COMELEC Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia: No to Fake News on BARMM Elections

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), under the leadership of Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, has once again taken a firm stand in protecting the integrity of the electoral process—this time by addressing the spread of fake news concerning the 2025 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.

Garcia reminded the public to be vigilant against misinformation, stressing that only official COMELEC announcements should be trusted. He emphasized that fake news does not just confuse voters—it undermines the democratic process itself.

Fake News No. 1: “BARMM Elections to Push Through on October 13, 2025”

One of the most circulated false claims alleges that the elections in BARMM will proceed on October 13, 2025, despite the Supreme Court’s Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77.

Chairman Garcia immediately set the record straight: COMELEC has issued no such statement. In fact, following the TRO issued by the Supreme Court on September 15, 2025, the COMELEC en banc promptly convened the next day, September 16, and ordered the suspension of all preparations related to the October 13 elections.

“COMELEC has no authority to proceed with the elections unless the TRO is lifted or the Supreme Court renders a final resolution,” Garcia explained. He further clarified that any decision regarding whether the elections will push through lies solely with the Supreme Court.

For now, COMELEC awaits the high court’s ruling—remaining compliant, cautious, and prayerful, in Chairman Garcia’s words.

Fake News No. 2: “Gun Ban and Election Prohibitions Are Suspended”

Another circulating disinformation claims that the Gun Ban and other election-related prohibitions have been suspended following the TRO.

COMELEC firmly denied this, clarifying that all election rules remain fully in effect. Both the Campaign Period (August 28 to October 11, 2025) and the Election Period (August 14 to October 28, 2025) are still enforced.

This means all existing prohibitions—such as the Gun Ban, the Public Works Ban, the Ayuda Ban, the prohibition on releasing public funds (except for medical or burial assistance), and the establishment of COMELEC checkpoints—remain valid and operational.

Requests for exemptions, including permits related to these prohibitions, continue to be processed under the Omnibus Election Code and COMELEC Resolution No. 11156.

COMELEC’s Strong Warning Against Disinformation

Chairman Garcia reiterated that the public must only rely on official statements from COMELEC to avoid confusion. Spreading unverified claims, he warned, only misleads voters and weakens the foundations of democracy.

“Disinformation has no place in our democratic system,” Garcia said. “COMELEC will always uphold truth, transparency, and the rule of law.”

Upholding Electoral Integrity

Under Garcia’s stewardship, COMELEC continues to prioritize transparency, public trust, and the integrity of elections. His quick response against disinformation reflects his proactive leadership style—one that not only enforces the law but also educates the public about their rights and responsibilities in safeguarding democracy.

As the BARMM elections hang in the balance pending the Supreme Court’s final ruling, Garcia’s consistent reminder is clear: the voice of the people must be guided by truth, not by lies.

PCCI Los Baños headed by President Grace Bondad Nicolas Strengthens International Presence at Vietnam Trade Mission 2025

PCCI Los Baños led by it’s President Grace Bondad Nicolas was the strong representation at the recently concluded Vietnam Trade Mission. Nicolas demonstrated personal commitment and dedication to her chamber, Nicolas shouldered the expenses to bring with her two key members—PCCI LB Secretary, Ronald Calibo of Mernels, a beloved homegrown bakery brand with a loyal nationwide following, and Deputy Secretary Angela Ortinero of Rising Tigers Magazine, one of the fastest-growing leadership and lifestyle publications in the country. Together, the trio carried the Los Baños banner with pride, ensuring that the local chamber was represented on the international stage with new Member Annaliza Laxamana. 

For Nicolas, the move was more than just participation but about opening doors for Laguna-based enterprises to learn, collaborate, and adapt strategies from global best practices. By investing her own resources, she ensured that PCCI Los Baños was not only present but actively engaged in discussions with regional leaders, further aligning local initiatives with global business trends.

The mission coincided with Vietnam’s 80th National Day Anniversary, where the Filipino delegation expressed solidarity with Vietnam, deepening both cultural and diplomatic bonds. Day 2 of the mission featured learning sessions on Vietnam’s macroeconomic outlook, evolving tax regulations, and opportunities for outsourcing, providing delegates with vital insights into the region’s dynamic business environment.

A key highlight was the PCCI South Luzon Area Meeting at the New World Saigon Hotel, themed “From Local Impact to Regional Progress: Chambers Leading the Way.” Attended by CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Bicol chambers and regional governors, and graced by Consul General Le Thi Phung, the gathering underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional business synergies.

Through the leadership of Nicolas, PCCI Los Baños showed that even a local chamber can create regional impact and global connections. With the representation of Calibo and Ortinero, the delegation demonstrated the diversity, strength, and vision of Los Baños entrepreneurs.

A powerhouse delegation of 95 business leaders and professionals from the Philippines joined at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for the Vietnam Trade Mission 2025. Organized by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in partnership with the Philippines-Vietnam Business Council, the mission brought together some of the country’s most influential entrepreneurs to explore opportunities, learn best practices, and strengthen regional ties.

Among the prominent leaders who joined were Tess Ngan Tian of Lots’a Pizza, Violeta Lapid of RL Lapid’s, Rosemarie Rafael of Airspeed, Francis Manas of Henlin, and Grace Bondad Nicolas, President of PCCI Los Baños and CEO of Tag Media Group.