MANILA— The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hoping that President Rodrigo Duterte will immediately fill the soon-to-be-vacant posts, as two poll body Commissioners are set to retire early next month.
This, as Commissioners Christian Robert Lim and Arthur Lim will both retire on February 2.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said that the new poll body officials should be appointed since two important electoral exercises were fast approaching – the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) set on May 14, 2018 and the May 2019 midterm polls.
“We’re coming up to the BSKE and preparations for the 2019 polls. With only four sitting commissioners, the quorum will be an ever-present concern,” Jimenez said.
On the other hand, the poll body official said that four remaining Commissioners, Sheriff Abas, Al Parreno, Luie Guia, and Rowena Guanzon would decide on who they would designate as acting Chairman.
“The remaining commissioners will vote amongst themselves who will assume the position of acting Chair,” Jimenez explained.
But, he is not discounting the possibility that the Commission en banc may designate Abas to head the poll body.
“It is possible for (Commissioner) Abas to be voted as acting Chair,” Jimenez added.
Last November, President Rodrigo Duterte nominated Abas as poll chief to replace the resigned Andres Bautista.
However, he has to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments before he can assume the post.