The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is looking beyond the automated election system and is now setting its sights on a major technological overhaul for how Filipinos register to vote. This move aims to create a more secure and reliable list of registered voters across the nation.
Biometric Enhancements for a Cleaner Voters' List
In a recent televised public briefing, Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco announced that the poll body is actively exploring advanced systems to improve the registration process. "The Comelec is currently studying how to improve the level of technology in our registration of voters," Laudiangco stated on December 27, 2025.
The proposed upgrades include adopting cutting-edge biometric technologies such as:
- Facial recognition
- Iris scanning
Additionally, the Comelec wants to increase the number of fingerprints collected from each applicant. The plan is to expand the current system from capturing only four fingerprints to enrolling all ten fingers.
Targeting Fraud and "Flying Voters"
The primary driver behind this technological push is to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process. Laudiangco emphasized that these enhancements are crucial for cleaning up the voters' list and eliminating opportunities for fraud.
"This is so that we can better clean up our voters list, and so we do not give room to those who are looking to become flying voters," he explained. The term "flying voters" refers to individuals who are illegally registered in multiple precincts to vote more than once.
Current System and Future Vision
Presently, the Comelec captures voter biometrics using the Voter Registration Machine (VRM). This process digitally records an applicant's photograph, fingerprints, and signature. The proposed shift to facial recognition and iris scanning represents a significant leap forward in the accuracy and security of voter identification.
By integrating these advanced biometric markers, the Comelec aims to build a foolproof system that ensures each registered voter is unique, verifiable, and legitimate. This initiative underscores the commission's ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for transparent and credible elections in the Philippines.
