The Commission on Appointments (CA) approved on Wednesday the retention of both Commission on Elections (Comelec) ad interim chairperson George Garcia and Civil Service Commission (CSC) ad interim chairperson Karlo Nograles in their present positions.
During his deliberation, Garcia recalled the successful conduct of the recent 2022 national and local elections saying it had the highest voter turnout and the fastest in the history of the Philippines.
“This is but a little accomplishment on the part of the Commission on Elections. I was happy that I was a part of the Comelec at that time. We gained a lot of experience and of course, there were a lot of setbacks, but the experience and the learnings that we acquired from the 2022 elections are incomparable and we will definitely use that under your present leadership for the purpose of ensuring that the 2025 elections and elections after that, if not equal the 2022 election, at least we will be able to surpass the same,” Garcia told the CA Committee on Constitutional Commissions and Offices chaired by Senator Cynthia Villar.
Pushing for reforms
Garcia, meanwhile, said he aims to surpass the achievements of the recently-concluded May elections.
“The Comelec shall undertake institutional reforms in advocating for more responsive election laws attuned to the times, establishing better measures for greater transparency, and opening channels for better engagement with our citizenry,” the poll body chief added.
He also expressed hope that the poll body’s formidable workforce will be able to surpass challenges in the pursuit of clean and orderly elections.
“As we stand in front of ever-changing information and technological landscape, Comelec hopes to meet it with professional and competent personnel who will find the right balance of credibility and efficiency. These are required of us, and I also take this opportunity to remind the personnel of the Comelec, that we perform not just ordinary duties but duties mandated by no less than the Constitution,” Garcia said.
He also thanked the members of the CA.
“I continue to be humbled by the trust, confidence, and support bestowed upon this humble servant by our elected officials including those in the legislature,” Garcia added.
Garcia was first appointed as commissioner to the poll body in March by former President Rodrigo Duterte and was reappointed on July 22 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (with Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
Source: CA confirms Garcia as Comelec chief, Nograles as CSC chair By Wilnard Bacelonia