Election day is often seen as the climax of democracy, but for the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), the real work happens in the systems and structures built long before the first ballot is cast.

In a recent discussion with LENTE Executive Director Atty. Ona Caritos, the organization outlined the critical reforms they are championing at the upcoming seventh Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum (AESF-VII). 

From physical accessibility to digital efficiency, the conversation highlighted that meaningful electoral reforms remain necessary to strengthen democratic processes in the Philippines and across Asia.

Breaking the conflict of interest

One of the most pressing structural reforms LENTE is pushing for involves the physical independence of the local COMELEC Offices.

“Our election management body’s field offices are housed in the local government units.”

Atty. Ona points out that this creates a clear conflict of interest. 

To truly strengthen the independence of the EMB, Legal Network for Truthful Elections is advocating for amendments to Section 55 of the Omnibus Election Code that would provide election offices with independent and permanent office spaces, reducing institutional reliance on local government officials and political actors.

Going digital

On the technology front, Legal Network for Truthful Elections is looking to simplify one of the most basic hurdles for voters: registration.

While the Philippines currently implements an active voter registration system, which requires voters to physically visit field offices, LENTE is advocating for a passive voter registration system.

By leveraging the existing National ID database, the COMELEC could establish data-sharing mechanisms with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to streamline and verify voter information.

“They can just tick off a box that they’re allowing PSA to share their data with COMELEC,” Atty. Ona explained. This removes the need to register twice and eliminates the long lines that often discourage citizens from participating.

Sustainability and Inclusion

Beyond technology, LENTE is focused on making good practices permanent. 

“To institutionalize and to make the good practices of the EMB sustainable, we’re pushing for the institutionalization of the vulnerable sector office.”

Because leadership in government agencies changes frequently, LENTE believes that protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disability, indigenous peoples and persons deprived of liberty, should not be dependent on who is in power. 

It must be a sustainable, legal fixture of the system.

Combatting corruption through accountability

Accountability remains at the center of Legal Network for Truthful Elections’s mission, particularly in addressing Abuse of State Resources (ASR) and campaign finance practices.

By closely monitoring the use of public resources during the campaign period, the organization seeks to promote fairer electoral competition, strengthen transparency, and prevent the misuse of government resources for partisan advantage.

“The work that we have done for the past few years has actually made an impact on how state resources are being used, especially during the campaign period,” Atty. Ona shared.

Anticipated discussions

These reforms are not only local concerns, but also reflect broader international standards and evolving global best practices in electoral governance.

As election management bodies, media, and advocates gather for AESF-VII in the Philippines, LENTE is eager to share this methodology with the international community.

The forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the future of democracy in Asia is not just free and fair, but truly independent, inclusive, and sustainable.