MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday said that it can handle the 2025 midterm elections and the plebiscite for the proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution simultaneously.
Comelec chairman George Garcia made the pronouncement after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri earlier said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his desire to have the Charter change plebiscite coincide with the 2025 elections.
“Kaya po namin na isabay ang plebisito sa May 2025 elections. Wala po dagdag na gastos except that ihihingi po namin ng dagdag na allowance ang mga guro,” Garcia told reporters through Viber.
(We can hold the plebiscite together with the May 2025 elections. There will be no additional expenses except that we will request additional allowances for the teachers.)
“Nag-design na din po kami ng sample ng balota na merong plebiscite question. Kaya din po ng machines natin kung may yes or no question sa balota,” he added.
(We have also designed a sample ballot with a plebiscite question. Our machines can handle a yes or no question on the ballot as well.)
Garcia previously said that the Comelec would only be able to hold a Charter change plebiscite as early 2026 citing a Supreme Court on Occena vs. Comelec case which prohibited the simultaneous conduct of elections and a charter change plebiscite.
Garcia, however, pointed out that the said ruling was made even before the 1987 Constitution and is still a legal issue.
Asked if it would be legal for Comelec to hold the elections and the plebiscite at the same time, Garcia responded that it is — as long as it is indicated in the Senate and House of Representatives Resolution of Both Houses.
“Basta po nakalagay sa Resolution of both Houses kung sakali,” said Garcia.
(As long as it’s stated in the Resolution of both Houses if ever.)
Furthermore, Garcia said the Resolution should also indicate the provisions to be amended in the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the simultaneous midterm elections and Cha-cha plebiscite would not affect its newly awarded contract for the vote counting machines for the 2025 midterm elections to the joint venture of South Korean firm Miru Systems.