As the Commission on Elections intensifies preparations for the March 14, 2026 Antipolo City 2nd Congressional District Special Election, George Erwin Mojica Garcia reaffirmed the poll body’s commitment to efficiency, transparency, and strict enforcement of election laws.
Swift and Careful Ballot Printing
Garcia assured the public that the printing of ballots will
proceed without delay.
“Para sa printing ng
mga balota para sa March 14 [Antipolo City 2nd Congressional District Special
Election], kahit tomorrow puwede na nating simulan ’yan. At ’pag sinimulan ’yan
bukas, kahit nga by Monday tapos lahat ng balotang gagamitin natin. And of
course, ive-verify pa ’yan. Titingnan talaga ’yung mga balota kung maayos,
malinis, may smudge, may guhit o dapat ba itong ulitin. Bibigyan natin ng isang
buong linggo lang, limang araw lang, tapos na namin.”
The chairman emphasized that beyond speed, quality control
remains a top priority. Each ballot will undergo strict verification to ensure
accuracy and prevent technical issues on election day.
Strict Warning
Against Premature Campaigning
Garcia also issued a firm reminder to candidates to observe
election guidelines, particularly because the Antipolo special election will be
conducted manually.
“Ang ating pakiusap sa
mga tumatakbo, sana ma-observe po nila ang atin pong guidelines lalong-lalo na
ito ay manual election, and therefore, bawal ang premature campaigning.
Babantayan po namin ’yung mga namimigay d’yan lalo na sa panahon na bawal pang
mangampanya, at ’wag na ’wag gagamit ng pera o pondo ng bayan para lamang
i-promote ang kandidatura ng bawat isa. Hindi po kami magdadalawang-isip na
mag-disqualify. Pinatunayan na po namin ’yan noong mga nakaraan.”
He stressed that COMELEC will not hesitate to disqualify
violators, especially those misusing public funds or engaging in vote-buying
activities.
Early Voting and
Inclusive Elections
For the March 14 polls, COMELEC will once again implement
its successful Early Voting Hours.
“Sa araw ng halalan sa
Marso 14, 2026, amin pong muling ipatutupad ’yung napaka-successful na Early
Voting Hours. Makakaboto po nang mas maaga ’yung mga nakatatanda, may
kapansanan, mula 5AM–7AM. Exclusive para sa kanila lang pati na rin ang mga
nagdadalang-tao.”
Garcia further underscored inclusivity by coordinating with
the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to ensure that qualified persons
deprived of liberty (PDLs) who are registered voters can also cast their votes.
“Meron po kasi tayong
mga kababayang nakakulong doon na rehistradong botante ng Ikalawang Distrito ng
Antipolo City. At dahil diyan, bilang pakikipagkapwa-tao, pagpapakita na wala
dapat maiwan kapag ang pag-uusapan ay halalan, sila rin pong lahat ay
pabobotohin natin.”
Resumption of Voter
Registration in Bangsamoro
Following the postponement of the March 30 elections in the
Bangsamoro region, COMELEC will resume voter registration activities.
“Tayo po ay
magre-resume na ng registration of voters sa na-suspend nating registration
activity sa buong Bangsamoro ngayong darating na Ika-9 ng Pebrero hanggang
March 30, 2026. Yan ay bilang resulta ng postponement ng eleksyon sa March 30
d’yan sa Bangsamoro.”
Garcia highlighted the availability of the Register Anywhere
Program (RAP) in Highly Urbanized Cities and capital towns for voters from
Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao Norte, Maguindanao Sur, and the
Special Geographic Area.
“Kung ikaw ay
taga-Bangsamoro… puwede po kayong magparehistro na hindi mo na kinakailangang
pumunta doon sa probinsya n’yo.”
He also reiterated COMELEC’s position that the Bangsamoro
Parliamentary Election must remain automated.
“Ang Bangsamoro
Parliamentary Election ay ipinaglalaban ng COMELEC na at all cost, ito dapat ay
automated election. Napakahirap po, sa amin pong pagtatantiya, ang isang manual
na halalan sa Bangsamoro.”
Transparency and Fair
Campaigning
In line with transparency, Garcia announced that the
Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of the seven candidates for the Antipolo
special election will be uploaded on COMELEC’s official website.
“Maaaring mailabas ng
COMELEC sa aming website ang lahat ng Certificates of Candidacy ng pitong
kandidato… ’Yan po ay commitment ng COMELEC na lagi nating ilalagay sa COMELEC
website ang COC.”
He also appealed for discipline in campaign conduct and
strict adherence to the Anti-Discrimination Resolution.
“Sana rin, ’yung ating mga kandidato… hindi naman tayo nakakaistorbo sa ating mga komunidad, lalo na ’yung paggamit ng mga trompa na pagkalakas-lakas o kaya naman ’yung pag-ikot natin na nakakaistorbo rin sa trapik.”
“Yung ating
Anti-Discrimination Resolution, in effect po ’yan. Bawal natin atakihin ang
ating mga kandidato below the belt… Pinatunayan na po namin. Ilan na po ’yung
na-disqualify namin dahil lang sa violation ng Anti-Discrimination.”
With firm resolve, Chairman Garcia made it clear: COMELEC
will uphold clean, orderly, inclusive, and credible elections, ensuring that no voter is left behind and no
violation goes unchecked.
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