Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia is hoping that the two new poll commissioners that will be appointed by President Marcos will be knowledgeable about the challenges and issues faced by the poll body, especially with the upcoming May 2025 polls.

"Ang pinaka-importante po kasi nito yung dalawang buwan bago mag-eleksyon. Alam niyo po napakadaming hinaharap na isyu ng Comelec, ng mga hamon, and therefore sana yung maitatalaga yung may mga kaalaman na sa mga hamon/isyu na ito (The most important part is actually the two months before the election. You know, the Comelec faces so many issues and challenges, and therefore, it's hoped that those appointed are already knowledgeable about these challenges and issues)," he said in a chance interview on Monday, Feb. 3.

"Lalo pa na ang Comelec ay more operation rather than quasi-judicial (Especially since the Comelec is more operational rather than quasi-judicial)," he added.

According to Garcia, two Comelec commissioners have officially retired on Sunday, Feb. 2. He added that they are not expecting Marcos to appoint someone while Congress is in session since it would become a regular appointment and the appointees would not be able to serve yet. He said that they are expecting it next week.

Garcia said that there are lot inside the the poll body who are qualified and have proven that they are impartial.

"Kapag nasa Comelec ka dapat naman talaga impartial ka. Kapag kasi galing doon sa sinasabing galing sa ganitong grupo o dahil galing sa isang partido hindi na po magiging partial ang Commission kung ganoon pala ang requirement (When you're with the Comelec, you should truly be impartial. If someone comes from a certain group or party, the Commission won't be impartial if those are the requirements)," he said.

"Of course sa bandang huli nasa Pangulo yan, absolute discretion niya yan, nakadepende sa wisdom ng ating Pangulo (Ultimately, it's up to the President; it's entirely at his discretion, depending on the wisdom of our President)," he added.

But Garcia pointed out that in terms of serving the Comelec, a lot of insiders have served the poll body for more than 30 to 40 years and it's undeniable that over that long period of time, they've gained a lot of experience, and their loyalty and fairness in the elections have been tested.

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero echoed this statement by Garcia, stating that based on his understanding, Comelec Commissioners should be non-partisan and should not be recommended nor come from the ranks of either the opposition or administration.

"In fact, I would prefer the next commissioner(s) to come from the current officials of Comelec who rose from the ranks (thus, have been non-partisan for quite a while) who are insiders (thus already know the ins and outs of elections) and professional civil servants," he added.