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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte urged: Fill Comelec's vacancies ahead of May 2022 polls

Duterte urged: Fill Comelec's vacancies ahead of May 2022 polls

Published Feb 25, 2022 09:48 am

House Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez on Friday called on President Dutete to immediately fill the still empty seats of the seven-member Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In a statement, Rodriguez said the May 9 elections are "fast approaching" and the poll body now needs all the help it can get, particularly the appointment of additional members "to ensure the holding of honest, peaceful and orderly balloting."

Rodriguez, who is representing Cagayan de Oro's 2nd District, asserted that Comelec membership "is definitely more desirable and helpful than having just four commissioners."

"Also it is the practice that a Commissioner handles at least 2 of the 16 regions of the country, and it will be difficult for only 4 commissioners to handle the preparations and the elections in these 16 regions," he added.

For Rodriguez, the new Comelec commissioners must have a sufficient background in law and information technology.

Amid actions recently done by the poll body that earned public criticism, including the delayed release of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s disqualification petition decision and the "Oplan Baklas" policy, Rodriguez called for an "unblemished integrity and record of public or private sector service" of the upcoming appointees.

The lawmaker also urged the Comelec to ensure candidates' compliance with health protocols and rules on campaigning as he noted that several violators remain unsanctioned.

"Let us not give the Comelec an excuse for whatever inefficiencies, omissions or failures it might have in relation to the May 9 balloting," Rodriguez said.

Currently, the poll body has three vacancies following the retirement of former chairman Sheriff Abas and former commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho Jr.

Related Tags

May 2022 elections Rufus Rodriguez commissioners appointees Comelec DUTERTE
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