still needed to make that participation meaningful and consistent.
Looking Forward: A Stronger Voice in 2028?
The 2025 elections are a step forward in the slow but ongoing process of empowering the global Filipino electorate. While participation remains lower than hoped, the enthusiasm and political awareness among OFWs appear to be growing. Candidates and political parties are increasingly taking notice, realizing that the OFW vote is not just symbolic—it can be decisive.
As digital platforms evolve and calls for electoral reform grow louder, it’s likely that online voting, expanded consular outreach, and better migrant services will become major political issues in the next election cycle. If the momentum from 2025 is sustained, the OFW vote in 2028—when the country elects a new president—could be more influential than ever before.