Arroyo may soon name new officials of Comelec

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo may soon announce her choice of new poll officials to fill up three vacancies at the Commission on Elections (Comelec). This is according to Cerge Remonde, head of the Presidential Management Staff, who said that Mrs Arroyo "is studying very seriously" on who should assume the posts, one of which was vacated due to the death of Romeo Brawner on Thursday, May 29. "I'd like to assure (Comelec) chairman (Jose) Melo that the President right now is studying very seriously. Di magtagal (It won't be long) I think she will make ... her choice," Remonde said on government-run dzRB radio. He said a selection body already has a list of nominees who were screened throughly."Puro magagaling ang nominees ng committee (the nominees of the committee are all qualified)." "The President is exercising much prudence in making her decision. She prays she will be able to come up with the best to restore the integrity of our electoral process," he said. The remaining commissioners at the poll body are Comelec chairman Jose Melo, Rene Sarmiento, Moslemen Macarambon Sr, and Nicodemo Ferrer. Commissioners Florentino Tuazon Jr, and Resurrection Borra retired early this year. - GMANews.TV