Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rey Bulay has recommended that Directors James Jimenez and Frances Arabe be temporarily relieved from any functions involving media relations and exposure after the Pilipinas 2022 Debates fiasco.
Bulay, who heads the task force investigating the issue, made the recommendation to Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan.
To continue the duties of Directors Jimenez and Arabe in the Education and Information Department (EID), it was also recommended that temporary replacements be designated.
"Albeit, to prevent disruption in the essential election operations, the elections being a few days away, Directors Jimenez and Arabe were recommended to continue other functions under the supervision of their committee heads," Bulay said in a statement.
The poll official submitted the names of the members of the task force and his recommendation to the Chairman on April 27, for the latter's consideration.
"Yesterday, April 28, 2022, after a discussion on their preliminary findings, the Task Force found reasonable cause to commence a formal fact-finding and administrative disciplinary investigation, and to include the Director of the Personnel Department in the Task Force, considering that Comelec personnel are involved, and to ensure the observance of due process, and a thorough, proper, fair and impartial probe," read the statement.
Commissioner Bulay submitted this recommendation of the task force to the Chairman Friday, April 29, also for the latter's consideration.
"As much as possible, while the investigation is ongoing, Commissioner Bulay cannot release information on the issue to avoid a trial by publicity; to preserve the dignity of the procedures; and considering that government officials enjoy the presumption of regularity in the performance of official duties," the statement read.
The Comelec earlier reset the Pilipinas Debates 2022 to April 30 and May 1 after its private partner, Impact Hub Manila, encountered financial issues with the venue of the debates, the Sofitel Hotel, in Pasay City.
Later, the Comelec decided to adopt a single candidate/team - panel interview format with their new partner the Kapisanan ng Brodkaster ng Pilipinas. This Comelec-KBP Pilipinas Forum 2022 will be held from May 2 to 6.
Meanwhile, Arabe said she will abide and comply with the directive of Commissioner Bulay when it comes.
"I am prepared to turn over my duties to the person he will choose," she said in a statement.
Arabe said she also duly submitted her explanation on the matter on April 25 in response to his directive.
"As far as I can determine, all my actions have been aboveboard concerning the staging of presidential debates. I respect the process and have faith in the fairness of the Commission En Banc," she said.