COMELEC headed by Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia and DLSU Strengthen Voter Education Efforts in Intramuros Engagement

MANILA — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia underscored the importance of an informed electorate as the poll body welcomed students from De La Salle University (DLSU) for a comprehensive voter education session and guided “Lakbay Aral” tour at Palacio del Gobernador on November 19.

The initiative, led by the COMELEC Education and Information Department (EID), is part of the Commission’s intensified nationwide campaign to broaden public understanding of election processes ahead of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

Chairman Garcia, joined by Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand P. Maceda Jr. and EID Director III Atty. Abigail Claire F. Carbero-Llacuna, personally greeted the DLSU delegation headed by Atty. Luis Gonzaga Bonoan Jr. of the university’s Legal Management program. Garcia highlighted the vital role schools play in shaping civic-minded youth, noting that universities serve as breeding grounds for the country’s next generation of leaders and responsible voters.

“COMELEC has always believed in the power of academic partnerships. When students understand the value of their vote, they strengthen the democratic institutions meant to protect their future,” Garcia emphasized.

During the session, COMELEC spokesperson and Director IV Atty. John Rex C. Laudiangco delivered an in-depth online presentation tackling the fundamentals of suffrage, the Commission’s online voting and counting system, and the growing challenge of misinformation and disinformation during election periods. He emphasized that “truth becomes true power when we choose to act on it through voting,” urging students to become proactive and discerning participants in the electoral process.

Before the lecture, participants toured key areas of the COMELEC offices, guided by Atty. Patrick Sacramento and Ms. Pamela Martinez of the EID, giving students a rare behind-the-scenes view of how election-related decisions, systems, and safeguards are developed.

DLSU’s involvement, Garcia noted, exemplifies how academic institutions can significantly contribute to strengthening democratic engagement. He added that COMELEC remains committed to sustaining such collaborations to ensure that young voters are equipped with knowledge amid evolving election technologies and online environments.

The successful event reinforces the Commission’s push for transparency, accessibility, and civic empowerment. With Chair Garcia at the helm, COMELEC continues to open its doors to schools and organizations nationwide—anchored on the belief that an enlightened youth sector is indispensable to a credible and resilient democracy.

COMELEC Chair George Erwin M. García Ensures Order, Due Process as Political Finance Probes Advance

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica García reaffirmed the poll body’s commitment to due process and timely resolution as the agency moves forward with its review of contractors and candidates linked to alleged irregularities in political finance and election spending.

The ongoing inquiry involves public works contractors from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), candidates from the 2022 elections, and the COMELEC’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD), which is leading the fact-finding review. Several issues also overlap with the COMELEC Law Department, the Supreme Court’s timeline, and the Bangsamoro Parliament’s legislation for the BAARM election. 

Final Extension for DPWH Contractors

Chairman García confirmed that some DPWH contractors have submitted their replies to PFAD, while others requested more time due to late receipt of notices sent through registered mail.

“It would be better to just give it to them, but that will be the last extension that we will give to them,” García said.

He added that contractors were granted five days to file counter-affidavits or explanations. Delays were attributed partly to those based in the provinces who received their documents later than expected.

PFAD is now reviewing the replies and preparing show-cause orders for candidates identified by the contractors.

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

Filtering Cases Before They Reach the Commission En Banc

García emphasized that PFAD has full authority to dismiss cases that show no basis for further action.

“If the findings… have no case, this will not reach the En Banc. This will be dismissed by the Political Finance and Affairs Department,” he said.

However, if PFAD recommends filing cases against contractors or candidates, these will be elevated to the COMELEC Commission En Banc for approval.

García set an internal target for resolution:

“As much as possible, before the end of this year of December, the Commission should have a disposition.”

Interaction Between PFAD and Law Department Complicates Timelines

A complication arose when private lawyers filed a separate formal complaint with the COMELEC Law Department, bringing in additional evidence not originally held by PFAD.

Because PFAD initiated its own motu proprio investigation, and the Law Department now has a formal case under oath, the COMELEC is handling two different proceedings with different complainants and evidence sets.

García admitted that the situation must be navigated carefully:

“We took our own vote. We ourselves investigated, no one asked, no one demanded. But lawyers later filed a formal case, so the issue became legal.”

He noted the risk of perceived prejudgment if the PFAD disposition is delayed further.

“People have been waiting for a long time… at all costs, the En Banc should immediately dispose of that case so it will be clear what will happen to the case pending in the Law Department,” he said.

SALN, SOCE Discrepancies Under Review

COMELEC also issued a show-cause order over alleged discrepancies between Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and Statements of Contribution and Expenses (SOCE), citing Section 99 of the Omnibus Election Code.

García clarified that COMELEC is not accusing anyone yet:

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

Failures in declaration could result in violations of Republic Act 7166 or even perjury, he said, but only if evidence proves intentional misrepresentation.

Chairman García to Inhibit from Certain Cases

Asked whether he would inhibit himself in cases involving personalities he previously had professional ties with, García said:

“Because of what happened in the past, I will probably inhibit… just to be fair.”

