Muslim commissioner in Comelec pushed

MANILA, Philippines – A coalition of Muslim organizations demanded yesterday that a Muslim be appointed as commissioner of the Commission on Election (Comelec), following what they described as “apparent easing out” of Commissioner Moslemen Macarambon.

Salic Ibrahim, chairman of the Citizens Care for Electoral Reforms in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said it is part of the Tripoli Agreement signed by the Philippine government that a Muslim must be part of policy-decision bodies like the Comelec.

“Whether it’s Commissioner Macarambon or not, there must be a Muslim in the top posts at the Comelec. I think it’s just proper that we are represented there,” he told The STAR.

Macarambon was appointed commissioner in November 2007 but was by-passed several times by the Commission on Appointment. 

The appointments of Macarambon and fellow Commissioners Lucenito Tagle and Leonardo Leonida expired when Congress went on recess last Oct. 10.

While Tagle and Leonida were reappointed last Friday, Macarambon was left out.

Malacañang instead named Armando Velasco as Comelec commissioner.

The Citizens Care is composed of 36 Muslim groups seeking reforms in ARMM elections.

Ibrahim noted that President Arroyo, in choosing an appointee for the poll body, should always consult civil society groups.

He maintained that government posts should not be used as payment for political debts.

He added the coalition plans to write the President to ask her to name a Muslim to the remaining vacant post for Comelec commissioner.

But Comelec chairman Jose Melo said a region should not be the primary factor in choosing someone for a post. “I think the most important is qualification.”

Melo sworn in yesterday Tagle and Leonida, who were first named to the post last June, and Velasco, who became the director of Comelec for the Cordillera Autonomous Region for seven years.

Velasco admitted having “mixed feelings” on his appointment. “I’m surprised and happy. I hope to share my experience from the field. I rose from the ranks,” he said. – Sheila Crisostomo