The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Monday the appointment of its law department chief as the new commissioner.

Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal, who has served as director of Comelec’s law department since 2016, brings 27 years of experience to the role. She expressed surprise upon learning about her ad interim appointment.

"I thank President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for heeding the call of Chairman [George Garcia] to appoint a Comelec insider," Casingal said.

Earlier, Garcia that it's much better if new commissioners would come from the Comelec already because they already know the problems.

Casingal also thanked Garcia and assured that she will support him and all his projects.

She will replace outgoing commissioner Socorro B. Inting and will serve alongside Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Ernesto Maceda Jr. in the Comelec First Division.

Inting and fellow commissioner Marlon Casquejo retired on 2 February.