Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia assured the public that the country’s electoral process will continue despite challenges, emphasizing that the 2028 elections and succeeding electoral activities remain a firm commitment of the poll body. Garcia stressed that the COMELEC does not want the public, especially election stakeholders, to question the credibility of the electoral process. He said transparency will remain at the center of every step leading to the National and Local Elections (NLE). “Ayaw natin na pinagdududahan ang ating proseso. Ayaw natin na may tanong ang mga kababayan natin, lalo na ang stakeholders natin. Gusto natin, as transparent as possible,” Garcia said. He added that every procedure related to the conduct of elections will be made known to the public, underscoring the COMELEC’s commitment to open and accountable governance. According to Garcia, challenges such as budget limitations will ...
The political spotlight remains on former Cavite 4th District Representative Kiko Barzaga following his expulsion from the House of Representatives, as COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia clarified that the move does not automatically prevent him from seeking public office again. Garcia explained that Barzaga may still file his Certificate of Candidacy, stressing that expulsion from Congress is not equivalent to a lifetime ban from politics. “Yes, he can file his Certificate of Candidacy because his removal as a Congressman is not a perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia said. The COMELEC chief emphasized that any challenge to Barzaga’s possible candidacy may still be elevated to the Supreme Court, but existing laws and jurisprudence do not consider expulsion as a permanent disqualification. “Based on our laws, existing Supreme Court decisions, and legal provisions, this is not a ground for perpetual disqualification to hold public office. This expul...