Duterte wants a Comelec of ‘yes people’ – poll watchdog

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte wants a Commission on Elections (Comelec) composed of “yes people,” as reflected in his choice of the newest commissioner of the poll body, election watchdog Kontra Daya said yesterday.

Speaking as convenor of the group known for exposing various forms of election fraud, professor Danilo Arao questioned the qualifications of Manila Chief Prosecutor Rey Bulay as Duterte’s appointee to the Comelec.

“That he (Bulay) is a fellow Bedan is clear; but his track record in election lawyering and advocacy is not,” Arao told reporters.

Bulay is a graduate of San Beda College of Law, like Duterte, and once became the president of the Councilors League of the Philippines during his multiple stints as Muntinlupa City councilor from 1988 to 1998 and from 2007 to 2010.

However, Arao said Bulay’s track record in politics does not qualify him for the Comelec post and reflects how Duterte is putting “yes people” in the poll body ahead of the May 9, 2022 elections.

“In the past, Duterte appointed Rey Bulay as PCGG (Presidential Commission on Good Governance) commissioner and as Manila’s chief prosecutor,” said Arao.

“Being a Muntinlupa councilor does not make him qualified to be part of Comelec. Duterte apparently wants a Comelec composed of people who would submit to him based on last and current choices of commissioners,” he added.

The President signed Bulay’s nomination last Wednesday, replacing former commissioner Luie Tito Guia for a term expiring on Feb. 2, 2027.

Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas welcomed Bulay’s nomination as a timely addition to the Comelec as preparations for the national and local elections next year shift to high gear.

“His (Bulay’s) vast experience in law enforcement and the pursuit of good governance will greatly contribute to the Commission’s thrust in the advancement of honest, orderly, peaceful, credible and safe elections,” Abas said Thursday night.

Yesterday, the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) also welcomed the nomination of Bulay to complete the Commission en banc.?“We wish him all the best as we prepare and approach the 2022 election,” said Namfrel secretary general Eric Jude Avila, adding that he hopes Bulay would exceed the standards of independence and probity required of him in the office.

Substitution

A relative of President Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avanceña filed an application for substitution as the third nominee of the Malasakit Movement yesterday, but was not accepted by the law department of the Comelec due to incomplete documentary requirements.

Malasakit Movement third nominee former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson Celine Pialago represented Eusebio Avanceña, relative of Honeylet, before the Comelec to substitute nominee Elizabeth Rodriguez.

“Mr. Eusebio Avanceña is our acting chairman, so the board felt the need for his presence in our party-list,” Pialago said in a brief explanation for the substitution.

The Malasakit Movement is pushing standard benefits of barangay workers and frontliners, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), persons with disabilities, senior citizens and farmers, among others.

No big names filed for withdrawal or substitution yesterday, with the deadline set by the Comelec on Nov. 15 drawing near. Today, the poll body will accept applications for withdrawal and substitution from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Comelec has received at least seven withdrawal and substitution applications of party-list nominees since Wednesday. The seven party-lists are the Ang Pamilya Muna, ACP, 4Ps, Solid Change, Marino, Alliance Transport and Malasakit Movement.

The 4Ps party-list second nominee John Abalos withdrew his nomination, but it was not yet disclosed who will substitute for him. Abalos is the son of former Comelec chairman Benjamin Abalos.

Media practitioner and advocate for persons with special needs Paolo Capino also announced yesterday that he was withdrawing his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator because his “chances of winning are slim to none” based on latest survey results.

Capino filed his COC for senator under the Partido Reporma of Senators Ping Lacson and Tito Sotto who filed their COCs last month for president and vice president, respectively. He did not disclose if there will be a substitute for him. – Robertzon Ramirez