The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has designated Acting Spokesperson John Rex C. Laudiangco as the Acting Director of the Education and Information Department (EID).
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia made the announcement on Thursday, Sept. 15 during a press briefing. According to Garcia, Laudiangco will begin serving as EID director by Sept. 17.
Laudiangco will fill the position vacated by Dir. James Jimenez whose early retirement was approved by the Commission En Banc in August.
Garcia earlier mentioned that Comelec expressed its gratitude and appreciation to Jimenez for his long "exemplary service to the nation" through the commission.
"We wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his life," he said.
He added that they were saddened by the early retirement of Jimenez but stated that the matter was very personal to him and that they understand his reasons for doing so.
He also urged the public to respect his decision for retiring early which for Garcia, is a "welcome development" on the part of Jimenez as an opportunity to improve. He added that they can only wish him good luck and that his department is in good hands and that Comelec will soon delegate someone to fill in the position.
Meanwhile, Garcia stated that they did not include in their considerations in accepting his retirement the Pilipinas 2022 Debates fiasco. It can be recalled that the Pilipinas Debates 2022 was rescheduled to April 30 and May 1 after its private partner, Impact Hub Manila, encountered financial issues with the venue of the debates, 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 was held from May 3 to 6.
During this time, Commissioner Rey Bulay recommended that Jimenez and Director Frances Arabe be temporarily relieved from any functions involving media relations and exposure after the Pilipinas 2022 Debates fiasco. Garcia said that the ongoing investigation does not hinder Jimenez' desire to retire. His retirement will also not halt the investigation, he added.