LET COMELEC CLAIM THE SUCCESSFUL ELECTION AS A WIN

LET COMELEC CLAIM THE SUCCESSFUL ELECTION AS A WIN

In any democracy, the integrity and efficiency of elections are cornerstones of public trust. In the Philippines, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has long been both praised and criticized for its role in administering national and local polls. As someone who has closely followed the agency over the years—both as a critic and a collaborator—I believe it is only fair, and timely, to acknowledge when the Commission gets things right. The successful handling of the most recent election under Chairman George Garcia deserves recognition. Let COMELEC claim it as a win.

My relationship with the Commission has spanned decades. I have served twice as Chairman of the COMELEC Modernization Committee, once appointed jointly by both the Senate and the Commission itself. In the past, I have not hesitated to raise technical concerns about election automation, particularly regarding connectivity, data transmission reliability, and vote counting accuracy. I did so not out of antagonism, but out of a genuine desire to see a transparent, accountable electoral process that the public could believe in. For many years, these concerns dominated the public discourse, as electoral controversies eroded confidence in the system.

However, in the most recent election, it appears that COMELEC has finally turned a corner. Under the leadership of Chairman Garcia, the Commission managed to administer a largely smooth, peaceful, and efficient electoral exercise. While no election is perfect and a few technical issues did emerge—as is expected in any complex, nationwide operation—they did not rise to the level of systemic failure or widespread disenfranchisement. In fact, the transmission speed and vote canvassing were notably faster than in previous elections. More importantly, these improvements were achieved without major allegations of fraud or manipulation.

This success should not be brushed aside or minimized. In an age of increasing cynicism toward institutions, it is vital to acknowledge when a public agency fulfills its mandate with professionalism and competence. Doing so encourages continued improvement and sends a strong message to voters: that their participation matters and that the system is working to protect their voice.

It is also time to move forward. The temptation to dwell endlessly on past controversies must be balanced with a constructive mindset that builds on institutional progress. While oversight and accountability remain essential, they must not become tools for undermining the very institutions we seek to strengthen. The COMELEC, like any government body, must be subject to criticism—but also worthy of praise when it earns it.

Letting COMELEC claim this success as a win is not about glossing over past missteps or ignoring areas that still need attention. It is about recognizing that democratic institutions are capable of reform and growth. The Commission's achievement in the last election is proof of that. Now, with renewed public confidence, we can set our sights on more inclusive, transparent, and tech-enabled elections in the future.

In conclusion, this recent electoral success is not just a win for COMELEC—it is a win for democracy. Let us acknowledge it, build on it, and move forward with a stronger, more resilient electoral system.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

06-14-2025

 

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