Aquino studying candidates for new Comelec commissioners

President Benigno Aquino III is studying the credentials of candidates who may replace two retired Commission on Elections commissioners, Malacañang said Saturday. But Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office head Ramon Carandang said he is not privy on who these candidates are. “May pangalang tinitingnan si Pangulong Aquino (Aquino is looking at some names),” he said on government-run dzRB radio, but did not give further details. But he assured the public Aquino will make the appointments at the proper time. “We will work within the time frame required by law for the appointment of the Comelec officers,” he said. Comelec commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Armando Velasco retired earlier this year after completing their seven-year terms. This leaves the Comelec with Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. and commissioners Lucenito Tagle, Elias Yusoph, Christian Robert Lim, and Ma. Gracia Cielo Padaca. — LBG, GMA News