In a comprehensive public statement, George Erwin Mojica Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), highlighted the Commission’s readiness, integrity safeguards, and commitment to inclusive and credible elections.

Swift but Careful Ballot Printing

On the printing of ballots for the March 14 Antipolo City 2nd Congressional District Special Election, Chairman Garcia emphasized operational preparedness. He explained that ballot printing could begin immediately and be completed within days. However, speed would never compromise quality.

Every ballot, he assured, will undergo strict verification, checked thoroughly for clarity, cleanliness, smudges, misprints, or defects that would require reprinting. The Commission is prepared to complete the entire process within five working days, demonstrating both efficiency and meticulous attention to detail. His message was clear: preparedness must be matched by precision.

Zero Tolerance for Premature Campaigning

Chairman Garcia issued a strong reminder to candidates to strictly observe election guidelines, especially since the Antipolo election will be conducted manually. Premature campaigning, vote-buying, and the misuse of public funds will not be tolerated.

He warned that COMELEC will closely monitor violations, particularly the distribution of money or goods during prohibited periods. The Commission will not hesitate to disqualify candidates who break the rules, a stance he noted has already been proven in past enforcement actions.

This firm posture reinforces COMELEC’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.

Early Voting and Inclusive Participation

On Election Day, March 14, 2026, COMELEC will reimplement its successful Early Voting Hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM. These hours are exclusively reserved for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant voters. The initiative reflects the Commission’s continuing effort to make elections more accessible and humane.

Chairman Garcia also confirmed coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to allow qualified detainees who are registered voters in Antipolo’s 2nd District to cast their votes. He stressed that no eligible Filipino should be left behind when it comes to the right to vote.

Bangsamoro Registration and Modernization Push

Following the postponement of the March 30 elections in the Bangsamoro region, COMELEC resumed voter registration from February 9 to March 30, 2026. Through the Register Anywhere Program (RAP), Bangsamoro residents from Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and the Special Geographic Area may register in Highly Urbanized Cities and capital towns without returning to their provinces.

Chairman Garcia strongly advocated for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election to be automated, explaining that conducting a fully manual election in the region would pose serious logistical and operational challenges.

Transparency and Respect in Campaigning

In line with its transparency commitment, COMELEC released online the Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) of the seven Antipolo candidates, allowing voters to be properly informed about those seeking office.

Chairman Garcia also appealed for respectful campaigning, avoiding excessive noise, traffic disruption, and community disturbance. He reminded candidates that the Anti-Discrimination Resolution remains in effect. Personal attacks, discriminatory remarks, and below-the-belt tactics can lead to disqualification, as demonstrated in previous cases.

A Clear Standard for Elections

Through his message, Chairman Garcia projected a leadership style defined by preparedness, fairness, inclusivity, and strict enforcement of the law. His words serve not only as guidance to candidates but as reassurance to voters: elections will be conducted with order, transparency, and accountability.

For COMELEC under his leadership, democracy is not merely administered, it is actively safeguarded.