NANCY URGES MALACANANG TO FILL COMELEC VACANCIES

Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday appealed to Malacañang to fill the three vacancies in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure smooth preparations for the May 14 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

"Makailang beses na po na hindi natutuloy ang barangay elections at marami na rin po ang nagpaabot sa aming tanggapan ng kanilang agam-agam na baka hindi ulit matuloy ngayong taon dahil kulang ang nakaupo sa Comelec," Binay said.

"Kaya naman po nananawagan kami sa Malacañang na punan ang tatlong bakanteng posisyon sa Comelec para masiguro na handa tayo sa darating na barangay elections," she added.

Last year, then elections chief Andres Bautista stepped down from office as he was set to face impeachment hearings. Meanwhile, Commissioners Christian Robert Lim and Arthur Lim stepped down form their posts on February 2.

This leaves Comelec with four active members: Commissioners Sheriff Abas, Rowena Guanzon, Luie Tito Guia, and Al Parreño.

Binay said that while it is possible for a four-member en banc to function, it would be troublesome because it is the legal minimum for the poll body to function and decide on issues

"Papaano kung biglaang hindi makakapunta ang isang commissioner sa isang session? Mawawala na po ang quorum at di na makakapagdesisyon ang Comelec," Binay added.