Padaca denies lobbying vs Sardillo's appointment as Comelec exec

Elections Commissioner Grace Padaca on Tuesday denied lobbying against the appointment of Maria Bernadette Sardillo, who was named Comelec commissioner but later withdrew her application for the post.  

“No. Wala akong pinuntahan,” was Padaca’s reply when asked by journalists for her reaction over a report published in The Manila Times Monday that she blocked the appointment of Sardillo. Padaca refused to elaborate on her statement. 

 

Sardillo was the counsel of Benjamin Dy, who unseated Padaca as Isabela governor in 2009. Then election lawyer Leila de Lima was the counsel of Padaca. De Lima is now Justice chief. According to deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Sardillo, in her letter to President Benigno Aquino III, cited her family's wish "for her to remain in the private sector."

 

For his part, Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. said the issue should be put to rest.

 

“Tapos na, huwag na nating palakihin. We’re looking for new commissioners,” Brillantes told reporters.

 

He added that he has yet to talk with Padaca.

 

“Hindi ko alam... hindi ko pa nakakausap si Commissioner Padaca. Ngayon pa lang kami nagkukuwentuhan nang konti,” said Brillantes. 

 

President Benigno Aquino III announced Thursday that he chose Sardillo to be one of the poll commissioners. The next day, however, Sardillo backed from her appointment.  Just last Monday, Macabangkit Lanto aslo declined his nomination for Comelec commissioner. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News