[Translation: My commitment to the entire nation and my instruction to all the local Comelec is that there should be no failure of election in any part of the country. We should hold the election at all costs.]
He said this is why the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) will push through in Negros Oriental, which has had several incidents of politics-related violence, including the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo in March.
“Maaaring nandyan pa rin sa kalooban nila ang takot [There may still be fear among residents], but we will have to proceed, because that is a test of the ability of Comelec to implement the laws,” Garcia added.
During the 2022 national polls, the Comelec declared failure of elections in several barangays in Lanao del Sur following reports of poll-related violence. Special elections were held after.
Meanwhile, Garcia said they are closely monitoring the situation in Socorro, Surigao del Norte where an alleged cult — the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. — operates and is suspected to be involved in criminal activities, including sexual abuse of minors. The Senate on Thursday began its hearing into the allegations.
According to Garcia, they do not yet see the need to include the town in the list of election “areas of concern,” saying the issues surrounding it are not poll-related.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 28) — Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia on Thursday promised there will be no failure of elections in any area of the country during the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls.
“Ang commitment ko sa buong bansa at ang instruction natin sa lahat ng local Comelec natin, there should be — take note — there should be no failure of election in any part of the country. Dapat makapag-hold tayo ng election at all costs,” Garcia said in a media briefing.
