Plebiscite ahead of May 2025 polls unlikely - Comelec

A plebiscite for Charter Change within the year or ahead of the May 2025 midterm elections is unlikely, according to the Commission on Elections.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained yesterday: "We're running out of time getting ready for the elections in 2025. So, to conduct a plebiscite before the end of the year... it's a little tight for the Comelec."

"It's already March. There's still the procurement, preparations. It will not be possible to have a plebiscite this year,” Garcia added.

He made the statement in reaction to the call of some legislators to hold the plebiscite ahead of the scheduled May 2025 midterm polls.

Garcia, however, stressed that Comelec is obliged to conduct the plebiscite whenever mandated by Congress.

Concerning questions on the legality of holding a plebiscite simultaneously with the 2025 polls, he said it is premature to discuss the matter.

At this time, Garcia said, the Senate and House of Representatives are still debating the proposed simultaneous plebiscite with the 2025 polls.

He said the Senate wants the two electoral activities to be held at the same time, while Congress wants them to be conducted separately.

“We at the Comelec will obey the order of the Senate and House of Representatives,” Garcia said.