Lacson dubs new Comelec exec a 'Garci protégé'

Opposition Senator Panfilo Lacson on Thursday accused Moslemen Macarambon, who was named commissioner of the Commission on Elections earlier in the day, a protégé of controversial Comelec executive Virgilio Garciliano. Garcillano figured in the alleged cheating by administration candidates during the 2004 elections. Lacson told GMA's "24 Oras" that he might block Macarambon's appointment before the Commission on Appointments. Macarambon is a former judge in Iligan City. Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr., however, said he welcomes the appointment of Macarambon. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the appointment of Macarambon was above board and went “through the process." Ermita also branded as “irregular" the report that the Presidential palace has nominated opposition personalities to Comelec posts. Ermita denied the list came from his office. He said he will order an investigation into the report. Macarambon served as presiding judge of the Iligan City regional trial court. His appointment reportedly stemmed from a recommendation made by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. Macarambon's appointment fills up one of two vacancies at the Comelec. By next year, three Comelec posts will be vacant after the retirement of Commissioners Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason. Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos earlier resigned from his post amid the reported anomalies in the government's National Broadband Network project. - GMANews.TV