Palace still mum on next Comelec chair

Malacañang on Wednesday remained tight-lipped on the replacement of Jose Melo, whose resignation as Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman will take effect on January 31 next year. Palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda, however, assured the public that a new Comelec chairman will be appointed before the effectivity of Melo’s resignation. He said a list of nominees is already with the Office of the President. “It’s in process right now. We recognize the need to appoint a chairman for the Comelec because of the urgent concerns of the body," Lacierda said at a press briefing. Lacierda refused to divulge the names on the list. The 78-year-old Melo, a retired Supreme Court associate justice, announced his resignation last November, saying it was time to "move on" after decades in government service. He was appointed as Comelec chairman in 2008 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Under Melo’s leadership, the Comelec was able to hold the country’s first nationwide automated elections on May 10, 2010. President Benigno Aquino III had earlier said personalities from outside the commission — or those who are not incumbent Comelec commissioners — may be appointed to replace Melo. - Jam L. Sisante/KBK, GMANews.TV