On the Spotlight!

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica García reaffirmed the poll body’s commitment to due process and timely resolution as the agency moves forward with its review of contractors and candidates linked to alleged irregularities in political finance and election spending. The ongoing inquiry involves public works contractors from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), candidates from the 2022 elections, and the COMELEC’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) , which is leading the fact-finding review. Several issues also overlap with the COMELEC Law Department, the Supreme Court’s timeline, and the Bangsamoro Parliament’s legislation for the BAARM election.  Final Extension for DPWH Contractors Chairman García confirmed that some DPWH contractors have submitted their replies to PFAD, while others requested more time due to late receipt of notices sent through registered mail. “ It would be better to just give it ...

MANILA — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin García said in the recent ambush interview that the poll body is moving to finalize show-cause orders and resolve political finance inquiries involving public works contractors and candidates from the 2022 elections, as the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) continues its review of submitted explanations. García confirmed that some DPWH contractors have submitted their replies, while others requested more time after receiving notices late. COMELEC granted a final five-day extension, he said. “ That will be the last extension that we will give to them,” Garcia stressed. “ We are not in a hurry, but what is important is that we can afford due process so no one can say anything.” PFAD is now preparing show-cause orders for candidates named by contractors. “ If not today, until tomorrow, those show-cause orders might be released, ” he said. García added that PFAD may dismiss cases that lack basis without elevati...

In a season when politics feels louder, faster, and increasingly complicated, one institution remains the quiet anchor of democratic order: the Commission on Elections. And at its helm stands Chairman George Erwin Mojica García , a lawyer known not only for his brilliance in election law but also for his rare balance of firmness and fairness. In an exclusive conversation, Chairman García opened up about the latest challenges the Comelec faces—from contractor compliance and political finance issues to legal complexities and looming election deadlines. What emerged is a clear portrait of a leader who is methodical, principled, and unwavering in his commitment to due process. A Pragmatic but Firm Approach Even as Comelec tightens oversight on public works contractors from the 2022 elections, García acknowledges that delays in compliance were sometimes caused by simple logistical realities, late notices, provincial addresses, or missed schedules. “ The office understood why they were not a...

MANILA — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia underscored the importance of an informed electorate as the poll body welcomed students from De La Salle University (DLSU) for a comprehensive voter education session and guided “Lakbay Aral” tour at Palacio del Gobernador on November 19. The initiative, led by the COMELEC Education and Information Department (EID), is part of the Commission’s intensified nationwide campaign to broaden public understanding of election processes ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Chairman Garcia, joined by Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr. and EID Director III Atty. Abigail Claire F. Carbero-Llacuna, personally greeted the DLSU delegation headed by Atty. Luis Gonzaga Bonoan Jr. of the university’s Legal Management program. Garcia highlighted the vital role schools play in shaping civic-minded youth, noting that universities serve as breeding grounds for the country’s next generation of l...

  In a historic celebration of Philippine democracy, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia played a central role in launching the Commission’s forthcoming commemorative volume, Guardians of the Ballot: 85 Years of the Commission on Elections of the Philippines. Chairman Garcia personally signed the contract for the publication with esteemed author Prof. Gerard A. Lico , marking a significant milestone in documenting the legacy of the Commission. The commemorative volume serves as both a historical testament and a cultural archive, capturing COMELEC’s long and vigilant stewardship of the Filipino vote. From landmark elections and pivotal reforms to the quiet dedication of countless personnel, the book highlights the Commission’s unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and service across generations.   Chairman Garcia emphasized that this initiative reflects a shared vision with Prof. Lico: to narrate the story of Philippine elections with clarity, integrity,...

  Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to full transparency and due process as it prepares to issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Senator Rodante Marcoleta regarding questions on campaign donations. ctto: Bilyonaryo news  Chairman Garcia stressed that the SCO is not a penalty, but an avenue to allow the concerned party to explain his side clearly and officially.   “Mag-iisyu ang COMELEC ng Show Cause Order para magkaroon din ng venue ang ating butihing senador na makapagpaliwanag,” Garcia said.   “Mahirap na sa social media, kasama na rin ang COMELEC. Baka akala hindi kami umaaksyon.”   He reiterated that for the Commission, the priority is clarity, not accusation.   “In the meantime, hindi muna ‘yung liability ang tinitingnan ng COMELEC. Ano ba ang paliwanag? Ano ang kadahilanan? Babalansehin namin ang ebidensiya as against sa hawak namin na dokumento,” he explain...