Issue No. 4039

The upcoming May 12 national and local elections are more than just a midterm exercise they are a defining moment for the Philippines' democratic future. With battle lines already forming ahead of the 2028 presidential race, this electoral contest will be a proving ground for the country's political forces, a referendum on President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr.'s administration, and a selection process for the next generation of national and local leaders. At the heart of it all is the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) under the leadership of Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, whose stewardship will determine whether this election is remembered for its credibility or controversy.