Poll commissioner says Melo a big boost to Comelec credibility

MANILA, Philippines - With former Supreme Court justice Jose Melo now at the helm, the Commission on Elections will have its much needed boost in its credibility. This was according to Commissioner Rene Sarmiento who, together with the rest of the poll body’s officials, said they are optimistic about the leadership of Melo. “Sabi niya (Melo) ang magiging litmus test ng leadership niya ay ang peaceful, clean, orderly and honest elections sa 2010 (Melo said a peaceful, clean, orderly and honest elections in 2010 will be the litmus test of his leadership)," Sarmiento told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. Melo took his oath before acting chairman Romeo Brawner Tuesday afternoon over what Sarmiento described as an “Easter atmosphere." “It feels like Easter. Easter atmosphere kami. We’re hoping things will be well for the Comelec," Sarmiento said. Sarmiento also said that among Melo’s priorities as the new Comelec chair is the computerization of the elections. He said all the commissioners are supportive of this goal. “Natutuwa kami dahil reform-minded ang mga natitirang commissioners (We are happy because all the remaining commissioners are reform-minded)," he said. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said President Arroyo signed the ad interim appointment for Melo Monday morning. Ad interim appointments are those made while Congress is not in session. Congress, which adjourned session March 12 without tackling Melo's appointment, is set to resume regular session on April 21. Melo was chosen by a special screening committee formed by President Arroyo four months after Abalos’ resignation. Melo was previously an acting presiding justice of the Court of Appeals where he held a record of having a zero backlog of cases. He also headed a fact-finding commission tasked to investigate political and media killings in the country. - GMANews.TV