Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday assured the public that the 2028 National and Local Elections (NLE) will proceed as mandated by the Constitution. This declaration comes despite recent comments made by Vice President Sara Duterte, expressing skepticism regarding the occurrence of the elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that the electoral body is actively preparing for the May 2028 elections and has completed over half of the required preparations. Garcia emphasized the constitutional obligation for the elections to take place, underscoring Comelec's role in enforcing this mandate.

Garcia confirmed, 'On the part of Comelec, we are sure that we will have an election in 2028 because it is stated in the Constitution. The mandate of Comelec at all costs is to have an election especially the Constitution prescribes it. We are the enforcers of the law.' He further noted that the preparations are between 50 to 60 percent complete, indicating significant progress towards the electoral event.

Garcia's comments were in response to Vice President Sara Duterte's recent statements made in The Hague, Netherlands. Duterte had expressed uncertainty about the 2028 presidential election, saying, "We can only pray that there will be a presidential election in 2028 and it will be honest, orderly, and peaceful." Her remarks have sparked discussions about the future political landscape in the Philippines.