Comelec Urges Swift Appointment of New Commissioners Amid Upcoming Retirements

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has made an urgent request to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to appoint new members to replace two retiring commissioners. This appeal comes as Commissioners Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo are scheduled to retire in early February, following the completion of their seven-year terms. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the necessity of these appointments to maintain normal operations, especially with elections approaching. Garcia highlighted the importance of a full seven-member Commission en banc for effectively handling election-related cases, noting that a complete panel is crucial for reaching majority decisions. After the retirement of Inting and Casquejo, the Comelec will be left with only five members: Garcia, and Commissioners Rey Bulay, Aimee Ferolino, Ernesto Maceda, and Nelson Celis. Both retiring officials were appointed during the Duterte administration, with Inting joining in April 2018 and Casquejo in June 2018. Addressing concerns about the current election ban, Garcia clarified that the President does not need special permission from the Comelec to make these appointments, as the President holds continuous authority in such matters. According to the Omnibus Election Code, transferring or detailing civil service officers during the election period is prohibited without prior approval from the Commission. The election period for the upcoming May 2025 polls spans from January 12 to June 11.