De Lima or MMDA’s Tolentino as next Comelec chief?

Michael Bueza

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

De Lima or MMDA’s Tolentino as next Comelec chief?
Malacañang says there have been no discussions yet as to who would replace retiring Comelec chief Sixto Brillantes Jr when he retires in February 2015

MANILA, Philippines – With the retirement of Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr less than two months away, the names of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Francis Tolentino have been floated as candidates for the post.

But Malacañang said that there have been no official discussions so far regarding the matter.

“We don’t have yet any nominee. The President has not made any decision. The President has not informed us of his choices – or, rather, of his choice,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a radio interview with Kaagapay ng Bayan on Saturday, December 20.

De Lima was once again mentioned after she said in an interview with ABS-CBN’s Bandila that she would consider becoming Comelec chief if it were offered to her.

De Lima, in September, had said that she is not aspiring to head the poll body, but is pleased that some people are pushing for her.

Pangarap lang ni Chair Brillantes ‘yan. Of course I am, what, medyo pleased na may ganyang nagpu-push, but hindi ko po pangarap ‘yan,” De Lima told reporters. (It’s just a dream of Chairman Brillantes. Of course, I am somewhat pleased that there are those who are pushing for it, but I’m not aspiring for that.)

De Lima was an election lawyer before she led the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in 2008 and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2010.

Her father, Vicente de Lima, was Comelec commissioner from 1992 to 1994.

Another candidate being suggested is MMDA’s Francis Tolentino. He was mayor of Tagaytay City, Cavite, from 1986 to 1987 (as officer-in-charge) and from 1995 to 2004, before his appointment as MMDA chief in 2010.

Other names floated to replace Brillantes were Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Winston Ginez and former Supreme Court Justice Roberto Abad. 

Brillantes and commissioners Lucenito Tagle and Elias Yusoph will all be retiring on February 2, 2015. Their retirement comes in the middle of preparations for the 2016 national and local elections. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!
Tie, Accessories, Accessory

author

Michael Bueza

Michael is a data curator under Rappler's Tech Team. He works on data about elections, governance, and the budget. He also follows the Philippine pro wrestling scene and the WWE. Michael is also part of the Laffler Talk podcast trio.