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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

Bulay's appointment as Comelec commissioner draws mixed reaction

Philippines

Bulay's appointment as Comelec commissioner draws mixed reaction

By Analou de Vera

Kontra Daya

The appointment of lawyer Rey Bulay as commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has drawn mixed reaction from poll watchdogs.

Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao questioned the decision of President Duterte to appoint Bulay.

“In the past, Duterte appointed Rey Bulay as PCGG (Presidential Commission on Good Government) Commissioner and as Manila's chief prosecutor. That he is a fellow Bedan is clear but his track record in election lawyering and advocacy is not,” said Arao.

“Being a Muntinlupa councilor also does not make him qualified to be part of Comelec. Duterte apparently wants a Comelec composed of ‘yes people,’ based on past and current choices of commissioners,” he added.

Meanwhile, the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) welcomed the appointment of the new commissioner.

“We welcome the nomination of the seventh member of the Commission as the workload of Comelec leading up to May 2022 is mounting,” said Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia.

“The addition of one more Commissioner will enable the body to act expeditiously on the cases and issues brought before it,” he added.

On Thursday night, the Comelec confirmed the appointment of Bulay as the poll body’s new commissioner.

Comelec chairperson Sheriff Abas said that Bulay is a “timely addition to the Comelec en banc especially now that we are in the midst of our preparations for the 2022 National and Local Elections.”

“His vast experience in law enforcement and the pursuit of good governance will greatly contribute to the Commission’s thrust in the advancement of honest, orderly, peaceful, credible, and safe elections,” he added.

Related Tags

rey bulay Commission on Elections (Comelec)

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