Brillantes underscores need to fill Comelec posts

MANILA, Philippines -  Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes underscored yesterday the need to immediately fill the posts to be vacated today with the retirement of commissioners Nicodemo Ferrer and Gregorio Larrazabal.

He assured the public, however, that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will not be crippled even if the posts will be vacant for some time.    

Because Congress is in session, the ones appointed by President Aquino to replace Ferrer and Larrazabal will not be able to assume office unless confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.

According to Brillantes, there are “some alternatives” in Comelec rules that they could adopt so as not to disrupt the operations of the poll body.  

“In each (Comelec) division there will be two members after Commissioners Ferrer and Larrazabal retire. We will assign one from one division who will sit in the other division... if there is issue, if it’s (voting) 2-0,” he said.

Brillantes noted they also see no problem because he and four other commissioners would constitute a quorum.  

“We need only four (for a) working majority. There will be cases where I will be inhibiting myself (because) I have participated in those cases before (as an election lawyer). But the four commissioners will be able to manage,” he said. Yesterday, the Comelec had its last meeting with Ferrer and Larrazabal.                                                         

Brillantes said they were able to finish all pending matters. He said he has no intention of recommending anyone to the President but that it is important for him to be able to work with people he would get along with.

He admitted that he has requested to see the list of candidates for new commissioners.