Comelec seeks AES international certification by end of March

The Commission on Elections aims to secure international certification for its Automated Election System (AES) before the end of March, according to a report by Super Radyo dzBB’s Christian Maño.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that the certification would serve as proof that the election processes—including transmission, voting machines, and internet voting—are reliable, efficient, and well-coordinated.

In previous elections, Comelec obtained international certification just days before election day, but only for two systems, excluding internet voting. This year, internet voting will be implemented for overseas Filipino voters for the first time.

An international certifier is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines on Monday to witness the sealing of the election source code.

On Saturday, the Comelec demonstrated the "trusted build" of the Online Voting and Counting System (OVCS) for Eleksyon 2025, the last component needed for an international certification.

"Ipinakita ang tinatawag na hash code, puwedeng i-verify. Hindi ka naman magkakaroon ng hash code kung hindi maayos 'yung sistema. Kumbaga sa paggawa ng sasakyan, 'yan na ang pinal na sasakyan at ang kahuli-hulihan na lang later 'yung quality control, 'yung certification kung talagang 'yan ay gumagana nang maayos, kung 'yan ay mapagkakatiwalaan," Garcia said in a ''24 Oras Weekend'' report by Marisol Abdurahman.

(What was shown is the hash code, which can be verified. You could not have a hash code if the system is not working properly. Just like when manufacturing a car, that already is the finished product and the final step will be the quality control or certification if it is really working properly and reliable.)

Through online voting, around 1.3 million Filipinos need not go to embassies or consulates to cast their votes.

Garcia said overseas voters need to enroll for their password, and to present their government-issued IDs for verification.

However, online voting will not be held in Russia, China and Turkey.

Pre-enrollment period adjustment

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed Comelec’s decision to move the pre-enrollment period for the OVCS from March 10 to March 20, 2025.

"The Commission's decision to move the schedule of the pre-enrollment is proof of its commitment to safeguard the integrity of elections overseas," the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA expects that the postponement will allow Comelec to complete all required testing and certification for OVCS, as mandated by Republic Act 9369, the Election Automation Law of 2007, before its official launch.

The DFA also reaffirmed its readiness to implement the OVCS under Comelec’s guidance and to oversee the voting process for registered overseas Filipinos during the overseas voting period from April 13 to May 12, 2025. — DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News

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