MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday welcomed the confirmation of Sheriff Abas as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“We welcome the confirmation of the appointment of Commissioner Sheriff M. Abas as the new Commission on Elections chairperson,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press statement.
On Wednesday, the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) gave nod to the appointment of Abas to replace resigned chairman Andres Bautista.
Roque said Abas’ integrity and competence would play key role in regaining the public trust in Comelec.
“We are confident that chairperson Abas would carry out his duties with integrity, excellence and competence to regain public trust in the electoral body,” Roque said.
Abas, the first Muslim to head the Comelec, will have a term expiring on Feb. 2, 2022 based on his appointment paper signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last January.
Former President Benigno Aquino III appointed Abas as Comelec commissioner on April 2015 but only got confirmation by the CA in May 2016.
In November last year, Duterte appointed Abas to replace Bautista who resigned amid allegations of unexplained wealth. (PNA)
