THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) welcomed on Friday, November 12, 2021, the nomination of lawyer Rey Echavarria Bulay as its newest commissioner, thereby finally completing the seven-man panel.
In a statement, Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said the inclusion of Bulay is timely considering the proximity of the May 2022 elections.
"Atty. Bulay is a timely addition to the Comelec En Banc, especially now that we are in the midst of our preparations for the 2022 national and local elections," said Abas.
He also noted how the experience of Bulay as the current chief prosecutor of Manila and former commissioner of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) will come in a handy when he assumes his post at the commission.
"His vast experience in law enforcement and the pursuit of good governance will greatly contribute to the commission's thrust in the advancement of honest, orderly, peaceful, credible, and safe elections," said Abas.
On late Thursday, November 11, Bulay was nominated as Comelec commissioner for a term that will expire in February 2027.
He will succeed former commissioner Luie Tito Guia, who retired back in February 2020.
Bulay joins the roster of Abas, as well as Commissioners Rowena Guanzon, Antonio Kho, Marlon Casquejo, Socorro Inting, and Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio.
Aside from being a city chief prosecutor and PCGG commissioner, the San Beda College of Law alumnus had also served as Muntinlupa City councilor from 1988 to 1998 and from 2007 to 2010.
Bulay also served as president of the Councilors League of the Philippines.
Bulay's appointment gained mixed reactions from poll watchdogs, particularly the National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) and Kontra Daya.
According to Namfrel Secretary General Eric Alvia, they are hoping that his appointment will hasten the processes in the Comelec, particularly those concerning the next elections.
"As the work load of Comelec leading up to May 2022 is mounting, the addition of one more commissioner will enable the body to act expeditiously on the cases and issues brought before it," said Alvia.
On the other hand, Kontra Daya convener Danilo Arao questioned why President Rodrigo Duterte opted to appoint a fellow Bedan and politician as a poll commissioner.
"That he is a fellow Bedan is clear, but his track record in election lawyering and advocacy is not. Being a Muntinlupa councilor also does not make him qualified to be part of Comelec," said Arao.
And with three Comelec En Banc members retiring by February 2022, Namfrel reiterated the call of former poll chairman Christian Monsod to open the process of identifying and vetting the next appointees to the public.
"This is to ensure that the nominees pass the high standards of professionalism, independence, probity, competence, and integrity required of nominees to this constitutional body," said Alvia.
To note, Abas, Guanzon, and Kho are all set to retire on February 2, 2022. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)