Former Kabataan party-list representative Sarah Elago is set to rejoin the House of Representatives, this time under Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP).
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia confirmed on Sunday, September 14, that Elago will occupy the 64th seat allotted to party-list groups in the 20th Congress. “Comelec shall proclaim former congresswoman Elago, who is the number one nominee of Gabriela party-list,” Garcia said in Filipino, as reported by Philippine Daily Inquirer and ABS-CBN News.
Garcia added that the poll body has yet to formally notify Gabriela about the decision but decided to announce it early “to remove any doubt,” noting that the group had repeatedly followed up on their proclamation.
The proclamation ceremony for Elago is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17.
Gabriela Women’s Party, known for championing the rights of marginalized women, children, and LGBTQIA+ sectors, welcomed the Comelec ruling. The group highlighted their legislative victories, such as the Expanded Maternity Leave Law and the Occupational Safety and Health Law. “This decision is a testament to the persistent struggle of Filipino women to have their voices heard, and their rights championed in the halls of power,” said Gabriela secretary-general Clarice Palce.
Meanwhile, Garcia also revealed that Comelec is working to significantly expand overseas voter participation, targeting at least three million registered Filipinos abroad for the 2028 presidential elections. The overseas registration period will run from December 1, 2025, until September 30, 2027.
Garcia stressed the importance of the effort, noting that the 2028 polls will include the election of the president, vice president, and other key positions.
