Although left with only four commissioners with months to go before the May 2022 polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) assured that it is not crippled.

"What I can say is that the Comelec is not crippled. It makes it a little difficult but it is not crippled," Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said in a virtual press briefing Thursday, Feb. 3.

"Remember that when running the elections, you're talking about setting in motion the preparations that were put in place while there were still six of them. Now, we are at the stage where we are implementing these processes. A lot have gone from level of policy to level of operations, which is where we are now. That's what we are doing now," he added.

Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho retired on Feb. 2.

This left the en banc with only four members namely; Commissioners Socorro Inting, Aimee Ferolino, Marlon Casquejo and Rey Bulay.

"In terms of supervision of elections, then yes, there are challenges, makes it difficult for the commission. They have to have a quorum at all times. Because if a matter is elevated to them, they're going to have a quorum to get things done. That's the challenge. But in terms of getting things going, there is no problem," said Jimenez.

Still, he said, this does not detract from the urgency of having new appointments.

Jimenez said they believe that the Executive is aware of the timelines they are dealing with, and the demands on the new appointees.

Inting assumed as acting chairman of the poll body Thursday.