A lawyer from Davao with an information technology expertise was appointed as the new Comelec commissioner, 20 months before the May 2022 local and national elections.
Commission on Elections Chairman Sheriff Abas said Michael Braganza Peloton was nominated to replace former Commissioner Luie Tito Guia, who retired on February 2.
Malacañang confirmed Monday the nomination of Peloton, a lawyer based in Davao, the home city of President Rodrigo Duterte.
“We are confident that Mr. Peloton would serve the Commission with professionalism and integrity in the conduct of clean, credible, free, honest, orderly and modernized elections,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
Meanwhile, Abas said Peloton is “a timely addition to the Commission en banc as his vast experience in the field of law and information technology will highly contribute in our thrust to further improve and revolutionize our electoral process.”
The Comelec Chairman noted the new Comelec commissioner “joins the Comelec at an exciting and challenging time, as we have already started preparations for the 2022 national and local elections in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.”
“He will complement the existing members of the Commission en banc as we continue to strive to fulfill Comelec’s mandate in strengthening and advancing our democracy,” Abas added.
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Michael Braganza Peloton new Comelec commissioner
President Duterte appointed Peleton to serve as Comelec Commissioner for seven years or until February 2, 2027.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 16, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution and existing laws, you are hereby nominated Commissioner, Commission on Elections, for a term expiring on 02 February 2027, vice Luie Tito F. Guia,” Peleton’s appointment paper stated. It is dated September 17.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the appointment of the new Comelec Commissioner is “regular” as it was made while Congress is in session.
“This means he can’t assume office immediately. He must first be confirmed by the CA (Commission on Appointments). Contrast this with an ad interim appointment which is made while Congress is not in session,” he said.
He added that an ad interim appointee, meanwhile, “can immediately assume office, subject to subsequent confirmation by the CA.”