New Comelec commissioner says he's no 'Garci protégé'

Moslemen Macarambon, a former judge in Iligan City, on Thursday said he is not a protégé of former Elections executive Virgilio Garciliano as alleged by opposition Senator Panfilo Lacson. Lacson earlier accused Macarambon, who was named commissioner of the Commission on Elections earlier in the day, a protégé of Garciliano. Garcillano figured in the alleged cheating by administration candidates during the 2004 elections. GMA's QTV reported Macarambon denied that he was one of those mentioned in the wiretap tapes detailing alleged cheating in the 2004 elections. Macarambon said there are "so many Macarambons" in Mindanao, adding that he is "ready" to accept the Comelec post. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita earlier said the appointment of Macarambon was above board and went “through the process." Press secretary Ignacio Bunye announced Thursday morning the appointment of Macarambon as Comelec commissioner amid calls for transparency in the selection process to fill up vacant posts at the Comelec. Macarambon served as presiding judge of the Iligan City regional trial court. His appointment reportedly stemmed from a recommendation from former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. - GMANews.TV