Bongbong Marcos’ former election lawyer named interim Comelec chair
Commissioner George Garcia in a media briefing on April 27, 2022, on the first day of Local Absentee Voting held at the Comelec Session Hall, 8th floor, Palacio del Gobernador, Intramuros.
(File photo by LYN RILLON / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed his former election lawyer George Garcia as interim chairman of the Commission of Elections (Comelec).
In a letter addressed to the Commission on Appointments dated July 22, Marcos declared his decision to appoint Garcia as the next Comelec chair.
Palace shared the copy of the letter with the media on Monday, August 1.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 16, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution and existing laws, I hereby submit, for confirmation of the Commission on Appointments, the ad interim appointment of Mr. George Erwin M. Garcia to the position of chairman, Commission on Elections, for a term expiring on 02 February 2029, vice Saidamen B. Pangarungan,” Marcos said.
Pangarungan was the former designated chairman of the Comelec, whose appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments.
Marcos said the early confirmation of Garcia’s appointment “will be highly appreciated.”
Before becoming Comelec chairman, Garcia was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte as commissioner.
However, the Commission of Appointments bypassed Garcia’s appointment alongside Pangarungan’s and several others.
Garcia was the lawyer who represented Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in his 2016 vice presidential electoral protest.
Before the 2022 elections, Garcia inhibited himself from pending cases in the Comelec of his past clients, which included the disqualification cases against Marcos.
Should Garcia’s appointment be approved, he will lead the conduct of the 2028 national elections since his term will end in 2029.
