De Lima not interested in Comelec post

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. Photo courtesy of De Lima’s Facebook page.

MANILA — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she has no plans of being appointed as chair of the Commission on Elections.

The statement was made following reports that the president and the existing chairman, Commissioner Sixto Brillantes Jr, wanted her to be the next head of the commission.

“It’s just Chairman Brillantes’ wish [that I become the next Comelec chair]. I heard that he often mentions it [but] it’s just his wish,” De Lima told reporters.

De Lima, however said that she is happy with the rumors of nominating her in the post, but insisted that she has never thought of handling the post.

“I am pleased that there are some who are pushing for it but I am not dreaming about it,” she added.

It could be noted that De Lima worked at the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal from 1993 to 1995.