Comelec looks forward to having female commissioner

MANILA, Philippines -  Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rene Sarmiento yesterday expressed hope that President Aquino would soon appoint a new female commissioner to fill the last remaining vacancy in the commission.

Sarmiento said the appointment of a female commissioner for the seat vacated by former commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer would be best to promote gender equality.

“It’s good if there is a female commissioner... It would be a good contribution to the commission if it’s a female,” Sarmiento said.

He noted that it has been a long time since a female commissioner was appointed in the commission.

Sarmiento noted that when he attended the 5th Global Electoral Organization (GEO) Conference in Gaborone, Botswana last month, members of election management bodies made a declaration for the promotion of gender equality.

“We, therefore, call greater attention to the importance of promoting gender equality in all economic, political and social contexts and empowering women in the conduct and administration of elections,” Sarmiento quoted the GEO Gaborone Declaration 2011 as saying.

He further expressed belief that a female commissioner would provide the poll body “fresh insights” on how to handle elections such as in terms of networking, connecting and educating.

The commission had at least five female commissioners in the past and Sarmiento said they served well during their respective terms.

Among those being eyed as possible female appointees were Dr. Edna Estifania Co, dean of the University of the Philippines – National College of Public Administration, and Dr. Grace Jamon, president of the Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines.

However, Sarmiento said the poll body is not endorsing any of the female candidates and would just let the President choose the right person for the commission.