The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday dismissed suggestions of a possible no-election (no-el) scenario in 2028, stressing that the Constitution requires national polls to be held as scheduled.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the idea of cancelling the 2028 elections has no legal basis, noting that the law clearly mandates the conduct of elections every set term.
“No-el 2028 will not happen. It’s a mandate of the Constitution to have an election in that year,” Garcia said in a Viber message.
He added that there is no contingency plan for a no-election scenario, emphasizing that the scheduled polls will proceed as required by law.
“No contingency for a no-el because the election is certain to happen,” he said.
Garcia also said preparations for the 2028 national elections are already underway despite being two years away from the exercise.
“In fact, we, though two years away, are now making preparations,” he said.
He added that the Comelec is already studying key preparations for the upcoming polls, including possible automation, voter registration updates, and drafting of rules and guidelines.
“We are studying how to automate the 2028 elections, voter registration, promulgation of rules and guidelines,” Garcia said.
He also emphasized that no law can override the Constitution in mandating elections.
“It’s not just about passing a law. No higher laws than the Constitution,” he said.
The Comelec chief issued the clarification in response to claims raised by Sen. Imee Marcos regarding an alleged plot to extend the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., a claim earlier dismissed by the President himself.
Photo courtesy of COMELEC
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