Loren wants people heard on Comelec choices

Senator Loren Legarda said yesterday that those being considered for appointment to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should be subjected to rigorous public scrutiny to ensure the Comelec's integrity and independence.

Loren stressed that "the power of moral suasion which the public can exert" cannot be underestimated, especially in opposing candidates who may not have the ascendancy to become members of the Comelec.

"Nothing short of amending the Constitution can change the way members of the Constitutional Commissions, like the Comelec, are appointed," said Loren.

"Nonetheless, the people can always guide the appointing power towards making the right choices, by being vigilant, discerning and vocal on those being short-listed for possible appointment."

Loren pointed out that the Comelec should stand at the vanguard of ensuring clean and honest elections, thus the need to appoint men and women of integrity to the body.

Ideally, Loren said members of the Constitutional Commissions should be chosen through a process similar the selection procedure for the Justices of the Supreme Court.

She pointed out that while those appointed to the Comelec still need to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments, as a form of check and balance, she said nothing beats a thorough selection process.

"But as I've said, this would require amending our constitution. For this reason, let our people be the mirror upon which the candidates to such an important body like the Comelec is scrutinized," Loren added.

The chairmanship and three commissioner positions in the Comelec would be vacated next February.

The Comelec is composed of a chairman and six commissioners, with the following qualifications: natural-born Filipino citizens; at least 35 years of age; holders of a college degree, and must not have been candidates for any elective position in the immediately preceding elections.

The constitution mandates that the majority of the members of the Comelec be practicing lawyers for at least 10 years.