Melo will have fair shake in CA, Villar assures

"Fairly and within the rules."

Senate President Manny Villar today said this is how the Commission on Appointments (CA) will be handling the confirmation process of Justice Jose Melo's appointment as chairman of the Commission on Elections.

"We will look at his appointment with an open mind. I am not saying that it will be a walk in the park. Definitely, like the other appointees submitted to the Body for confirmation, the Commission will look at Justice Melo's credentials objectively and will determine whether or not he is capable to head the Comelec," Villar said.

Villar said he is hopeful that the new appointments to the election body can help bring back credibility and public trust on the Comelec.

"In a democracy such as ours, it is important that we have credible institutions to preserve the sanctity of the elections. Dapat ang nanalo sa eleksyon ay talagang nanalo at iyong natalo ay natalo talaga," Villar said.

He added that the CA will have the chance to scrutinize Melo's credentials once they are in receipt of supporting documents needed for the confirmation process.

"While we believe that it is good that a former Supreme Court Justice has been appointed to chair Comelec, a lot of things must be done to cleanse the system and to ensure fool-proof elections from here on. I hope Justice Melo is up to the challenge," Villar said.

The Nacionalista Party president said it is only fair that Melo will be given a chance to prove himself before the CA regardless of insinuations surrounding his appointment, including his supposed close ties with the President.

The Senate President, who is also ex-officio Chairman of the CA, is also inviting the public to participate in the confirmation process by submitting letters of support or corresponding oppositions supported by pieces of evidence.

"In the end, the will of the majority will prevail in the confirmation of Melo's appointment. Upon assessment of his credentials and history, if the members of the Commission believe he is worthy to be appointed as Comelec chairman, makakalusot siya," Villar said.