Comelec reshuffles personnel ahead of polls

MANILA, Philippines - Four months before elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered the movement of its field personnel.

“For the upcoming May 9 elections, a temporary reshuffle of the assignments of all Comelec field officials will be implemented,” Comelec Chair Andres Bautista said.

National Capital Region Director Jubil Surmieda will be assigned to Bicol to replace Romeo Fortes. Central Luzon Director Temie Lambino will replace Surmieda.

Fortes will be sent to the Calabarzon to replace Juanito Icaro, who will be replacing Lambino.

Other new assignments are Regional Election Directors (REDs) Julius Torres (from Cordillera Administrative Region to Ilocos Region); Noli Pipo (Ilocos Region to Cagayan Valley); Ederlino Tablas (Cagayan Valley to CAR); Dennis Ausan (Western Visayas to Eastern Visayas); Rafael Olano (Central Visayas to Western Visayas); Jose Nick Mendros (Eastern Visayas to Central Visayas); Wilfred Jay Balisado (Zamboanga Peninsula to Northern Mindanao); Renato Magbutay (Northern Mindanao to Caraga); Remlane Tambuang (Davao Region to Zamboanga Peninsula); Michael Abas (Socsksargen to Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao); Francsico Pobe (Caraga to Socsksargen); and Ray Sumalipao (ARMM to Davao Region).

Meanwhile,  Director Jerbee Anthony Cortez will be the new RED of Mimaropa.

The reshuffle is intended to remove any possible perception of partiality on the part of the poll body officials, Comelec said.

“This reshuffle is being undertaken to forestall any accusations of partiality or bias on the part of any Comelec official and in line with our primary objective of achieving credible elections,” Bautista said.

He said new assignments are effective from January 9 until June 8, 2016 unless revoked by the commission.

“To enable the REDs to formally turn over all regional concerns, the assumption to their new assignments shall be completed not later than February 9,” he added.