Brillantes hopes to have say in choice of Comelec execs

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes hopes to have a say on President Aquino’s two other appointments to the Comelec.

Although Aquino would make the final decision, Brillantes would like to be given the chance to make recommendations.

In their last meeting, Brillantes said Aquino told him that he might consult him before naming the replacements for outgoing Commissioners Nicodemo Ferrer and Gregorio Larrazabal.

Brillantes told the President that since he would be working with these commissioners, it would be better if they shared the same views on election matters.

However, Brillantes said his desire to see the shortlist does not mean that he would be interfering in the appointment process.

“I’ll just comment if I’m asked. That’s all I can do if I am consulted,” he said. 

Earlier, the Transparency and Accountability Network, the National Movement for Free Elections and other civil society have pushed for the appointment of Ma. Caridad Manarang, Baltazar Endriga, and Dr. Edna Estifania Co for the commissioners’ posts.

The Alliance of Comelec Employees in Service (ACES), on the other hand, recommended their Personnel Department director Adolfo Ibañez, Law Department director Ferdinand Rafanan, and Bicol Regional Election director Zacarias Zaragoza for the soon-to-be-vacated posts.

Larrazabal and Ferrer are both set to retire on Wednesday.