Comelec names acting spokesman amid debate probe

Three days before the May 9 national elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the designation of law department director Rex Laudiangco as the poll body's acting spokesperson.

In a memorandum released on Friday tweeted by GMA's Tina Panganiban-Perez, Comelec chairperson Saidamen Pangarungan said Laudiangco will replace James Jimenez who was earlier embroiled in the cancellation of two Comelec debates.  An investigation is ongoing on the controversy.

BREAKING: Comelec Chair Saidamen Pangarungan has appointed Comelec Law Dept Dir Rex Laudiangco as acting spokesperson of the Commission. @gmanews #Eleksyon2022 pic.twitter.com/zlXAKhrqNY

— Tina PanganibanPerez (@tinapperez) May 6, 2022

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay earlier recommended that Jimenez be relieved from his posts in connection with the controversy that led to the cancelation of the final presidential and vice presidential debates.

Pangarungan’s office, however, clarified that Jimenez remains as director of the Education and Information Department.

Meanwhile, Jimenez congratualed Laudiangco on his new designation.

“I heartily congratulate Director John Rex Laudiangco on his designation as Spokesperson of the Commission, and wish him all the best,” he said in a statement.

“For my part, I shall continue to serve as faithfully as I have these past 18 years, with due deference to the will and wisdom of the Commission,” he added.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News