Comelec bars EU observers from precincts citing election law

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has denied the European Union’s request for its observers to enter polling precincts on Election Day, citing election law restrictions.

At a media forum on Thursday, May 8, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), led by chief observer Marta Temido, sought a meeting with him on Wednesday, just five days before the polls.

“They said they wanted to be there (inside the precincts) and ask questions to the electoral board members,” Garcia said.

However, he said the Omnibus Election Code permits only the following people inside voting precincts:

+ board of election inspectors

+ watchers

+ Comelec representatives

+ voters casting their votes

+ voters waiting for their turn

He said a lengthy discussion ensued, prompting him to consult with the six other Comelec commissioners. The en banc unanimously decided to uphold the law.

Garcia said the EU observers later sent a letter “insisting” on their request. In response, he reiterated that allowing foreign observers inside precincts would violate election law—an act he described as an “impeachable offense” for commissioners.

Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda said even they are barred from entering precincts beyond their assignment.

“Pwede naman maging osberver sa labas ng presinto [Observers can monitor from outside the voting precinct],” Garcia said, noting that they can freely access the voting centers, just not the precincts where the actual voting happens.

“Iniinvoke nila [They are invoking] international standards… We are invoking the sovereignty of this country and we are invoking Philippine law,” he said.

He said the poll body allowed EU OEM access to the Philippines for the sake of transparency as proof that it is not hiding anything.

However, “we did not give you a full blanket authority when we gave you the authority to observe the elections. That is subject to limitations as provided for by law,” Garcia said.

Asked if this decision could negatively impact the EU mission’s report on the May 12 midterm elections, Garcia acknowledged a veiled threat during the discussion.

“Sabi nila [They said], ‘Chairman you should be aware of the consequences of you not allowing us…’ I told them I am fully aware and our commission is willing to face the consequences simply because that is our law,” he said.

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the EU EOM for comment.

Over 200 observers from EU member states, including Canada, Norway, and Switzerland, are monitoring the Philippine elections to assess the electoral process and issue recommendations for future polls.