Senators question Comelec process on nominee selection

Two senators want a closer look at the selection process for the positio of chairman of the Commission on Elections.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan today called for transparency in the selection of the new Comelec Chairman in order to bring credibility back to the beleaguered institution.

"Let us open up the process and allow the public individually or through their organizations to participate in the selection of the new COMELEC Chair by nominating possible appointees," Kiko said.

Senator Loren Legarda said yesterday that those being considered for appointment to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny to ensure the Comelec's integrity and independence.

Loren stressed that "the power of moral suasion which the public can exert" cannot be underestimated, especially in opposing candidates who may not have the ascendancy to become members of the Comelec.

"Nothing short of amending the Constitution can change the way members of the Constitutional Commissions, like the Comelec, are appointed," said Loren.

According to reports, Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento revealed that former DILG Secretary Joey Lina, election lawyer Romeo Macalintal and Dean Amado Valdez are among the candidates for the position vacated by Benjamin Abalos.

The President is expected to appoint a new Comelec Chairman and three Commissioners before February 8, 2008 when Commissioners Resureccion Borra and Florentino Tuazon are set to retire.