On the Spotlight!

  Following the removal of former Congressman Kiko Barzaga as representative of the lone district of Dasmariñas, Cavite, George Erwin Mojica Garcia clarified that his expulsion from the House of Representatives does not automatically prevent him from seeking public office again.   Garcia explained that under existing laws and jurisprudence, expulsion from Congress is administrative in nature and does not constitute a perpetual disqualification to hold public office.   “Yes, pwede siyang mag-file ng Certificate of Candidacy, sapagkat ang kanyang pagkakatanggal sa pagiging Kongresista ay hindi po perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia said.   The COMELEC chief noted that any challenge to Barzaga’s possible candidacy may still be raised before the proper courts, including the Supreme Court, once the election guidelines are issued.   “Kung sakali po na ‘yung aking naging statement na makakatakbo siya ay merong gustong mag-quest...

  In a year defined by overlapping election cycles, heightened public scrutiny, and the continued push for transparency in governance, one leader rose to meet every challenge with clarity, conviction, and uncompromising integrity. For these reasons and more, Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia graces our cover as one of the most influential public servants of 2025.   Chairman Garcia’s leadership at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been nothing short of transformative. This year, he navigated one of the most complex election calendars in recent history — synchronizing preparations for the 2025 midterm elections, overseeing the Random Manual Audit (RMA) reforms, strengthening the readiness for the first BARMM Elections, and elevating voter education initiatives nationwide.   Under his watch, COMELEC achieved remarkable milestones:   Restoring Public Trust Through Transparency Chairman Garcia implemented strengthened audit mechanisms and more inc...

    George Erwin Mojica Garcia, appointed as the Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the Philippines, has embarked on a mission to modernize and enhance the electoral process. His tenure is marked by a series of reforms and projects aimed at ensuring transparent, inclusive, and efficient elections. This comprehensive overview delves into Chairman Garcia’s initiatives, his strategic vision for the electoral system, and the impact of his leadership on Philippine democracy. Early Initiatives and Reforms Implementation of New Vote Counting Machines (VCMs) One of Chairman Garcia’s significant undertakings is the procurement and deployment of advanced vote counting machines. These new VCMs are designed to enhance transparency and accuracy in the voting process. A notable feature includes a 14-inch viewing screen that allows voters and stakeholders to verify that ballots are accurately counted. This initiative aims to deter electoral malpractices, such as vot...

Manila, Intramuros – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced its full adherence to the Supreme Court's issuance of Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs) concerning cases of local candidates for the upcoming May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections. This move underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, amidst the challenges posed by legal disputes. The TROs pertain to three specific cases: 1. Marie Grace R. David v. Commission on Elections (GR No. 277720) 2. Mary Dominique A. Onate v. COMELEC and Myra Georgina L. Arevalo (GR No. 277698) 3. Aldrin B. Sta. Ana v. COMELEC and Arturo P. Mendoza, Jr. (GR No. 277731)   In response, COMELEC has taken immediate action by halting the printing of ballots, conducting an inventory, and disposing of six million already printed ballots, alongside amending the candidates' da...