00:00The midterm polls in May not only posted a record 82% voter turnout, but also drew plaudits and praises from a European Union team of observers who also enumerated a laundry list of recommendations for even greater transparency and credibility.
00:17Our Harley Valbuena threshes out the details.
00:20On its final report on the 2025 midterm elections, the European Union's election observation mission praised the Filipinos for a high voter turnout despite challenges such as election violence and vote buying.
00:38The turnout was unprecedented for a midterm election in this country and showed a strong commitment to democratic values despite persistent challenges that included electoral violence, vote buying, concentration of political power among a few families and a legal framework marked by significant gaps and ambiguities.
01:04It can be recalled that the voter turnout during the May 12 elections was recorded at 57.35 million or 82.20%, the highest ever recorded in midterm elections history.
01:18The EU mission also commended the Commission on Elections or COMELEC for its efficiency and being proactive in administrating the polls, including swift response against online disinformation by forming a task force.
01:35However, the foreign mission noted some issues such as noticing some candidates that artificially amplified their social media followers to boost their campaign.
01:48It also mentioned COMELEC's disqualification and suspension of proclamation of some candidates.
01:54The report also considers that COMELEC's extensive powers to exclude and disqualify candidates based on non-objective criteria and to suspend the proclamation of duly elected officials are not in line with key international commitments.
02:11In line with this, the EU mission recommended that Congress amend provisions in the 1987 Constitution, particularly regarding the registration and eligibility of candidates and parties.
02:25It also calls on the amendment of Omnibus Election Code, citing that nearly half of it is outdated.
02:33The EU mission presented a total of 21 recommendations, seven of which are classified as priority recommendations to enhance transparency and participation.
02:45This includes strengthening voter secrecy, which the EU said is the most effective way to combat vote buying.
02:54The EU also assures readiness to continue assisting the country in fulfilling their recommendations.
03:00When asked if they are satisfied overall with the outcome of the elections, the EU mission answered.
03:08Today we present our report and it is up to the Filipino citizens and authorities to decide the way they want to go to move forward.
03:20Harley Valbena from the National TV Network for a new and better Philippines.
