Pipo takes oath as new Comelec commissioner

Atty. Noli Rafol Pipo has officially taken his oath as the newest commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

His oath was administered by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia at the poll body’s headquarters in Intramuros, Manila.

Pipo succeeds retired Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, bringing with him over 30 years of experience in election administration. His career in the commission began in 1993 as an Election Officer III in Bangued, Abra. He later served as provincial election supervisor in Ilocos Norte from 1996 to 2024 and as regional election director from 2006 until his appointment as commissioner.

Garcia emphasized the significance of Pipo’s appointment, alongside new commissioner Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal, as a recognition of their long-standing service within Comelec. Tangaro-Casingal, who has been with the poll body for 27 years, and Pipo are set to serve as commissioners until 2032.

With their addition, five out of seven members of the commission en banc are now appointees of the Marcos administration, including Garcia, Commissioners Ernesto Maceda Jr., and Nelson Celis. Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Rey Bulay remain appointees of former president Rodrigo Duterte.