Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia, Oct. 11, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA – Commission on Elections Chairperson George Garcia is facing a contempt charge filed by former Caloocan City Second District Rep. Edgar Erice before the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

In his motion to cite Garcia in contempt, Erice noted the pronouncement of the Comelec chairperson that the commission could resort to manual polls in 2025 if the Supreme Court issued a ruling against Miru Systems.

“In making the above statement, Chairman Garcia, speaking in his capacity as chairman of the Comelec, threatened this court that an adverse ruling will result to a return to the conduct of manual elections,” Erice said in the petition. 

Pending before the high court is Erice’s petition for certiorari filed last April which questioned the awarding of the P18 billion contract to Miru for the automated polls.

“Napakaraming red flags ng Miru at Comelec dito, napakaraming mga kaduda-dudang mga pangyayari, ni-rig yung bidding, kung merong may kasalanan dito walang iba kundi iyong Comelec,” Erice said.

Asked about the status of his petition for certiorari, Erice said  Comelec and Miru were granted by the Supreme Court a 30-day extension to file their comment until July 17.

“Dapat po sagutin na kaagad ng Comelec para hindi na tumagal ang isyu,” Erice said.

Erice added that he would file graft charges against Comelec officials, including the commission’s Bids and Awards Committee members.

Comelec chief vows to sue ex-lawmaker over bribery claims