Since assuming the role of Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in July 2022, Atty. George Erwin Mojica Garcia has been at the helm of transformative changes within the Philippine electoral system. With a background rooted in law and education, Garcia’s leadership is characterized by a commitment to transparency, modernization, and youth empowerment. As the nation approaches the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for December 2025, Garcia’s initiatives are paving the way for a more inclusive and credible electoral process.
Educational Background and Professional Journey
Atty. Garcia’s academic journey commenced at the Lyceum of the Philippines University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) and Bachelor of Laws degrees. Furthering his legal expertise, he obtained a Master of Laws degree from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for a distinguished career in law and public service.
Before his appointment to COMELEC, Garcia served as a law
professor and later as the dean of a prominent law school. His tenure in
academia honed his skills in leadership, governance, and public policy, which
he seamlessly transitioned into his role at COMELEC. His experience as a law
professor has been instrumental in shaping his approach to electoral reforms
and voter education.
Advocacy for Electoral Integrity and Youth Engagement
Chairman Garcia’s leadership is underscored by a steadfast commitment to electoral integrity and youth engagement. Recognizing the challenges posed by misinformation and voter apathy, he has championed initiatives aimed at enhancing voter education and promoting informed decision-making.
One of his notable initiatives is the Kaisa Project, a collaborative effort with the National Youth Commission (NYC), the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), and the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL). Launched in 2025, the project focuses on empowering youth voters and ensuring the integrity of the upcoming BSKE. The project encompasses voter education campaigns, transparency initiatives, and the establishment of mechanisms to combat electoral fraud.
Garcia emphasizes that “electoral reform centers on
accessibility, as we aim for more inclusive participation in the process of
choosing our leaders.” This philosophy drives his efforts to make the electoral
process more transparent and accessible to all Filipinos, particularly the
youth.
COMELEC Chair Garcia Lauds Record-Breaking Midterm Elections
MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia has hailed the May 12, 2025 midterm elections as a historic milestone, underscoring its success in voter turnout, transparency, and institutional integrity.
✅ 1. Highest-Ever Midterm Turnout
With 82.2% voter participation, equivalent to 55.9 million of the 68.4 million registered Filipino voters, the May polls achieved the highest turnout in Philippine midterm history .
Chair Garcia emphasized:
“This is not a victory for the Comelec. This is a victory for the Filipino people.”
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📡 2. Upholding Election Integrity
Responding to claims of disenfranchisement from
international observers, Garcia firmly rejected the charges, citing the record
turnout as proof of free and open voting .
He also clarified issues related to overvoting: out of 57
million voters, an estimated 1.3 million overvoted, but emphasized this was a
limited and non-systemic issue .
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🖥️ 3. Speed & Transparency in Results
The COMELEC achieved a lightning-fast canvassing of 175
certificates within just three days, a sharp improvement over the 25 days it
took in 2022 .
Garcia credited the acceleration to technology, tighter
logistics, and the dedication of poll workers
.
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🔍 4. Embracing
Transparency Measures
For the first time, the election process incorporated multiple transparency servers, enabling real-time, cross-platform data validation—including ballot images and transmission logs with watchdog groups like PPCRV and Namfrel .
Garcia confirmed that Data Center 3 served only as a housing
facility for these independent servers and was not used for result
consolidation .
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🎙️ 5. Official Statements
• On disenfranchisement claims:
“There was no state‑sponsored disenfranchisement… Our constituents voted freely.”
• On overvoting:
“The 17 million ‘overvotes’ refer to unmarked votes across multiple
positions. The issue is small and manageable.”
• On overseas internet voting:
GARcia noted low participation abroad (19% online, 32% via
machine), stressing the need for user-friendly and secure digital systems for
future votes .
Preparations for the December 2025 BSKE
As the December 2025 BSKE approaches, Chairman Garcia is spearheading comprehensive preparations to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process. Key initiatives include:
• Voter Registration and Education: A
nationwide voter registration campaign is scheduled from July 1 to July 11,
2025, to accommodate new voters and update existing records. Simultaneously,
voter education programs will be conducted to inform the electorate about the
electoral process and their rights and responsibilities.
• Filing of Certificates of
Candidacy: The filing period for candidates is set from October 1 to October 7,
2025, providing ample time for prospective candidates to submit their
applications.
• Campaign Period: The official
campaign period will commence on November 20, 2025, allowing candidates to
present their platforms to the electorate.
• Election Day: The BSKE will be held
on December 1, 2025, with polling stations open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
To further ensure the integrity of the elections, COMELEC
has partnered with various stakeholders, including the National Youth
Commission, PPCRV, and NAMFREL, to monitor the electoral process and address
any issues that may arise. These partnerships are vital in promoting transparency
and accountability.
Conclusion
Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia’s tenure at COMELEC is
marked by a commitment to electoral reform, youth empowerment, and the
modernization of the electoral process. As the December 2025 BSKE approaches,
his leadership continues to inspire confidence in the electoral system and
underscores the importance of informed and active participation in democracy.
Through initiatives like the Kaisa Project and comprehensive electoral
preparations, Garcia is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and
transparent electoral process, reinforcing the foundations of Philippine
democracy.
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