New opposition-backed poll commissioner pushed
MANILA, Philippines — Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal urged President Marcos on Sunday to appoint a Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner recommended by the opposition, citing concerns over the poll body’s independence following recent Supreme Court orders.
“There appears to be an urgent need for President Marcos to appoint a commissioner of the Commission on Elections recommended by the opposition parties to restore, if not maintain, the confidence of the people in the poll body,” Macalintal said in a statement on Sunday.
This call follows the Supreme Court’s issuance of temporary restraining orders against Comelec’s rulings in 12 disqualification cases, raising concerns about how the poll body handles electoral disputes.
READ: SC issues more TROs vs Comelec DQ rulings
According to Macalintal, former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban also criticized Comelec, saying he could not recall any past commission committing “as many gravely abusive acts again and again and again on practically the same ground—the failure to observe the basic constitutional rights to due process and equal protection of the laws.”
Macalintal also stressed that appointing an opposition-backed commissioner could help ensure impartiality and prevent further erosion of public trust in the electoral system.
“It is important that our people be fully informed of the reasons why and how such alleged abusive acts are committed by the Comelec in rendering their decisions on such very important and sensitive matters involving the right to vote and be voted for,” the election lawyer said.
“And this could only be done and ensured with a Comelec commissioner recommended by the opposition who could be their voice,” he added.
Macalintal also pointed out that, in 1984, the deceased former President Ferdinand Marcos appointed an opposition-endorsed Comelec commissioner, a move that his son could follow to promote fairness and transparency.
While Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia has suggested appointing commissioners within the agency, Macalintal argued that external election lawyers should also be considered.
“We have also a lot of young and competent practicing election lawyers who are as knowledgeable and experienced in the field of election law practice who could decide cases with full integrity and honesty,” he concluded.
