President Aquino III appoints new lawyers to Comelec

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Philippines President Benigno Aquino III appoints two lawyers to the Commission on Elections only two months prior to the mid-term elections. Appointment of Former Ambassador to Egypt and former Lanao del Norte Rep. Macabangkit Lanto and election law expert Bernadette Sardillo were confirmed on Thursday.

Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes, Jr. posted a welcome not on twitter.

“I welcome the appointment of Atty. Maria Bernadette Sardillo and Atty. Macabangkit Lanto as new @comelec Commissioners” — Sixto Brillantes Jr. (@ChairBrillantes) March 7, 2013.

According to Aquino, Lanto has an independent mind while Sardillo has constantly defended the rights of voters; thus, the two earned the new positions. The appointment letters have been forwarded to the Commission on Appointments and to Congress for confirmation. The two will replace former Commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Armando Velasco who retired last February 2.

“These appointments are a big boost to the Commission, (which) is now at the thick of preparations for the May 13, 2013 elections,” the Comelec- Employees Union said in a statement.

“We, however, are saddened that the President ignored our earlier call to appoint insiders to the posts. Be that as it may, the more than 5,000 Comelec employees nationwide, respects the President’s decision and welcomes the two new Commissioners.

“We wish to extend our willingness to work with Commissioners Lanto and Sardillo in ensuring the success of the upcoming elections. We hope they join us in our cause to forward the well being of poll workers nationwide.”