MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) remains faithful to its mandate of holding electoral exercises as stated in the country’s Constitution.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez made the statement in the midst of the no elections (no-el) scenario of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in 2019 in case the country's shift to federalism pushes through.
“The Commission on Elections remains committed to fulfilling its mandate of conducting free and fair elections in accordance with the provisions of the 1987 Constitution,” Jimenez said in a statement Thursday.
“The Comelec however, remains confident that such a shift -- should it happen -- can be accomplished without depriving the sovereign Filipino people of their constitutionally guaranteed right to select their own leaders through free and fair elections,” he added.
With this, the poll body official believed that the House Speaker is only citing possible effects if ever there would be a shift to a federal form of government.
“It would appear that the Speaker of the House was merely describing one of several possible outcomes that would arise from a successful shift to a federal form of government,” he explained.
At the same time, Jimenez urged the public to join in the discussions in connection with the plan to amend the Constitution.
“The Commission therefore urges everyone to participate in the national conversation on constitutional amendment, particularly in the matter of federalism, so that should the time come to choose, the votes we cast shall be fully informed and well-considered,” he added.
On Wednesday, Alvarez said there is a possible cancellation of the 2019 national polls to give way to a transition government in case the shift to a new form of government would be approved. (PNA)
