MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) dismissed talks of a possible “no-election” (no-el) scenario in 2028, stressing that the Constitution mandates the holding of regular elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said such a scenario will not happen as the law requires that elections be held in the said year.

“No-el 2028 will not happen. It’s a mandate of the Constitution to have an election in that year,” he said in a Viber message on Wednesday.

“No contingency for a no-el because the election is certain to happen,” he added.

Garcia said that despite being two years away from the polls, the Comelec has already begun preparations for the 2028 national elections.

“In fact, we, though two years away, are now making preparations,” he said.

He said the poll body is currently studying preparations for automation, voter registration, and the formulation of election rules and guidelines.

“We are studying how to automate the 2028 elections, voter registration, promulgation of rules and guidelines,” Garcia added.

He also emphasized that constitutional provisions prevail over any proposed legislative measures.

“It’s not just about passing a law. No higher laws than the Constitution,” he said.

The Comelec statement came in response to allegations raised by Senator Imee Marcos regarding an alleged plot to extend the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The Commission on Elections Commission on Elections reiterated that preparations for the 2028 elections are already underway and that a “no-election” scenario is not being considered.