The constitutional prohibition preventing losing candidates from the May 2025 midterm elections from holding government office has officially expired, opening the door for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to reorganize his administration.
COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed on Wednesday, May 13, that the one-year cooling-off period has concluded, effectively lifting the legal barrier for those who failed in their recent electoral bids.
“Those who lost in 2025 can be appointed starting today.”
The restriction, grounded in Section 6, Article 9 (b) of the 1987 Constitution, was designed to curb the potential abuse of appointive power and maintain a level playing field in public service.
With that window now closed, speculation has intensified regarding high-profile names rumored for Cabinet roles, including former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.
Trillanes was defeated in the Caloocan mayoralty race by incumbent Along Malapitan, while Abalos fell short in his senatorial campaign, finishing in 16th place.
While Malacañang has recently remained silent on specific names, Garcia noted that the selection process remains a purely executive decision.
“Appointment is always a prerogative of the appointing authority subject only to the limitations provided by law. Whatever is the reason for the appointment is usually as a matter of tradition, respect and wisdom.”
As the administration moves past the ban, observers are watching closely to see if the President will utilize this “prerogative” to bring seasoned politicians back into the fold of the executive branch.