TACLOBAN CITY — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Friday, Jan. 23, underscored the role of voters in shaping the country’s leadership, saying poor governance and corruption are often consequences of public participation—or the lack of it—during elections.
Garcia made the statement during his visit to Eastern Visayas, where he led voter education activities in Basey, Samar, and Naval, Biliran as part of Comelec’s continuing campaign to encourage informed and responsible voting ahead of the 2026 polls.
He said citizens should not place sole blame on elected officials for ineffective or corrupt governance if voters themselves failed to actively and responsibly participate in the electoral process.
“Registering and voting are not just rights, they are responsibilities. They are the means by which citizens can correct the direction of leadership,” Garcia said.
The Comelec chair particularly appealed to young and first-time voters, urging them to carefully evaluate candidates’ integrity, competence, and track record before casting their ballots.
“How can you condemn a leader for being ineffective if you yourselves did not take part in electing or rejecting that leader?” Garcia asked.
“There is no one else to blame in society if society itself neglected or refused to participate in choosing its leaders.”
Garcia added that if current leaders turn out to be negligent or corrupt, voters must also acknowledge their role in allowing such officials to gain power through the electoral process.
With the country continuing to face challenges such as corruption and weak governance, Garcia stressed that elections remain the most democratic and peaceful way to effect change, rather than resorting to calls for revolution or extra-legal actions.
“The business of elections is not only the business of the Comelec; it is the business of everyone. If we fail, you fail,” he said.
Comelec is currently conducting voter registration nationwide until May 18, 2026, and is urging unregistered but qualified voters to register at their respective city or municipal Comelec offices.
The commission also expressed optimism that, as seen in the last two elections, there will be a high turnout of young voters in the November 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Election officials added that senior citizens and persons with disabilities will again be allowed to vote early, from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., to ensure their comfort and safety on election day.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
