Acting Comelec chief says poll body not partial to LP

MANILA - The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday brushed aside criticisms that the poll body will be filled with all appointees of President Aquino come the 2016 elections.

Acting Comelec Chairman Christian Robert Lim insisted there is no reason to distrust the commission for it has proved capable in the past of ensuring credible elections.

Contrary to criticism, Lim said the Comelec’s track record showed an impartiality including towards the administration’s Liberal Party (LP) candidates.

“Just look at the track record. Did they see the Comelec decisions favoring LP candidates? Those criticisms are baseless,” he said.

Lim urged President Aquino to appoint the new members of the Comelec considering the elections in May 2016 are less than a year away.

According to Lim, the seven-man commission should be complete at the soonest possible time, as they will soon go full blast in preparations for the coming elections.

“We want this soon. We want them (new members) to be a part of the decision-making related to next elections,” Lim said.

While the four remaining members of the commission are capable of running the agency, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body would still prefer to have its full working complement.

“We are still doing the job, and the decisions are as binding as ever, but the sooner we can fill the positions, the better for everyone, “ Jimenez said.

Former chairman Sixto Brillantes, and commissioners Lucenito Tagle and Elias Yusoph retired from their posts last February, leaving three vacancies in the Comelec.

Among the names reportedly being considered to replace the retired officials are Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board chairman Winston Ginez, retired Supreme Court associate justice Adolf Azcuna, and former Cadiz City mayor Rowena Guanzon.

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