2 Comelec commissioners set to retire Sunday

Two Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioners are set to retire on Sunday, 2 February, just a few months before the midterm elections.

In an ambush interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the Palace has yet to appoint who will replace retiring Commissioners Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo. But Garcia said he hopes the new commissioners would be from its main office or from the Comelec field offices.

"Tayo po ay nakikiusap, pero hindi naman nating iniimpluwensyahan ang desisyon ng ating pangulo... Sana po ay pagkatapos na pagkatapos ng retirement nila, sana po ay makapagtalaga na agad ng mga kapalit ng dalawang commissioners namin (We're appealing to the President, but we're not influencing his decision... We hope upon their retirement, he can appoint their replacement)," Garcia said, noting that a full en banc needs to make decisions.

"Mas maganda siguro mga tagaloob na sa Comelec ang ating kuhain dahil alam na yung problema, yung ginagawa natin. Hindi na mahirap kausapin ang isa't isa ("It would be better if the new appointees are insiders from Comelec because they already understand the issues and our processes. It would make communication and coordination easier)," he added.

Garcia also said it would be better if two of Comelec's new commissioners would consist of a woman and a career official. "Sana isang babae man lang at isang lalaki para naman po balanse (We hope one woman and one man could get appointed, so it's balanced)," he added.

Upon Inting's retirement, only Aimee Ferolino will be the only woman among the Comelec's top officials. Garcia also disclosed that the Malacanang has already interviewed some candidate replacements.