The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reaffirmed on Friday, September 18, its backing for legislation banning political dynasties, declaring its readiness to enforce the measure in time for the 2028 elections if Congress enacts it despite the tight window.
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia expressed support for the Supreme Court’s mandate directing lawmakers to pass the long-overdue measure, pointing out that it fulfills a constitutional requirement that has lain dormant for nearly 40 years.
“Ang inyo pong COMELEC ay consistent na sumusuporta sa pagpapasa ng anti-political dynasty law sapagkat diyan mismo ay mandato ng Korte Suprema,” Garcia said.
Garcia underscored the election body’s long-standing endorsement of the law, citing Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution, which seeks to guarantee equal opportunity in public service.
“Kaya nga lamang ang aming naging panawagan sa Kongreso baka pu-pwede kung may maipapasang batas, ‘yung mabilisan din o yung talagang kaagad. Kasi nga po next year filing na ng candidacy,” he expressed.
The poll chief stressed the urgency of the matter, noting that the window to prepare is shrinking, with the submission of certificates of candidacy for the 2028 national elections tentatively set for September 20 to 26 next year.
Because COMELEC must still draft the corresponding implementing rules and regulations (IRR), Garcia urged Congress to craft a law that is “brief, broad, and definite” to prevent ambiguity during execution.
“Ang sabi pa natin, huwag ipagkatiwala kay COMELEC lang, ‘yung mga specifics. Kinakailangan yung batas maliwanag na maliwanag na, malawak na malawak na at talagang punto por punto,” he expressed.
“The bill must be brief, broad, definite. Para wala na pong discretion halos kami when it comes to implementation. Dapat maging maliwanag,” he emphasized.
The electoral head added that the commission plans to review the Supreme Court’s full ruling to fully grasp its scope, limitations, and operational guidance for future enforcement.