Comelec lauds confirmation of Abas as poll body chairman

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) welcomed the confirmation of Sheriff Abas as its new chairman.

This after the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed his nomination to the poll body’s top post.

The Comelec said the CA’s decision came at the right time since they are preparing for the 2019 midterm election.

“The entire Commission on Elections celebrates the confirmation of the nomination of Commissioner — now Chairperson — Sheriff Abas,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in a statement.

“His assumption to the Chair comes at a most opportune time, as the Comelec is preparing for the 2019 National and Local Elections,” he added.

Jimenez also said he believes that Abas is best for the job based on his experience in the last two electoral exercises.

“Chair Abas is eminently suited to take the helm at the Commission considering the depth of his experience in directly managing critical aspects of both the 2016 national and local elections and the recently concluded 2018 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections,” he added.

Abas’ assumption as Comelec Chairman leaves two vacancies in the poll body’s en banc. He will be serving until February 2022.

In November 2017, the new Comelec head was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte replacing Juan Andres Bautista, who had resigned in the midst of ill-gotten wealth allegations.

Abas is the poll body’s first chairman from Mindanao. (PNA)