Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Atty. George Garcia clarified on Monday, October 6, that under the Philippine Constitution, a snap election is not automatically allowed unless both the President and Vice President — or other key officials — resign or pass away while in office.

“Sa kasalukuyan sa ating saligang batas, maliban na lamang kapag ang presidente at bise presidente, senators ay nag-resign o mamatay magkakaroon ng succession. ,” Garcia explains in DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan.

He added that if all elected officials were to voluntarily resign, then a new election could be called. However, as long as at least one remains in position, the constitutional line of succession will continue to apply.

“Kung lahat ay mag-voluntary resignation posible ang election pero hangga't mayroong mananatili ay susundin ang succession batay sa ating kasalukuyang batas,” he said.

Garcia’s statement comes amid Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s call to have snap elections amid the issues raised in the Senate recently.

The COMELEC chief emphasized that any move toward a snap election must strictly adhere to constitutional provisions and legal processes.