Comelec Chairman George Garcia delivers a message, July 16, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday it rejected the request of election observers from the European Union (EU) to get access to polling places on May 12, 2025.

In a news forum in Manila, Comelec chairman George Garcia said EU observers told the poll body that prohibiting them inside polling precincts could violate international standards.

But Garcia said the Comelec cannot allow them to roam inside polling precincts on election day.

“Welcome namin sila mag-observe… May freedom of movement po sila, ayaw po natin silang pakialaman. In fact, napakadami nila, halos 300 pero pinayagan po natin in the interest of transparency,” Garcia told reporters.

“[Pero] ako po nagsabi sa kanila na hindi pwede ang pagpasok ng kahit sino ng wala sa batas. Sinabi natin firmly. Hanggang medyo dumapo sa masidhi na usapan. Sabi ko, I will discuss the matter to the en banc. En banc is standing firm that we cannot allow anybody inside the polling precincts,” he continued.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, Garcia said a limited number of accredited people are allowed inside polling places during the conduct of the election.

“Nakalagay sa Omnibus Election Code na pwede lang sa loob ay bumoboto, electoral board members, watchers ng citizens arm, watcher ng parties, at support staff namin," the Comelec chief said. 

"Walang pinapayagan na iba pumasok sa loob ng presinto. Kahit tauhan ng Comelec hindi pwede basta basta pumasok," Garcia said.

Garcia said the commission en banc was willing to face possible consequences as warned by the EU observers.

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