Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia met with around 60 ambassadors and consuls from various countries to provide a direct and transparent briefing on the developments surrounding the postponed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.

Chairman Garcia emphasized that the briefing aimed to ensure that the international community receives accurate information “straight from the horse’s mouth,” preventing misinformation or speculation stemming from unverified reports.

“We requested their presence so we can personally brief them on what happened in Bangsamoro — why the elections did not push through — so they can hear it directly from us, not just from what they see or read in the media,” Garcia said. “It’s better that the information comes from us, so there is no fake news or misinformation.”

During the meeting, Chairman Garcia gave the Diplomatic Corps a firm assurance that the COMELEC remains fully committed to conducting the BARMM elections within the March 31, 2026 deadline set by the Supreme Court.

“The most important thing today is to guarantee that the COMELEC is dead serious in conducting the election,” he stated. “The election will definitely push through, and we will comply with the Supreme Court’s deadline, as long as the enabling law is passed. It’s business as usual, and surely, an election will be forthcoming.”

In line with COMELEC’s drive for integrity and accountability, Chairman Garcia also revealed that 27 contractors have already been issued notices to explain alleged violations of election-related restrictions.

“They have been sent notices to explain. In the next two weeks, all of them will be called in according to schedule to submit their counter-affidavits and respond to possible allegations,” he said.

The allegations include being government contractors and providing assistance, financial or in kind, to candidates during the electoral period. Following this, the Political Finance and Affairs Department will issue Show Cause Orders to the concerned candidates, regardless of position.

Chairman Garcia reiterated that these actions reflect COMELEC’s firm commitment to uphold transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in all its operations, especially as it prepares for the rescheduled BARMM elections.

“We want to assure both the Filipino people and our international partners that COMELEC remains steadfast in ensuring fair, credible, and lawful elections, wherever and whenever they may be held,” Garcia affirmed. / Via Grace Bondad Nicolas