Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia delivers his speech during the Multiparty Democracy Summit-BARMM in Intramuros, Manila, on June 3, 2024. (Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia has warned that violators of election processes for the upcoming 2025 Bangsamoro parliamentary polls, committing irregularities would face strict legal consequences under Philippine laws.
“Do not test the patience and the limits of the Commission on Elections. We will never hesitate to use the full powers of the COMELEC under the Constitution, just to ensure that no lives are sacrificed and everyone can vote,” Garcia stated during Monday’s interview, June 3, in Intramuros, Manila.
He stressed that the impartial implementation of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) should be observed to reaffirm the non-occurrence of common election irregularities such as vote buying, violence, and terrorism, among others.
Under Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35, the BEC prescribes the structural, functional, and procedural principles in the conduct of elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recall proceedings.
The Code also encourages the formation of genuinely principled political parties in the autonomous region.
The chairperson mentioned that everyone capable of voting shall be given opportunities to exercise their right to suffrage without force, intimidation, manipulation, or fear. He added that doing otherwise makes elections futile.
“Nobody should be disenfranchised—not under the present leadership, not under the present administration, and not under the present process or system,” he emphasized.
Artificial intelligence
The Commissioner also addressed queries concerning artificial intelligence (AI) and deep fakes that may obstruct election processes.
AI and deep fakes are examples of technology-based innovations designed to simulate human intelligence, which may make unrealistic possibilities convincingly true.
According to him, there shall be no absolute prohibition as to such utilization. What is done is only the regulation of the other aspects of the campaigns on social media through AI.
He encouraged the candidates to participate in a fair fight, saying, “Let us be authentic with our campaigns because the people know who to vote for based on what their hearts speak.”
He stated further that irresponsible use of AI will potentially result in election offenses and even disqualifications.
As to the BARMM, Garcia said that the COMELEC has yet to impose regulations or other restrictions as to regional governance, primarily in ensuring peace and order for the upcoming and pioneering May 2025 parliamentary elections.
He continued that subsequent policies will be dependent upon future developments not only in the Bangsamoro region but also in the entire Philippines.
The BARMM Government, through its Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO), initiated the Halalang Bangsamoro campaign in disseminating information about the BEC. This is a collaboration with the COMELEC and various civil society organizations to prioritize voter education and awareness, and ensure a well-informed electorate for the 2025 parliamentary elections. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
