Ampoloquio appointed ad interim Comelec Commissioner

Ampoloquio took her oath of office for a term expiring on Feb. 2, 2027, replacing Al Parreño last December 23, the poll body said. (File photo courtesy of Comelec via PNA)

MANILA – Lawyer Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio has been appointed ad interim commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Ampoloquio took her oath of office for a term expiring on Feb. 2, 2027, replacing Al Parreño last December 23, the poll body said.

She will outline a few of her priority projects as commissioner once she formally assumes office.

“I am as excited to join the ranks of the esteemed members of the Commission En Banc as I am to work on projects focused on fine-tuning internal management, and on maximizing and improving the resources of Comelec, particularly our human resources and materials,” Ampoloquio said in a statement.

The former provincial election supervisor (PES) of Davao del Norte has extensive experience in lobbying for the construction of several Comelec buildings while serving in the field.

“The construction of the field office in Davao de Oro has been completed and is just awaiting turnover. In Davao del Norte, the construction of three office buildings will commence next year. Both the Island Garden City of Samal and Tagum City will finally have their own Office of the Election Officer buildings, while the building of the PES is likewise already slated for construction,” she said.

Ampoloquio said among the many benefits of having their office buildings, especially the field offices, was having the capacity to conduct a more efficient voter registration process.

“I am proud of how the Comelec has swiftly and successfully dealt with the unfortunate conditions brought about by the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, among which is the strict implementation of new health and safety protocols,” she said. “For the benefit of the public whom we serve, I hope to help improve their experience of that crucial first step in exercising their right of suffrage, by providing more suitable and pleasant premises.”

An ad interim appointment is one made while Congress is in recess and takes effect immediately.

As an ad interim appointee, Ampoloquio has the authority to immediately enter upon the discharge of her office and will do so come January 2021.

Her appointment, however, still requires the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments, as mandated by the Constitution.

A month earlier, Ampoloquio was nominated while Congress was still in session.

The 18th Congress adjourned its second regular session on December 19.