Guardian of Due Process: How Comelec Chairman George Erwin García Steers the Institution Through Complexity and Controversy

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 able to submit a reply because they only received a registered mail,” he explained. “So we said that it would be better to just give it to them, but that will be the last extension that we will give to them.”

This blend of empathy and assertiveness has become a signature of his leadership. For García, ensuring fairness is non-negotiable, but so is enforcing structure.

Due Process Above All

In the time where public pressure and social media sentiment often attempt to shape outcomes, the Chairman stands firm on principles.

“We are not in a hurry,” he said, “but what is important is that we can afford due process so that no one can say anything.”

He emphasizes equal treatment, whether one is a small contractor, a congressional candidate, or a senatorial aspirant. Everyone is given the opportunity to be heard, and every reply is reviewed with meticulous attention.

Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) is currently evaluating contractor submissions and preparing show-cause orders for various candidates. García assures the public that the process is moving swiftly but responsibly:

“You can expect that, if not today, then tomorrow, those show-cause orders might be released.”

A Race Against Time—Handled With Precision

Despite the volume of cases and the overlapping schedules, García has set an ambitious timetable: to resolve all pending matters before the year ends.

“This issue is not that difficult to resolve,” he said with a calm confidence. “As much as possible, before the end of this year of December, the Commission should have a disposition.”

He explains the structured process clearly:

• PFAD conducts fact-finding.

• If probable cause is found, the case goes to the Law Department.

• The Law Department conducts preliminary investigation.

• Only then can Comelec En Banc act.

Even during complications, such as overlapping cases filed formally by external lawyers, García insists the public deserves clarity.

“People have been waiting for a long time… at all costs, the En Banc or that office should now immediately dispose of that particular case.”

This sense of moral urgency, grounded in legal discipline, underscores why García is widely respected in both legal and political circles.

Integrity in Action, Even When It Means Stepping Back

One of the most admirable aspects of García’s leadership is his willingness to inhibit himself from certain cases to preserve Comelec’s integrity.

“Because of what happened in the past, I will probably inhibit… just to be fair, we don’t want anything that can influence our colleagues,” he said.

It is a rare act in Philippine politics—choosing impartiality over influence. And it reinforces the message he wants the public to hear:

“We have not yet accused anyone of lying… we need to hear it first. Let’s wait for the disposition of the office.”

By championing the presumption of innocence, García elevates public discourse back to the rule of law.

Legal Responsibility, Explained With Clarity

When asked about the potential consequences of discrepancies in SALNs or SOCEs, García offers a straightforward explanation:

• Non-disclosure can be a violation of RA 7166.

• False declarations may amount to perjury.

Yet he immediately follows this with a gentle reminder:

“We are not saying yet that the declaration was wrong… because we need to hear it first.”

This consistent refrain—fairness, patience, process—is precisely why his leadership feels stabilizing.

The High-Stakes Countdown to the BARMM Parliamentary Elections

With the March 31 BARMM elections nearing, García is transparent about the urgency of legislative timelines.

“If we really didn’t pass the law by November 30, it will be hard for us to push the election on March 30 without pressuring our Parliament.”

He clarifies that it is an internal deadline—not pressure on Congress, but discipline for Comelec itself.

“It’s really a self-imposed deadline to pressure the Comelec, not the Parliament.”

Still, he admits the complications: new accreditation petitions, potential changes to the list of political parties, and the risk of ballot delays—all of which affect the electoral calendar.

His candor demonstrates accountability rarely seen at such levels of government.

Clear, Steady, and Unshakeable

From political finance investigations to legal complexities, from public scrutiny to logistical hurdles, Chairman George Erwin García faces an extraordinary volume of responsibility. And yet, he remains unwavering—calm, reasoned, and always anchored in the law.

His leadership does not rely on theatrics, but on clarity. Not on force, but on process. Not on pressure, but on principle.

In a time of noise, he brings order.

In a climate of suspicion, he insists on fairness.

And in a democracy that depends on trust, Chairman García protects the process that protects us all.

With leaders like him at the helm, the Filipino people can move forward with confidence that their elections, and their democracy, remain in steady, capable hands.