Press Release
October 1, 2007

Noynoy lauds Abalos for resigning as Comelec chairman

"I commend Chairman Benjamin Abalos for his decision to resign as the highest official in the Comelec. His act of sparing the institution that he serves from further harm has to be commended. It is a rare act that is absent among public officials who cling to their positions. He has decided to separate his personal battles from his duties as a government official. His abdication will significantly help to lessen the possibility of inflicting more damage to the Comelec, which has already been marred consistently with controversies such as the Mega Pacific deal and the questionable conduct of the 2004 and 2007 national elections, all of which have diminished the people's trust with regards to the validity of our election procedures. This latest NBN controversy has only further eroded whatever reputation is left in the Comelec, and Chairman Abalos' resignation is a welcome development in the efforts to resolve this case."

"This situation presents the current occupants of Malacanang with an opportunity to do right by appointing a new chairman of utmost probity and impartiality. We challenge the President to appoint even one who is critical of her to demonstrate her genuine desire to uphold an independent and neutral Comelec. This will go a long way in the restoration of balance and in re-establishing the credibility of the Comelec as an institution necessary for our democracy."

"Chairman Abalos and his family have been known to us for a very long time. We commiserate with all the family members, especially those who have been affected negatively by this incident. It is my hope that the extended family, especially those who are not in politics, be spared from further trauma that this incident has brought upon them."

News Latest News Feed