Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia strongly stated that the plebiscite to amend the 1987 constitution is unlikely to be implemented. Several reasons include the preparation for the national election in May 2025 and a lack of budget.
Chairman Garcia admitted that the collection of signatures by the People’s Initiative for Modernization and Reform Action (PIRMA) is an addition to their ongoing work.
The people’s initiative is one way to start amending the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution.
Emphasizing a timeline to follow, Garcia noted numerous activities lined up, including voter registration, national and local election preparations, and procurements.
He mentioned that if the people’s initiative gains momentum this year, sacrifices in terms of job roles may be inevitable. However, Garcia asserted that the plebiscite is unlikely to proceed if the filing of a formal petition extends to the year’s end.
PIRMA head Noel Onate and Atty. Evaristo Gana expressed confidence that, within two to three months, the required 12% signatures from the nationwide voter population and 3% signatures in each district will be collected. Once completed, a formal petition will be submitted to the COMELEC.
Garcia clarified that signature verification would assess whether the signatures are from active or inactive voters. He acknowledged the possibility of fluctuations in signature numbers between districts due to voters signing in multiple locations. Garcia expressed concerns about the COMELEC’s lack of manpower for signature verification and simultaneous voter registration reopening.
Noting that only sixty days are allocated for signature verification, Garcia mentioned that local COMELEC offices with two to three officers each will facilitate registration for workers unable to visit the main COMELEC office.
Despite focusing on registration and procurement, COMELEC faces a challenge as they have no funds allocated for the people’s initiative. Overtime pay for officers verifying signatures becomes a pressing issue for the commission.
Garcia assured the public that the COMELEC will transparently account for the 13 billion pesos in funds provided by the bicameral. In conclusion, Chairperson Garcia stated that the Comelec will fulfill its duties despite the current circumstances.