Comelec supports holding plebiscite with 2025 elections to save PHP13B

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) supports holding a plebiscite for proposed constitutional amendments concurrently with the 2025 midterm elections, which would save PHP13 billion.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that conducting the plebiscite separately would cost around PHP13 billion due to the involvement of national and overseas voters, while holding it simultaneously requires no additional expenses except for an increase in teachers' honoraria on Election Day.

Garcia added that there are no legal impediments for the plebiscite and elections to be held at the same time, emphasizing the practicality and logic behind this proposal.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri confirmed earlier this week that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the plebiscite to be held simultaneously with the May 2025 midterm polls after discussing it in a private meeting with senators.

Sample ballots with a plebiscite question have been designed, and Comelec assured there would be no additional costs beyond requesting extra allowances for teachers.