He said the move is meant to avoid any perception of influence on colleagues or prejudgment of the facts.

BARMM Elections: Possible Postponement if Parliament Misses Deadline

With the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) rescheduled next year, García warned that the Comelec’s timeline hinges on the passage of enabling laws by the Bangsamoro Parliament and the deadlines of the Supreme Court.

“If we really didn’t pass the law by November 30, it will be hard for us to push the election on March 30,” he said.

García stressed that this is a self-imposed deadline intended to keep COMELEC on track, not to pressure Parliament.

Under Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code, elections can be postponed due to violence, terrorism, force majeure, or even delays that make preparations impossible.

“It’s very speculative at this point… We still trust the Parliament that they might do something before November 30,” he added.

New Accreditation Petitions May Further Comp

COMELEC Chair García Pushes Due Process, Deadlines in Contractor and Finance Probes

MANILA — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin García said in the recent ambush interview that the poll body is moving to finalize show-cause orders and resolve political finance inquiries involving public works contractors and candidates from the 2022 elections, as the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) continues its review of submitted explanations.

García confirmed that some DPWH contractors have submitted their replies, while others requested more time after receiving notices late. COMELEC granted a final five-day extension, he said.

“That will be the last extension that we will give to them,” Garcia stressed. “We are not in a hurry, but what is important is that we can afford due process so no one can say anything.”

PFAD is now preparing show-cause orders for candidates named by contractors. “If not today, until tomorrow, those show-cause orders might be released,” he said.

García added that PFAD may dismiss cases that lack basis without elevating them to the Commission En Banc, but cases with sufficient grounds will be endorsed for approval. He aims for resolutions “before the end of the year.”

A complication emerged after private lawyers filed a separate complaint before the COMELEC Law Department, which now conducts a formal preliminary investigation. García acknowledged the need to issue PFAD’s findings promptly to avoid prejudgment concerns.

On discrepancies involving SALNs and SOCEs, he said the PFAD investigation remains purely fact-finding. “We have not yet said the declaration was wrong because we need to hear it first,” he said, noting that violations could fall under RA 7166 or even perjury if proven.

García also said he may inhibit from certain cases to maintain impartiality.

Meanwhile, the Chairman warned that the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections may face delays if the Bangsamoro Parliament fails to pass needed legislation by November 30, noting COMELEC’s preparation timelines and Supreme Court deadlines.

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

He also cautioned that reopening accreditation for political parties and sectoral groups in BARMM would further complicate ballot finalization and preparations.

Despite overlapping investigations and legislative uncertainties, García said COMELEC will continue to act strictly within its mandate. “We want our process to be pure and not based on sentiment or popular decision,” he added.

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 pres

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia Honored the Launch of Commemorative Volume Marking 85 Years of Electoral Service

In a historic celebration of Philippine democracy, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia played a central role in launching the Commission’s forthcoming commemorative volume, Guardians of the Ballot: 85 Years of the Commission on Elections of the Philippines. Chairman Garcia personally signed the contract for the publication with esteemed author Prof. Gerard A. Lico, marking a significant milestone in documenting the legacy of the Commission.

The commemorative volume serves as both a historical testament and a cultural archive, capturing COMELEC’s long and vigilant stewardship of the Filipino vote. From landmark elections and pivotal reforms to the quiet dedication of countless personnel, the book highlights the Commission’s unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and service across generations.

Chairman Garcia emphasized that this initiative reflects a shared vision with Prof. Lico: to narrate the story of Philippine elections with clarity, integrity, and reverence for history while looking forward to a strengthened democratic future. “This work honors those who have kept faith with the sovereign will of the people,” Garcia noted, underscoring his dedication to fostering public trust and appreciation for the nation’s electoral heritage.

Also present at the contract signing was Dir. Frances Carolyn M. Aguindadao-Arabe, Director IV of the Education and Information Department, who has been instrumental in shaping the project. Together, their efforts ensure that Guardians of the Ballot will stand as a tribute to the men and women of COMELEC, past and present, and as a beacon for future generations.

Under Chairman Garcia’s leadership, COMELEC continues to champion transparency, accountability, and civic education, reinforcing the enduring architecture of Philippine democracy.

#COMELEC85thAnniversary

#85YearsOfService

#GuardiansOfTheBallot

COMELEC Chair George Erwin M. Garcia: “Upholding Integrity in the issuance of SCO

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to full transparency and due process as it prepares to issue a Show Cause Order (SCO) to Senator Rodante Marcoleta regarding questions on campaign donations.

Chairman Garcia stressed that the SCO is not a penalty, but an avenue to allow the concerned party to explain his side clearly and officially.

“Mag-iisyu ang COMELEC ng Show Cause Order para magkaroon din ng venue ang ating butihing senador na makapagpaliwanag,” Garcia said.

“Mahirap na sa social media, kasama na rin ang COMELEC. Baka akala hindi kami umaaksyon.”

He reiterated that for the Commission, the priority is clarity, not accusation.

