The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday, March 8, welcomed the appointment of their new chairman, as well as their two commissioners.
Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said with their appointments the poll body will now have a full slate of commissioners.
"The Comelec is very happy about the news that we have new commissioners and we are going to be facing the 2022 elections with a full slate of commissioners," he said in a virtual press briefing.
Malacanang on Tuesday confirmed the appointments of Saidamen Pangarungan as Comelec chairman, Aimee Neri and George Garcia as commissioners.
Jimenez said both Pangarungan and Neri are seasoned veterans in government service while Garcia is a seasoned poll lawyer.
"So, they bring a lot of expertise to the table," he said.
"They bring their expertise and knowledge on election and election management, and we feel that they are great additions to the Commission En banc and we are looking forward to working with them," added Jimenez.
As to those criticizing their appointments, he appealed to them to give the commissioners the chance to prove themselves.
"We have to give each individual commissioner the opportunity to prove themselves impartial and neutral in the exercise of their duty," he said.
Jimenez also expressed confidence that the said officials will be able to act impartially and fairly in all matters before them.
"If it happens that there's a possible conflict of interest then certainly they will deal with that appropriately, I think," he said.