Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye, however, declined to name those in the list. He said the search committee headed by Bernardino Abes is still undertaking the vetting process of the nominees.
"Definitely there are some names being considered but we’d rather not mention the names lest we disappoint those not chosen," Bunye said.
"But definitely there is a list being considered. They’re being carefully selected based on qualifications, integrity, and fairness in implementation of election laws," he said.
Even as he refused to identify the nominees, Bunye said Malacañang will make the necessary announcements once President Arroyo issues the appointments.
"Let’s just wait for the decision (of the President). We will come up with (an) announcement as soon as the appointment papers come up," Bunye said.
Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo told The STAR earlier that among those considered was Baltazar Endriga, president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
On reports that Bunye himself is among those groomed to the two Comelec vacancies, Romulo admitted the presidential spokesman and former Muntinlupa City mayor would make a good Comelec commissioner.
"He (Bunye) is, in fact, I told him would be a good nominee," Romulo said.
Bunye was also a lawyer and a former congressman before he joined the Arroyo Cabinet. He literally laughed off his being recommended as Comelec commissioner.
Bunye refused the nomination pointing out his present health condition could not possibly cope up with the work load in the Comelec with just a few months away before the May 10 elections.
Bunye gave reassurances that Mrs. Arroyo has intentions to fill up the two Comelec vacancies.
"The basic considerations of our President in this matter is first of all, qualifications, integrity and the capability to implement the election laws. So those are the basic criteria that the President will consider here in the appointment of the two new commissioners in the Comelec," Bunye said. — Marichu Villanueva