Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairperson George Garcia distanced himself from the cases to be filed against former Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice after the poll body’s second division disqualified the latter from participating in the 2025 midterm elections for allegedly spreading false information.
“In view of the recent issues and the cases filed by former Congressman Edgar R. Erice against me, I am exercising my discretion to inhibit myself from handling or participating in any and all cases involving him or may be filed by him or against him,” Garcia said in a memorandum.
The Comelec chief said he wants to preserve the principles of fairness and impartiality, ensuring the integrity of the proceedings under his jurisdiction and avoiding any potential perception of bias or conflict of interest.
Erice filed an anti-graft and corruption practice complaint against Garcia with the Office of the Ombudsman over the selection of Miru and has repeatedly called on the Supreme Court to declare null and void the P17.99-billion contract between the Comelec and the firm for the 2025 elections.
Garcia’s decision to inhibit himself came after the Comelec law department disqualified Erice, who wants to return to public office as Caloocan’s representative for the second district in next year’s elections.
“While the Rule outlines specific grounds for mandatory inhibition, it also acknowledges the Members’ prerogative to recuse themselves for other valid or justifiable reasons. I believe that the pending cases Mr. Erice has filed against me, constitute a valid basis to inhibit myself, in order to uphold the public’s trust in the impartiality of this office,” Garcia said.
In an 11-page resolution promulgated on Nov. 26, the poll body’s Second Division headed by Commissioner Marlon Casquejo filed the disqualification case before the Clerk of the Commission against Erice for spreading false information against the poll body and the automated election systems to be used in the May midterm polls, in violation of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC).
Petitioner Raymond Salipot alleged that the ex-legislator violated Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) by making “unsubstantiated yet disturbing and damaging statements” against the Comelec and the upcoming elections in various newspaper, online, and radio reports.
“All statements made by Respondent contradict verifiable and widely available facts from the Comelec and all sources across platforms,” the Comelec decision read.
