Nothing brings more comfort than seeing real practitioners rise above the ranks and get appointed to the top of their respective fields, Sen. Grace Poe said on Wednesday, December 14.

Poe made the remark during Ernesto Maceda Jr.’s confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA). Maceda is son of the late Senate President Ernesto “Manong Ernie” Maceda.

“It is certainly reassuring that we see an election law practitioner get appointed to the bench of the Commission on Appointments (Comelec),” Poe said.

She said Maceda also has the makings of a great Comelec commissioner—extensive experience in election law, a prolific academic background, and a seasoned leadership perspective from leading various academic institutions.

“Comelec Commissioner Maceda's record speaks for itself. I am sure that his father and namesake, the late Senate President Manong Ernie Maceda as well as his beloved mother Manay Ichu are now celebrating in the high heavens together with their barkada, my father and my mother, as we confirm Ernest’s well-deserved appointment,’’ she said.

“A personal note, I will always be grateful to his mother Manay Ichu, whom I learned a lot from. A selfless, hardworking and principled woman. It's evident those values where instilled in Atty. Ernest,” she added.

“Commissioner Maceda obviously learned from his mom. That's why he also has a good judge of character. I also wants to pay tribute to his wife, Rica who is very generous, kind, loving and really a patriot herself,’’ she said.

She pointed out that coincidentally, today marks the 18th death anniversary of her father, Fernando Poe Jr.

“Thus, it is with great pride and privilege to give my support for the confirmation of Commissioner Maceda,’’ she emphasized.