MANILA, Philippines - In preparation for next year’s elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials in various regions are likely to be reshuffled.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the poll body plans to reshuffle regional election directors (REDs), provincial election supervisors (PES), and city/municipal election officers (EOs).
There are about 16 REDs, 80 PES, and over 1,500 EOs nationwide.
“It’s part of the Comelec’s standard preparations to evaluate and if there is a need to undertake a reshuffle,” Jimenez disclosed.
According to Jimenez, the Comelec plan to reshuffle officials is intended to avoid any personal associations between the agency’s field officials and potential candidates.
“We usually do that to avoid situations if the local Comelec officials are already very cozy with local personalities,” Jimenez explained.
Jimenez said the Comelec might order a reshuffle as early as December if the commission deems it necessary.
“Usually, it comes at the end of the pre-election year, probably this December,” he said.
The extent of the reshuffle, Jimenez said, depends on the assessment of the commission.
“It really depends on the need and there were times when the reshuffle included REDs. But definitely, this will be at the EO level,” Jimenez noted.
Philippine National Police security preparations
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will implement best practices from previous events in securing the presidential elections next year.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez said the best practices in security templates in previous events like the papal visit in January and the series of meetings for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation have been proven effective in ensuring the safety of the people.
The security plan include the number of policemen to be deployed, the areas of deployment, and coordination with all concerned government agencies in the events as well as coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
During the election period, the PNP is one of the government agencies deputized by the Comelec to secure the polls.
Marquez also assured the public that the entire police organization would remain apolitical during the polls.
“I want to assure our countrymen that their national police force remains non-partisan as it focuses only on serving and protecting the community at all times,” Marquez said.
With nine months before the May 2016 elections, Marquez said the PNP is now working on security measures.
“We are back on our toes as we affirm our commitment to protect our democratic institutions and ensure that our countrymen are able to exercise their right to vote without fear of violence and harassment from lawless elements,” Marquez added. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe