The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed the possibility of a no-election (“no-el”) scenario in 2028, stressing that the conduct of national elections is mandated by the Constitution.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said there is no basis for claims that the 2028 elections could be suspended or canceled.
“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 on Wednesday.
He added that the poll body is not preparing any contingency plan for a no-election scenario.
“No contingency for a no-el because the election is certain to happen,” Garcia said.
Despite the elections being two years away, Garcia said the Comelec has already started preparations for the 2028 national polls.
“In fact, we, though two years away, are now making preparations,” he said.
The Comelec chief said the commission is currently studying improvements in the automation of the 2028 elections, voter registration processes, and the promulgation of new rules and guidelines.
“We are studying how to automate the 2028 elections, voter registration, promulgation of rules and guidelines,” Garcia added.
He also emphasized that no law can override constitutional provisions requiring the conduct of elections.
“It’s not just about passing a law. No higher laws than the Constitution,” he said.
Garcia issued the statement in response to allegations made by Senator Imee Marcos regarding an alleged plot to extend the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Earlier, President Marcos also dismissed his sister’s claims about a supposed “no-el” scenario in 2028.
