Comelec: ‘No election’ via Constitutional amendment not possible
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said that a “no election” scenario in 2028 through an amendment of the Constitution is not possible due to the lack of rules allowing it.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia made this statement as the poll body presented the draft of terms of reference to be used in the automated election system for the 2028 elections. With this activity and its other preparations, Garcia said that the 2028 elections will push through.
READ: Comelec halts people’s initiative proceedings on Charter change
“There were claims of a no-election scenario due to the possibility of a proposal to amend the Constitution. At present, we have no rules to amend the Constitution. That is suspended,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.
In January 2024, the Comelec suspended any proceedings regarding the people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. Comelec Resolution No. 10650, promulgated in January 2020, served as the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 6735, or the Initiative and Referendum Act.
Under the resolution, any registered voter or group of voters may file a petition for an initiative or referendum to “propose, enact, approve or reject, in whole or in part, the Constitution, laws, ordinances or resolutions passed by any legislative body.”
Garcia noted that the rules were suspended as there was a “legal issue” if there is enough law to amend the Constitution.
“It remains suspended. If we have lifted something, that is the amendment of legislation or proposal to introduce legislation,” Garcia added.
READ: Palace: Imee Marcos’ ‘no 2028 polls’ claim is ‘diversionary tactic’
Last March, the Comelec partially lifted the suspension of the resolution, which now allows people’s initiative to enact or amend national or local laws. Garcia noted that if the Congress fails to pass a law, people’s initiative can be done.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently denied claims made by his sister Sen. Imee Marcos that he is pushing for no elections in 2028. Palace press officer Claire Castro also said that Imee’s claims were made as a “diversionary tactic.” /das