“In the meantime, hindi muna ‘yung liability ang tinitingnan ng COMELEC. Ano ba ang paliwanag? Ano ang kadahilanan? Babalansehin namin ang ebidensiya as against sa hawak namin na dokumento,” he explained.

The COMELEC will review all submissions to determine objectively whether there is basis to file a case or to simply set aside the issue if no violation is found.

“Walang Exemption”: Donations Must Always Be Declared

Chairman Garcia was firm in reminding candidates and public officials that all campaign donations, especially those received during the campaign period, must be fully declared, without exception.

“As far as the COMELEC is concerned, wala talagang exemption doon,” he emphasized.

“Dapat ilalatag lahat. Ano pa ang purpose ng publication, ng submission sa amin, at ng panunumpa kung meron naman tayong hindi ilalagay?”

Garcia highlighted that undeclared donations undermine the integrity of the electoral process and defeat the purpose of campaign finance laws intended to ensure fairness and transparency.

BARMM Parliamentary Elections: COMELEC Awaits Districting Law

The COMELEC Chairman also discussed the situation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where uncertainty remains due to the pending districting law required for the 2025–2026 electoral calendar.

Although the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) is aware of the November 30, 2025 deadline, the law has yet to be passed.

“Unfortunately, naghihintay pa rin po tayo ngayon sa balita kung maipapasa ang districting law,” Garcia said.

“Alam ng BTA na kinakailangang may batas na bago mag–November 30 dahil kailangan magsimula ng filing of candidacy pagpasok ng Enero.”

Without a districting law, COMELEC warns that it will not have enough time to prepare, especially since the BARMM polls are planned to be an automated election, requiring longer preparation and more technical deployment.

A Commitment to Integrity

Throughout his message, Chairman Garcia emphasized that transparency and accountability guide every COMELEC action, whether in addressing allegations involving a senator or ensuring a smooth electoral process in BARMM.

His assurance was clear:

“Para sa katiwasayan ng lahat… gagawin po namin ‘yon. At asahan ninyo po, sa mga susunod na araw, ma-iisyu na ang Show Cause Order.”

With these statements, COMELEC under Chairman Garcia reiterates its mandate: to uphold fair elections, protect due process, and maintain public trust, no exceptions, no shortcuts.

#comelec #topnewsasia #marcoleta #baarmm

Rising Tigers Magazine and Embassy of Malaysia Present Law and Governance Forum for the Youth, Women, Inclusivity, and the Nation

 

November 14, 2025

MANILA — November 17, 2025 — Manila will host a premier gathering of the country’s legal, diplomatic, and public service leaders at the Law and Governance Forum, a landmark intellectual event presented by Rising Tigers Magazine and hosted in partnership with the Embassy of Malaysia. The event is conceptualized by Andria Terese Bondad Nicolas, who serves as Chairman of the Event, with a mission to engage the youth, women, inclusivity advocates, and the entire nation in meaningful dialogue on governance, law, and ethical leadership.

The forum brings together distinguished leaders in public service, politics, diplomacy, and the legal profession to discuss pressing issues shaping the Philippines’ governance and justice system. It serves as a platform for enlightened dialogue, policy insight, and civic inspiration, highlighting the importance of integrity, inclusivity, and ethical leadership in public service.

This year’s star-studded speaker lineup includes:

• Hon. Justice Midas Marquez, Supreme Court of the Philippines

• H.E. Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castellino, Ambassador of Malaysia

• H.E. Agus Widjojo, Ambassador of Indonesia

• DOJ Undersecretary Margarita Gutierrez

• Hon. Congressman Brian Poe Llamanzares, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Partylist

• Atty. Margarita Nograles, Nograles Ilagan Cayco Lizada & Dabi (NICLD)

• Atty. Lyka Balita, Secretary General, Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association

Moderators include:

• Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas, serial entrepreneur and former Regional Media Coordinator, Consultant, and Writer at Philippine Information Agency (PIA R4A). She is now President and Editor-in-Chief of Rising Tigers Magazine, InCharge Magazine, and TopNewsAsia, and the first Filipina woman President of the American Association of the Philippines.

• Faye Arellano Marquez, entrepreneur and board member of the Indonesia Philippines Business Association and PCCI Quezon City.

The forum invites students, lawyers, business leaders, and civic-minded citizens to engage in discussions on the rule of law, governance, inclusivity, and ethical leadership, turning a regular day into a “class act” day.

Participants will receive certificates of attendance, and the event will be livestreamed via the official Facebook Pages of Rising Tigers Magazine, TopNewsAsia, and Carl E. Balita, ensuring nationwide accessibility.

“The Law and Governance Forum demonstrates how education, dialogue, and civic engagement empower Filipinos to build a more ethical, inclusive, and transparent governance,” organizers said.

Event Details:

• Date: November 17, 2025

• Location: Face-to-Face (Invite Only, Limited Slots)

• Zoom Access: QR code available on official poster

• Registration & Inquiries: +63 977 897 8877 | President@rising-tigers.asia

Hashtags: #RisingTigers #NationBuilders #LawAndGovernanceForum #LeadershipInAction #YouthWomenNation #Inclusivity