Next Comelec chief a 'man of integrity', says Panelo

MANILA - Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said Wednesday he believes he will not be offered the top post at Commission on Elections since President Rodrigo Duterte already has a candidate in mind.

• READ: 'Tsismis lang yan': Panelo denies eyeing top Comelec post

Although he said he is not at liberty to divulge information on the identity of resigned Comelec Chair Andres Bautista's successor, Panelo said the would-be appointee is described to be a "man of integrity."

Malacañang on Monday told Bautista that the President has accepted his resignation “effective immediately,” contrary to the poll chief’s earlier announcement that he will step down by the end of the year.

Commissioner Christian Lim was named as acting chair of the poll body.