AYALA, Makati City — Over the past weeks, concerns have grown on the weakening of electoral and political institutions in the Philippines and this has prompted the European Union (EU) and non-EU states to organize more than 200 observers to monitor the country’s May 12, 2025 midterm elections, marking one of the largest international observation missions deployed by the EU in the last three decades.

At a media briefing held in Makati, EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) chief observer Marta Temido disclosed that 72 long-term election observers from the Union are already in the Philippines, following an invitation from the Philippine government.

“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 noted as she lauded the Philippine government’s openness to international scrutiny.

She likewise gave praise to the Philippine government's sincerity to conduct the elections with honesty and integrity, 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,” Temido clarified even as the EU EOM has already begun its work with a core team of 12 analysts already in Manila since 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 that include the legal framework governing the elections, management of the electoral process by the Comelec, use and integrity of automated election technology, general campaign environment and the role of media and social media, voting and the tallying of results and handling of election-related complaints and appeals.

Temido also explained 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 pointed out.

Initial findings of the EU EOM mission based on the observations will be released on May 14, two days after the elections with 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.