Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia lauded everyone behind the "success" of the recently-held national and local elections in May on the poll body's 82nd anniversary on Monday, August 22.
"The 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE) was historic as it was held in the midst of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, which required the recalibration of all our processes, with all the constraints and limitations, and with health risks for everyone who provided their time and services," Garcia said in a statement.
"That we were able to conduct the elections in a safe, peaceful, and relatively smooth manner is proof of the collective efforts of everyone in this institution, both in the Main and Field Offices, as well as other government and non-government agency partners which assisted and collaborated with us," he added.
He also mentioned that he is thankful to have been part of the efforts, albeit in a different capacity, and that he is aware of everyone's hard work. Other than being conducted during the pandemic, Garcia said that the recent elections were also historic in the sense that the event recorded one of the highest turnouts for the country, a reflection of the Filipinos' desire to participate in forging our future, no matter what.
Garcia explained that while the poll body does celebrate the success of its efforts, it should already be looking forward to the next electoral exercise to improve and get better. He added that it should not ignore nor dismiss the comments of the public as mere criticisms, but as a guide on where to focus to strengthen the public's trust and faith in our elections, which is the "bedrock" of democracy.
"The key to this is full transparency in all of our processes, being responsive to the public's complaints, and updating our election laws, regulations, and procedures to adapt to the times and to take advantage of technology, all while maintaining an atmosphere of openness and engagement with the public," he explained.
"Our common objective is to elevate the Commission's work with the help of the public and our own introspection. We need to take a more analytical and data-driven approach to our operations. We need to test our own processes and use the public's responses to inform how to improve and design our programs, make them more efficient. Our goal is not just to meet the public's expectations, but to exceed them through transparent, measurable improvements," he added.
He also mentioned that the poll body should attract young talents for their new ideas, and reward hard work and service to the Commission. He vowed that election workers will be secure and given the opportunities to self-improve.
He added that they will also invest in training their personnel because Comelec owes the public excellence in the field.
Garcia stated that these are the things that he hopes to do as a leader of the poll body for the next seven years and that he is counting on the public's full support and cooperation. He added that their job is not merely some kind of work, but rather the fulfillment of a constitutional duty.
"Let us take pride in our role in our country's history, in safeguarding our fellow Filipinos' aspirations for good governance and a better future every time they cast their votes. May this inspire us to pursue our respective tasks with full integrity and diligence, for a stronger and better Comelec," he said.
Meanwhile, Comelec also unveiled a miniature model of its new office.
Garcia earlier appealed to Congress to give them a budget so they can start the construction of their own building at their 3-hectare property at the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Parañaque City.