MANILA: The rank-and-file employees union of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged the appointment of officials from within its ranks to replace two retiring commissioners. The call comes as the Comelec prepares for the May 2025 national elections, the inaugural Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, and the scheduled barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in December.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Comelec-Employees Union (EU) emphasized the importance of appointing individuals who are well-versed in election laws, administration, and management. The union believes that such appointments would be advantageous during a period when the Comelec is tasked with overseeing three significant electoral exercises. “Placing people, who know elections like the back of their hands, will surely redound to the benefit of the Filipino people,” the union stated.

Imelda Panis, president of the Comelec-EU, clarified that the union is not endorsing any specific candidates to succeed commissioners Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo. Instead, they advocate for the selection of insiders who are already familiar with the inner workings of the commission. Inting and Casquejo, who have been serving since 2018, are set to retire on February 2 after completing their seven-year terms.

Following their retirement, the Comelec’s decision-making panel will consist of Chairman George Garcia and Commissioners Rey Bulay, Aimee Ferolino, Ernesto Maceda, and Nelson Celis.