The Commission on Elections (Comelec) paid tribute to outgoing Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, Commissioner Antonio Kho and Commissioner Rowena Guanzon in a ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 2.
The three Comelec executives officially retired on Wednesday as the poll body will be left by Commissioners Socorro Inting, Aimee Ferolino, Marlon Casquejo, and Rey Bulay.
In a message, Inting borrowed a quote from the late American actress and comedienne Betty White who said: "Retirement is not in my vocabulary. They aren't going to get rid of me that way." She stated that the Comelec en banc will not be the same again with the retirement of the three officials and thanked the officials individually.
"I would like to emphasize that perhaps the best way to honor Chairman Abas, Commissioner Guanzon, and Commissioner Kho is for us to work hand-in-hand in making the 2022 National and Local Elections a success," she said.
"After all, the various policies and projects which the three of them promoted and spearheaded laid the foundation for the direction we are going to take on May 9," she added.
Bulay on the other hand, handed the book of decisions to Abas which is a symbol of the commission's wisdom, legal acumen, confidence, integrity, probity, and independence.
"I express my deep admiration, appreciation and gratitude to our honorees. They have served this institution and their country with excellence. Our honorees are retired but not tired and I am certain that this is not the last that we will see of them in the service.," Bulay said.
Meanwhile, Casquejo thanked Kho and Guanzon for the many years that they have spent together as commissioners of the poll body. He then thanked Abas whom he called "lodi" and said that they have been fortunate to be led by him.
"As I look back now, every single day that we have worked together is nothing short of a celebration and an adventure. I will eternally grateful for the privilege of calling you my colleagues," he said.
Ferolino, who has recently been controversial being the ponente of the decision of the consolidated disqualification cases filed against presidential Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was also present at the event.
There, she stated it has been difficult for her when she started her journey as a commissioner. But with the help of the fellow commissioners, especially Chairman Abas, she said that they all guided her into fulfilling her duty as a commissioner.
"It has equipped me with the knowledge on how to proceed with the coming elections. And I know even if they are retired, they are just a phone call away," she said as she called for the affirmation of the outgoing officials. While Abas raised his thumb and Kho nodded, Guanzon just remained still.
Not even a single applause after her message was given by the retiring Guanzon who pointed out that Ferolino was already "acting in conspiracy" with some people to delay her vote so that the former's will not be counted.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez also expressed his gratitude to the officials on Twitter.
"The last en Banc session of the COMELEC’s retiring Commissioners - Chairman Sheriff Abas, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon and Commissioner Antonio Kho - has just adjourned. Thank you for your service, Chair and Commissioners," he said.
Outgoing Chairman Abas for his part remarked how rare a feat it is to finish a term as Comelec chair considering how young he was when he became commissioner and being the first Muslim Comelec chair.
"Salamat at binigyan niyo ako ng pagkakataon na patunayan aking kakayahang mamuno sa tulad ninyong tunay at mahuhusay (Thank you for giving me the opportunity to prove my capability to lead you people like you who are true and exceptional)," he said.
Guanzon meanwhile stated she retires with a grateful heart to have served the commission and the country with unwavering support. In her seven years of service in the poll body, Guanzon mentioned that there was never a dull moment. She stated that this is not the end of her public service career.
"I retire with a grateful heart because I know you have kept me in your prayers whenever there is a difficult time and whenever the commission is undergoing some crisis," she said
Kho meanwhile, joked that starting on Feb. 3, when he is effectively retired, he will no longer have a salary. But he mentioned that it's hard to say goodbye to a place that gave him so much fulfillment.
"I am incredibly lucky and grateful that I worked with so many people for whom I can learn and trust," he said.
Inting, a former Justice of the Court of Appeals will be Comelec's acting chair until the President appointment and presiding Commissioner of the First Division. Casquejo on the other hand, will preside over the Comelec Second Division.