MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is hoping that President Rodrigo R. Duterte will appoint two more poll commissioners soon.
Comelec acting Chairman Al Parreño said the naming of new officials will complete the seven-man commission en banc.
“Of course, we would want that a complete en banc,” he said in an interview.
The poll body chief that having seven officials will help in the preparations for the May 14 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls and next year’s midterm elections.
“This means the work will be easier,” Parreño added.
With this, he said that having retired Court of Appeals Justice Socorro Anting as Comelec Commissioner would be a big help in the adjudicatory function of the Commission.
“She will be a good help in the adjudication, case resolution, decision-making… those are the expertise of a justice,” said the Comelec head.
Last week, Malacañang announced the appointment of Inting, replacing retired Commissioner Arthur Lim.
With her appointment, there are now five Comelec en banc members, with Parreño, Commissioners Luie Guia, Rowena Guanzon, and Sheriff Abas.
The new poll body official is expected to report to work either by Friday or early next week. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)