Methodist endorsed as Comelec commissioner

MANILA, Philippines - A Protestant bishop reportedly asked President Aquino to consider a Methodist now working at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to fill one of the vacant positions of poll commissioner.

College of Bishops of the United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference president Rodolfo Juan reportedly endorsed lawyer Alexander Pilotin, currently the Regional Election Attorney of Comelec Region II and concurrent Election Officer for Santiago City, Isabela province.

Juan mentioned Pilotin’s faith in God, commitment and integrity as some of his qualifications.

In a letter dated Feb. 19, Juan said, “Atty. Pilotin is an active member of the United Methodist Church, both in Rizal and Nueva Vizcaya. Despite his busy schedule in government service, he makes it a point to attend worship service regularly. His pastors can vouch for his Christian life and dedication and competence in whatever work is assigned to him. Personally, I assure you, Mr. President, not only of his deep faith in God but also of his integrity and commitment as he serves the citizenry towards the ‘right path’.”

Pilotin was also nominated by the Comelec Employees Union (Comelec-EU) for one of the posts vacated by former commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Armando Velasco, who both retired last Feb. 2.

“Aside from his vast experience in supervising the elections in the field and his expertise on election laws, he will be bringing in to the commission the issues and concerns of the thousands of Comelec rank and file employees,” Mac Ramirez, national president of Comelec-EU, said.

Prior to his assignment in Isabela, Pilotin worked at the Comelec Provincial Election Supervisor in the province of Ifugao, Cordillera Administrative Region from year 1999 to 2004.