A Glimpse into the Future of Philippine Elections: A Dialogue with Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia

ON Thursday, February 6, 2025, the illustrious Rotary Club of Manila (RCM), the oldest and largest Rotary club in the Philippines, hosted its 21st Weekly Membership Meeting at the prestigious Manila Polo Club. The event, seamlessly organized with grace and decorum, attracted key figures from diverse sectors of society. The gathering was a perfect amalgamation of leadership, service, and innovation, as members and distinguished guests came together to discuss pivotal national issues, most notably the future of elections in the Philippines.

The meeting commenced with the formal call to order by President Eduardo "Jujut" Enriquez III. As the room filled with the hum of quiet anticipation, Past President Felix Francisco S. “Chito” Zaldarriaga led the invocation, invoking a spirit of service and reflection, setting a tone of solemnity for the gathering.

This was followed by the Philippine National Anthem and the rousing Rotary Club of Manila Hymn, sung with fervor by the club’s World-Famous Music Chorale. As the club members collectively recited the Four-Way Test, Former DTI Undersecretary Abdulgani M. “Gani” Macatoman passionately emphasized the values that define Rotary, encapsulating the organization's commitment to service, integrity, and community.

The event’s atmosphere was one of camaraderie and warmth as Vice President-Elect Ricardo S.B. “Ricky” Guevara acknowledged the guests in attendance, further elevating the sense of unity within the room. The celebration continued with the recognition of birthday celebrants, notably Past Director Oscar Del Rosario, whose significant contributions to the club were acknowledged with a heartfelt rendition of the "Maligayang Bati" or "Happy Birthday" song, performed by the RCM World-Famous Music Chorale.

Guest Speaker: A Vision for Democratic Innovation

The highlight of the event was the address by the esteemed Guest Speaker, The Honorable Atty. George Erwin M. Garcia, Chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). With a commanding presence and a profound understanding of the complexities of Philippine democracy, Atty. Garcia delivered an insightful discourse on the state of elections in the country and the innovative steps that the Commission is taking to enhance the voting process.

Atty. Garcia opened his address with gratitude and respect for the Rotary Club of Manila, recognizing its invaluable contributions to society. He emphasized the pivotal role that RCM plays in shaping industry and fostering meaningful change in Philippine society.

He then shifted to the core of his address, the state of elections in 2025, marking this year as one of significant challenges and opportunities for reform.

He pointed to the multi-election year that lies ahead, with three major elections set to occur in 2025—the May 12 national and local elections, the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election, and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Atty. Garcia acknowledged the complexity of this simultaneous scheduling, particularly as the country prepares for its first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election, and the logistics involved in such a monumental undertaking.

The Financial Implications of Election Logistics

The financial scope of these elections is staggering, with the cost of conducting the national and local elections alone amounting to a whopping P35 billion. The Barangay and SK elections are expected to cost an additional P13 billion, while conducting the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election will require an estimated P2.5 billion. This highlights the immense responsibility borne by the COMELEC to ensure that the elections are not only financially feasible but also efficient and transparent.

The challenges also extend to voter participation. With a voting population of over 68 million, including significant numbers of senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous people, and even incarcerated individuals, the task of ensuring accessibility and inclusivity becomes even more pressing.

Atty. Garcia spoke passionately about the importance of protecting the right of suffrage for all Filipinos, emphasizing that prisoners, unless convicted, retain their voting rights. This right, he explained, is fundamental to the values of democracy.

Innovations in Election Technology and Accessibility

Atty. Garcia provided an exciting preview of the technological innovations that the COMELEC is introducing in the upcoming elections. One of the most significant advancements is the introduction of enhanced voting machines that promise greater accuracy and ease of use for the voters. He emphasized that these machines are designed to enhance voter confidence and ensure that every vote is counted accurately.

Additionally, for the first time, the COMELEC is introducing several innovative measures to ensure that voting is accessible to all Filipinos. Senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women will be given exclusive voting hours from 5 AM to 7 AM, ensuring that they can vote in a more comfortable environment.

Furthermore, Atty. Garcia proudly shared that, for the first time, mall voting will be introduced, allowing voters to cast their ballots in shopping malls, where the environment will be cool and free from the usual election-related disturbances. This initiative is particularly aimed at improving the voting experience, making it more convenient and comfortable for citizens, particularly in urban areas.

The overseas Filipino community, which has traditionally faced barriers to voting, will also benefit from the introduction of internet voting, a first in Philippine history. This innovation is expected to increase voter turnout significantly, addressing the logistical challenges faced by Filipinos living abroad who previously had to visit embassies or consulates to cast their votes.

The Need for Legal Reforms

While the COMELEC is pushing for innovation and progress, Atty. Garcia highlighted a critical challenge: the outdated Election Code, which was enacted in 1985, is increasingly inadequate in addressing the realities of modern-day elections. He emphasized the need for Congress to pass the revised Omnibus Election Code, which would address new forms of electoral malpractices such as vote-buying through digital platforms like Gcash and Paymaya.

Furthermore, he addressed the issue of premature campaigning, citing the Supreme Court ruling that candidates are not officially recognized until the start of the campaign period. This has left the COMELEC with limited jurisdiction over campaign materials and other election-related actions that occur prior to the official start of the campaign period.

Recognition and Closing Remarks

The meeting concluded with a heartfelt presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Atty. Garcia by President Eduardo “Jujut” Enriquez III, who thanked the guest speaker for his invaluable insights and his commitment to the democratic process.

In his closing remarks, President Enriquez acknowledged the Rotary Club of Manila’s role as a beacon of service and leadership, reinforcing the club’s dedication to fostering positive change in the country.

In his final words, President Enriquez adjourned the meeting, but not without leaving everyone in attendance with a renewed sense of purpose. As members of the Rotary Club of Manila, they are part of a legacy that has long been committed to fostering integrity, leadership, and service to others.

Atty. Garcia’s speech served as a poignant reminder of the role that each one of us plays in shaping the future, not just through our votes, but through our collective commitment to the values that define a democratic society.

The Rotary Club of Manila's 21st Weekly Membership Meeting was not merely a gathering; it was a reaffirmation of the club’s enduring commitment to excellence, transparency, and service to the community, both within and beyond the confines of the club.

As Atty. Garcia’s words resonated with the audience, it became clear that the future of Philippine elections holds great promise, thanks to the innovations and reforms being championed by the Commission on Elections and the continued dedication of organizations like the Rotary Club of Manila.