THE Commission on Elections (Comelec)
yesterday urged Mala-cañang and members of the search committee
it created to keep confidential the list of nominees for the
chairman’s position.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said they
fear the politicization of the selection process if the
nominees’ names are made public. "My fear is that the choice
might be politicized. It is inevitable that some people will
move heaven and earth to get their favorites elected. For me let
us just avoid that altogether. Just submit the list and that is
it," he said.
Search committee member Jose Concepcion
submitted the shortlist of five nominees to replace resigned
chairman Benjamin Abalos over the weekend.
The names have been kept secret but rumors
said the list includes former Justice Secretary Artemio Toquero,
retired Supreme Court Justices Jose Melo and Raul Victorino,
chief state prosecutor Jovencito Zuño and Legal Network for
Truthful Elections co-convenor Atty. Carlos Medina.
Jimenez said it would be better if everyone
just waits and see who will be appointed, as the Comelec is
doing. He said President Arroyo can still legally appoint
someone not on the shortlist. "There is nothing illegal in it
but it would be impolitic of her to do so. That is really her
choice on who she will name, but she has to deal with the
possible fallouts in case she does not follow what was agreed
upon with the committee," Jimenez said.
But veteran election lawyer Sixto Brillantes
said it is imperative for the search committee or Malacañang to
make public the names of the nominees. "The search committee
should bring out the list kasi kung hindi, magiging parang
lutong Macao iyan. Transparency is the purpose of creating the
committee in the first place," Brillantes said.
The recent appointment of Moslemen Macarambon
drew criticisms after he was named by the President despite not
being in the list of possible appointees.
Three posts will become vacant by Feb. 2 when acting Comelec
chair Resurreccion Borra and Commissioner Florentino Tuazon
retire. – Gerard M. Naval
