1. Technical Hurdles and Voter Turnout in the 2025 Midterms
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reported replacing 311 defective Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) on election day—far fewer than the roughly 2,500 machines that failed during the 2022 polls—helping to ensure that the bulk of ballots were counted despite last‑minute glitches. Technical teams from the Philippine Marine Corps and election engineers were deployed nationwide to address overheated units and misreads, minimizing long lines and preserving the integrity of the automated system.
Despite these efforts, several provinces saw dips in turnout. In Misamis Oriental, for example, turnout dropped to 51%, a significant decline from previous midterms, according to the National Movement for Free Elections. Observers attribute this slump partly to voter fatigue after closely contested presidential polls in 2022 and partly to lingering doubts over machine reliability, even though the overall national turnout remained robust at around 70%. 
Local reports noted a handful of ballot mix‑ups in Central Visayas, where incomplete ballots and mismatched candidate lists caused temporary confusion, but officials called these incidents “very manageable” and emphasized that no major recounts were triggered. Observers praised the COMELEC’s quick response, noting that the low number of total ACM failures (311) was a marked improvement over 2022’s disruptions, bolstering confidence in future automated polls.
2. Overseas Filipino Voters: Frustration and Low Turnout
For many Overseas Filipinos (OFWs), the shift to online voting was supposed to simplify participation, but turnout among expatriate communities fell short of expectations, particularly in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. Technical glitches in the online system, combined with limited awareness campaigns, left thousands unable to cast ballots despite registering months in advance.
In the US, for instance, only 30% of registered OFW voters accessed the online portal, citing password resets that never arrived, inconsistent email confirmations, and time‑zone mismatches for helpdesk support. Many described the process as “more stressful than voting in person,” dampening hopes that overseas turnout could bolster reform‑minded candidates.
Experts warn that without a robust, user‑friendly platform and dedicated overseas voter assistance, the Philippines risks disenfranchising its diaspora, which contributes more than US$36 billion annually in remittances. Both the Commission on Elections and the Department of Foreign Affairs have pledged to overhaul the system before the next presidential election, including 24/7 multilingual support lines and a simplified authentication process.
3. China’s Influence and Geopolitical Stakes in the Midterms
In the run‑up to May 12, China’s role loomed large in campaign discourse, with Senate candidates staking out positions on the South China Sea disputes and potential foreign investment deals. Pro‑sovereignty candidates gained traction by criticizing Manila’s concessions in infrastructure pacts under the Belt and Road Initiative, appealing to voters anxious about national security.
Surveys showed that 60% of Filipino voters rated China’s maritime activities as a top concern, second only to domestic issues like job creation and inflation. Several presidential hopefuls for 2028 have already begun differentiating themselves on foreign policy, promising tougher stances on Beijing and deeper ties with the United States and ASEAN partners.
Analysts suggest that the election outcome will shape not only Manila’s legislative agenda but also its diplomatic posture, particularly whether the Philippines keeps seeking Chinese loans for infrastructure or pivots toward Western development finance. With President Marcos Jr.’s allies and Duterte‑aligned senators both eyeing key committee seats, the balance of power on foreign affairs and defense oversight hangs in the balance.
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