Chalssea Kate Echegoyen

The Commission on Elections personnel, in coordination with the Quezon City Local Government Unit, load election paraphernalia including sealed ballot boxes and vote counting machines onto traditional jeepneys at the Amoranto Sports Complex on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The deployment is part of the early distribution of materials to various polling precincts across the city in preparation for the May 12 National and Local Elections. Security personnel and election officers are also on-site to ensure proper handling and transport of the equipment. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Mon Rodelas

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has began preparations for the 2028 national and local elections, with Chairman George Erwin Garcia saying the early release of the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the procurement of automated counting machines (ACMs) is intended to ensure transparency and reassure the public that the polls will proceed as scheduled.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/26/marcos-jr-smirks-at-imee-s-no-elections-claim-palace-calls-allegation-a-diversionary-tactic-1449">Marcos Jr. smirks at Imee’s ‘no elections’ claim; Palace calls allegation a ‘diversionary tactic’</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/1/comelec-tests-6-500-voting-machines-ahead-of-bangsamoro-polls-1537">Comelec tests 6,500 voting machines ahead of Bangsamoro polls</a></div><p>Garcia said the poll body adopted the same approach ahead of the 2025 elections and saw no reason not to replicate the process for 2028.</p><p>Under the procurement timeline, stakeholders will receive copies of the draft TOR and will be given two weeks to submit comments and recommendations before the document is finalized.</p><p>“Ayaw natin na pinagdududahan ang ating proseso. Ayaw natin na may tanong ang mga kababayan natin, lalo na mga stakeholders natin. Gusto natin as transparent as possible,” said Chairman Garcia.</p><p>Garcia said stakeholders, political parties, and election watchdogs would be consulted before the final TOR is approved, stressing that transparency remains a priority for the commission.</p><p>“Lahat po ng proseso mula ngayon at mga susunod pa na mga proseso natin in relation to the national and local elections, will always be known by the public, will always have consultation,” he added, adding that stakeholders and political parties will also be briefed and consulted before the final TOR is approved.</p><p>Garcia also described the early procurement process as a strong indication that preparations for the 2028 elections are already in full swing, despite ongoing discussions in political circles about possible constitutional amendments and other reforms.</p><p>“Talagang ito’y aming nagsusumigaw na announcement sa buong mundo, sa ating mga kababayan tuloy na tuloy po ang halalan sa 2028,” Garcia said. “Hindi naman po magpapaka-effort, magpapakahirap si Komisyon kung wala naman palang eleksyon sa 2028.”</p><p>Garcia also revealed that the commission is looking at acquiring improved and more durable automated counting machines, saying Comelec is considering “enhanced versions” of election technology to improve efficiency and address operational challenges encountered in previous elections.</p><p>He said consultations on the draft TOR would help identify potential issues early, including whether prospective suppliers can meet the commission’s technical requirements and delivery schedules.</p><p>Despite concerns over possible political developments that could affect the country’s electoral landscape, Garcia said the poll body remains focused on fulfilling its constitutional mandate and ensuring that all eligible voters can participate in the elections.</p><p>“We can always set aside. The Comelec can always innovate. Sabi nga namin, the Comelec will always find ways,” he said, stressing that voter registration and participation remain the commission’s top priorities.</p><p>Garcia likewise disclosed that preparations for the 2028 elections would require significant funding.</p><p>He said Comelec initially proposed around P25 billion to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for election-related preparations in 2027, separate from the commission’s regular annual budget of roughly P6 billion.</p><p>Following consultations with the DBM, however, the poll body agreed to reduce its funding request by around P6 billion by removing certain expenditures, including ballot verification measures and other items deemed non-essential.</p><p>Garcia said Comelec recognized the need to balance its election requirements with the funding needs of other government agencies while ensuring that preparations for the 2028 polls remain on track.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/27/comelec-chair-refutes-imee-s-no-el-claim-election-is-certain-in-2028-1536">Comelec chair refutes Imee&#x27;s &#x27;No-El&#x27; claim: &#x27;Election is certain in 2028’</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/2/individuals-facing-criminal-charges-may-still-run-for-public-office-comelec-says-1915">Individuals facing criminal charges may still run for public office, Comelec says</a></div>

<p>The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has began preparations for the 2028 national and local elections.</p>

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has began preparations for the 2028 national and local elections.

Comelec opens bidding process for 2028 polls, says early TOR release shows elections will push through

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Comelec opens bidding process for 2028 polls, says early TOR release shows elections will push through

Mon Rodelas,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 02, 2026 08:34 PM PHT

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COMELEC

Chairman George Erwin Garcia

2028 Elections

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