Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Garcia on Monday dismissed mounting calls for a revolution, urging disgruntled citizens to instead exercise their right to vote to effect change in the country.
Speaking at a press conference, Garcia addressed the public’s growing frustration with the traditional electoral system, which has intensified following recent political chaos in the Senate.
“Yung sinasabi ng lahat before na magrebolusyon na lang tayo dahil ang daming kaguluhan sa ating bansa, isa lang ang tugon ng COMELEC, hindi rebolusyon ang sagot. Balota ang sagot,” Garcia said.
(“To what everyone was saying before that we should just have a revolution because of the so much turmoil in our country, the COMELEC has only one response: revolution is not the answer. The ballot is the answer.”)
“Ang sabi ko nga sa bawat isang botante, hawak mo ang vote,” he quipped.
(“As I say to every single voter, you hold the vote.”)
The poll chief’s statements come in the wake of unprecedented Senate instability last week, which drew international attention following a dramatic lockdown, a chaotic gunfire incident, and an abrupt leadership shake-up.
In addition to countering the calls for revolt, Garcia firmly assured the public that the scheduled 2028 elections will proceed as mandated. The assurance was issued to quell brewing speculations and doubts surrounding the upcoming polls, which were recently stoked by remarks from Vice President Sara Duterte hinting at the possibility of the 2028 elections being canceled.