HEALTH undersecretary Alexan-der Padilla, who
has been nominated by a member of the search committee drawing
up a list of possible appointees to the Commission on Elections,
on Tuesday said President Arroyo should pay more attention to
what civil society groups say than those in government.
President Arroyo is the sole appointing
authority who will name the next chairman of the Comelec and two
commissioners to fill up the seats to be vacated by the
retirement of acting Comelec chair Resurreccion Borra and
Commissioner Florentino Tuazon on Feb. 2.
Arroyo created the search committee late last
year to come up with a shortlist of candidates by Jan. 15.
Padilla was nominated with three others by
search panel member Institute for Political and Electoral Reform
(IPER).
"Civil society should have a say. The
President should take that into consideration. Politicians
should take last place. This is her legacy. It’s make or break
for Comelec. Since she’s not running anymore, she should choose
someone with unquestionable integrity," Padilla said. "She’ll be
remembered (based) on who will be her appointees."
Padilla said the vacancies at the Comelec is
an opportunity for it to clean house after a succession of
controversies. "Comelec is in for the worst but there is a
glimmer of hope come February when new people are appointed. And
since nandoon si Commissioners (Rene) Sarmiento and (Romeo)
Brawner… with new names, plus those two good commissioners, okay
iyon," the health official said.
Padilla said his nomination by IPER is an
honor. He said he is qualified for the post of commissioner.
"I’m competent for it and I have the drive for it. I can
assure the public na walang dayaan," Padilla said, adding that
poll automation will be his main advocacy should he be
appointed. – Gerard M. Naval
