August 8, 2024 – Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia strongly denied the accusations against him, which he described as a smear campaign and demolition job designed to force him to step down from his position. He pointed out that these accusations seem to stem from a single source, and are being fueled by Smartmatic, due to connections with individuals and companies linked to the former company that provided the machinery used in the recent Philippine elections.

COMELEC staff, along with Chairman Garcia, presented evidence including details from deposit slips, addresses, companies, and individuals involved in transactions, all of which are related to Smartmatic. This was done to demonstrate how attempts were made to undermine Chairman Garcia’s credibility.

Chairman Garcia stated that he will not step down from his position, noting that if everyone in office—from the president to barangay officials—were to resign over issues, then no one would be left in service, even if the allegations are untrue.

In the press conference presentation, it was shown that Chairman Garcia had written to two banks with which he is being linked. The banks responded, indicating that they have no customers under Chairman Garcia’s name.

The issues being spread by those linking to the Comelec chairman are due to the fact that a different company won the bid for the machinery to be used in the 2025 elections. Another reason is the numerous issues associated with Smartmatic, particularly involving money laundering linked to former Comelec Chief Andres Bautista. The machinery to be used in the 2025 elections is Miru Systems and has been approved by Comelec.