WITH the May 9 polls just over two months away, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) yesterday called on President Duterte to have the urgency to fill up the vacancies at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) through an open and transparent selection process.
In a statement, the Namfrel said it is necessary for Duterte to immediately appoint three new Comelec officials, including the chairman, to help ensure the seamless administration of the national and local polls.
“The 2022 national and local elections are less than 3 months away, and will be conducted under extreme safety and health challenges,” said Namfrel.
“We join the urgent plea of different stakeholders for the appointment of competent and honest men and women in the three vacant positions — that of the Chairperson and two Commissioners — at the Comelec,” it added.
But despite the need for speed, the poll watchdog said it must not come at the expense of openness and transparency.
“Namfrel enjoins President Duterte to make public its shortlisted candidates, and to invite ordinary citizens to present comments, inputs, and personal information on the candidates, before the Office of the President makes the final decision on the appointments, to ensure transparency in the process and to help identify the most qualified and competent appointees,” it said.
“A transparent appointment process, with focus on qualifications and suitability for the job, will help dispel concerns that the Comelec, as a constitutional body, will be composed of individuals that only come from the President’s hometown, or who are inside the President’s inner circle,” added Namfrel.
Last February 2, Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas, and Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho retired after completing their seven-year terms.
Left to man the Comelec are acting Chairperson Socorro Inting, and Commissioners Marlon Casquejo, Aimee Ferolino, and Rey Bulay, all of whom are appointees of Duterte.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the Comelec shall be composed of a chairman and six commissioners, who shall be natural-born citizens of the Philippines and, at the time of their appointment, at least 35 years of age, holders of a college degree, and must not have been candidates for any elective positions in the immediately preceding elections.
