PRESIDENT Duterte has appointed lawyer Michael Braganza Peloton as the newest commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), leaving just one more vacant seat in the seven-man Commission en Banc.
In a copy of the appointment paper issued by Malacañang and released by the poll body yesterday, Peloton will serve his post until February 2, 2027.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 16, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution and existing laws, you are hereby nominated Commissioner, Commission on Elections, for a term expiring on 02 February 2027, vice Luie Tito F. Guia,” said Duterte.
The President said Peloton can immediately assume his post as soon as he is given the go signal by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA).
“By virtue hereof, and upon consent by the Commission on Appointments, you may qualify and enter upon the performance of the duties of the office, furnishing this Office and the Civil Service Commission with copies of your oath of office,” said Duterte. Commissioners Guia and Al Parreño retired in February 2 this year.
Their retirement left chairman Sheriff Abas, and commissioners Rowena Guanzon, Socorro Inting, Marlon Casquejo, and Antonio Kho Jr. at the Comelec’s helm.
In a separate statement, Abas said Peloton’s appointment is a “timely addition” to the Comelec as it comes ahead of the preparations for the May 2022 national and local elections.
This, he said, is especially advantageous to the poll body given Peloton’s expertise in the fields of law and information technology (IT).
Peloton, who hails from Buhangin in Davao City, was a former board member of the Philippine Reclamation Authority. In March 2019, he was named by the Insurance Commission as overseer of FLT Prime Insurance Corporation.
“Commissioner Peloton is a timely addition to the Commission En Banc as his vast experience in the field of law and information technology will highly contribute in our thrust to further improve and revolutionize our electoral processes,” said the poll chief.
