NEW YORK — Something surprising happened in the 2025 elections. Out of more than 31,000 Filipinos who live on the East Coast of the United States and were allowed to vote, only 2,500 people actually voted. That’s like having a huge classroom of 100 kids, but only 7 of them raise their hands when the teacher asks a question!
This was the first time people in the area were allowed to vote online, so they didn’t have to go to the embassy. But still, only about 7.8% of all eligible voters joined.
Why did this happen?
According to Mr. Senen Mangalile, the Consul General in New York (he’s one of the top leaders who helps Filipinos abroad), there were two big reasons:
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Tech Troubles – The online voting system had some problems.
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Lack of Info – Many people didn’t even know they could vote online, or how to do it. One month wasn’t enough time to tell everyone and teach them how.
“We’re a bit disappointed,” Mr. Mangalile said. “We tried really hard to inform people. But even with our efforts, only a small number voted. We know we need to improve.”
So, who did the voters choose?
Even though the turnout was small, here are some of the popular names that Filipinos in the East Coast voted for:
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Bam Aquino
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Kiko Pangilinan
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Heidi Mendoza
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Bong Go
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Bato Dela Rosa
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Teddy Casiño
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Ping Lacson
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Tito Sotto
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Vic Rodriguez
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Rodante Marcoleta
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Luke Espiritu
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Arlene Brosas
One of the most supported party-list groups was the ML Partylist, led by Leila de Lima, a former senator.
What happens next?
Mr. Mangalile said they will now study everything that happened during the voting. They want to find out what worked and what didn’t. Then, they’ll send their report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, who will share it with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Philippines.
This will help make online voting better in the future, so more Filipinos abroad can join and have their voices heard.
