By Monsi A. Serrano
As concerns grow over the weakening of electoral and political institutions in the country, more than 200 observers from European Union and non-EU states are set to monitor the Philippines’ May 12, 2025 midterm elections, marking one of the largest international observation missions deployed by the EU in the last three decades.
Seventy-two long-term election observers from the European Union are already in the Philippines, following an invitation from the Philippine government.
At a media briefing held in Makati last week, Marta Temido, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), said: “This will be the first deployment of an EU Election Observation Mission in the country, marking an important step toward stronger EU-Philippines relations. Our presence aims to contribute to an inclusive, transparent, and credible election.”
Temido lauded the Philippine government’s openness to international scrutiny, noting the support of various stakeholders, including the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman and Commissioners, government officials, political parties and candidates, civil society groups, and the media.
“We are here [in the Philippines] to learn about the election by observing and without interfering in the process and at the same time, we are not here to legitimize the results of the election,” she said.
The EU EOM has already begun its work, with a core team of 12 analysts arriving in Manila on March 28, followed by the 72 long-term observers.
Ahead of election day, more than 100 additional short-term observers will join, culminating in over 200 observers on the ground on May 12. This includes a Delegation from the European Parliament and approximately 20 diplomats accredited in the Philippines from EU member states, as well as from Canada, Norway, and Switzerland.
Beyond the voting process itself, the mission’s mandate covers a wide range of critical areas:
- The legal framework governing the elections
- The management of the electoral process by the Comelec
- The use and integrity of automated election technology
- The general campaign environment, including the role of media and social media
- Voting and the tallying of results
- Handling of election-related complaints and appeals
Temido said that the EU’s Election Observation Missions are “a fundamental component of the European Union activities to promote democracy, human rights, and civil society participation worldwide.”
“Our core principles are independence, neutrality, impartiality, non-interference, cooperation, and partnership with the host country and its citizens. These principles guide us throughout the mission. Election Observation is the legacy of the EU,” she said.
Initial findings based on the observations will be released on May 14, two days after the elections. A final, comprehensive report, complete with recommendations for future electoral processes in the Philippines, will be presented to national stakeholders and made public at a later date.
