The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said the appointment of the three Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials should be open and transparent.
In a statement on Monday, Feb. 21, the poll watchdog group said an open process will help reinforce public trust to the Comelec as an institution.
Namfrel said a transparent appointment process, with focus on qualifications and suitability for the job, will also help dispel concerns that the Comelec as a constitutional body will be composed of individuals that only come from the President's hometown, or who are inside the President's inner circle.
The group then urged President Duterte to make public its shortlisted candidates, and to "invite ordinary citizens to present comments, inputs, and personal information on the candidates, before the Office of the President makes the final decision on the appointments, to ensure transparency in the process and to help identify the most qualified and competent appointees."
"As the steward of the Philippine election process, the Comelec should be strengthened, and should invite the trust and respect of the Filipino people," said Namfrel.
"Namfrel believes that by ensuring that the appointment process will be open and transparent, the President will leave a lasting legacy of a strong, independent, and credible Commission on Elections," it added.
Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho retired on Feb. 2.