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Lack of transparency in Comelec nominations scored


Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday assailed Malacañang's "utter lack of transparency" in its selection process to fill up vacant posts at the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Pangilinan – who has long been calling on Malacañang to open up the selection process to the public – said that while Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita referred to a search committee on Comelec appointees, the composition of the supposed committee remains unknown. "In a press conference in Malacañang, Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that anyone can submit names to the search committee on the COMELEC appointees. What search committee? It seems only Malacañang is aware of the existence of this committee and if so, then only they will end up submitting names for screening," Pangilinan said in a statement. "I reiterate my position that the process must be opened up. We don't even know where the search committee holds office, who are its members? Sino ba ang mga ito? Is this a secret committee similar to the secret committee conducted by them in the ZTE NBN deal? Hindi kaya sina FG (First Gentleman), Mikey at Iggy Arroyo ang mga miyembro nito?" he asked. The poll body needs to fill up the chairmanship post left by Benjamin Abalos and another post for commissioner. In February 2008, the poll body will need two more commissioners when Borra and Florentino Tuason retire. On Monday, acting Comelec chair Resurreccion Borra said the Office of the President sent a list of nominees to the poll body and asked the poll body to "comment" on it. Borra said the list contained the names of the following: Rene Saguisag, Rufus Rodriguez, Wigberto Tañada, Amado Valdez, Alioden Dalaig, Severo Maluenda, and Howard Calleja. In the statement, Pangilinan urged Malacañang to allow the public "to actively participate in the process because only the active participation of the public will ensure that genuine reforms in our election process are realized." Pangilinan said this would erase doubts on the credibility of the selection process. He also challenged Malacañang to have the search committee conduct public consultations in throughout the country with people’s and church groups, and allow the nominees to submit themselves to various for a and interviews. "The trouble with the lack of transparency in the process is that people will doubt the outcome of the process and assume palakasan or 'connection' was the sole basis of the appointment. This undermines the capacity of the new appointees to secure critical public support," Pangilinan said. - GMANews.TV

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