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Namfrel welcomes appointment of Garcia as poll chief

Philippines | National

Namfrel welcomes appointment of Garcia as poll chief

By Leslie Ann Aquino

The National Citizens Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) welcomed the appointment of George Garcia as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Photo Namfrel FB

In an interview, Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia said they welcome the appointment of Garcia as this allows "continuity and resumes the work he started when he was first appointed as commissioner."

"It will be a boost to electoral reform to be done," he said.

The Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente) also welcomed the appointment.

"We welcome the appointment, given Chair Garcia's experience and expertise. We look forward to his leadership and continuation of programs he started when he was still commissioner the last time," Lente Executive Director Ona Caritos.

Kontra Daya, however, believes that Comelec is better off with someone whose independence from the powers that be are beyond doubt.

"Is there no one else? His being a lawyer of the incumbent President is a clear conflict of interest, especially when disqualification cases have been filed against Bongbong Marcos which are not yet decided with finality by the Supreme Court. While he is likely to inhibit hinself from any Comelec-related issues involving his former clients (including BBM)," Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao said.

"Given the documented cases of fraud and other irregularities, Comelec has trust and crediility issues and having him as chair does not help erase that image," he added.

MalacaÃ±ang announced the appointment of Garcia, Monday, August 1.

Related Tags

George Garcia Comelec Namfrel Lente national citizens movement for free elections Commission on Elections (Comelec) kontra daya

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