Appointment of new Comelec commissioners ‘critically needed’

Gatchalian’s call came after Comelec senior commissioners Christian Robert Lim and Arthur Lim retired. (Photo: Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook)

MANILA — The speedy appointment of new Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioners is critically needed, a senator said Friday noting that it could not lose time as barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections are set this May.

“It is only through a complete and functioning election body that the rigorous demands of its preparations can be eased,” Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said in a press statement.

Gatchalian’s call came after Comelec senior commissioners Christian Robert Lim and Arthur Lim retired.

President Rodrigo Duterte needs to appoint three new Commissioners to complete the seven-man election body. He said the appointment of new Comelec executives would ensure undisrupted preparations for the upcoming elections.

Expertise in software tech

Gatchalian urged President Rodrigo Duterte to consider aspirants having an expertise in managing systems or software technologies.

At present, Gatchalian said the current automation process is being “clouded with questions of integrity and accuracy” which should be prevented in the succeeding polls.

“They should all maintain a good working environment and act in healthy accord with their fellow commissioners to ensure all reform initiatives take a singular direction,” Gatchalian said.

At present, the collegial body has four active members, namely: Sheriff Abas, Rowena Guanzon, Luie Tito Guia, and acting chair Al Parreño.

Abas was appointed Comelec Chairman in November to replace Andres Bautista and was re-appointed on January 16 after the Commission on Appointments failed to act on his nomination last year.