The Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured Vice President Sara Duterte and the general public on Thursday, May 7, 2026, that the National and Local Elections (NLE) will indeed take place in 2028.
In an interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia guaranteed the conduct of the 2028 polls, countering fears expressed by Duterte that the elections might not push through.
"With all due respect to the speculation, the 2028 election is coming. That is certain to come," said Garcia. "There is no doubt; the 2028 elections will happen."
The poll chief emphasized that the Comelec is determined to hold the elections and has already initiated preparations early.
"On the part of the Comelec, in reality, we are already about 50 to 60 percent done with our preparations for 2028," Garcia stated.
He further noted that the commission has no alternative but to conduct the elections, as mandated by the Constitution.
"On the part of the Comelec, there will definitely be an election in 2028, without a doubt, because it is provided for in the Constitution," Garcia said.
Earlier, Duterte expressed hope that the 2028 presidential election would be held in an honest, orderly, and peaceful manner. In February, she announced her intention to run for president in the 2028 national elections.
