MANILA – The union representing the employees of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged for the promotion of internal candidates to fill the positions of two retiring commissioners. The Comelec-Employees Union (EU) emphasized that appointing officials from within the organization would be advantageous as the commission gears up for multiple elections in the coming years, including the national elections in May 2025, the inaugural Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, and the local barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in December.
The union argued that internal appointees, already well-versed in election laws and administrative processes, would enhance the efficiency of the electoral exercises planned for this year. “Appointing individuals who are deeply familiar with the intricacies of elections will undoubtedly serve the interests of the Filipino electorate,” the union stated.
Imelda Panis, president of the Comelec-EU, clarified that the union is not pushing for any specific individual but stressed the importance of selecting someone from within the organization. “Our preference is for an insider, regardless of who it might be,” she remarked during an interview.
The retiring commissioners, Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo, will step down on February 2, following the completion of their seven-year terms. Inting joined the commission in April 2018, while Casquejo was appointed in June of the same year.
After their departure, the Comelec will be left with a five-member panel, led by Chairman George Garcia and including Commissioners Rey Bulay, Aimee Ferolino, Ernesto Maceda, and Nelson Celis.