Press Release
January 15, 2008

KIKO SLAMS SECRECY BEHIND COMELEC CHAIR SHORTLIST
"Malacañang should present shortlist before any appointment is made!" --- Kiko

After months of calling for a transparent selection process for the next COMELEC Chair and Commissioners, Senate Majority Leader and Independent senator Kiko Pangilinan today slammed the secrecy behind the COMELEC Chair shortlist, saying the lack of transparency is unconstitutional.

"The people have the right to know who the nominees are to the top post. We are frustrated by the manner this selection process is being conducted. Meron ba silang itinatago o ikinahihiya at ayaw nilang ihayag ang mga pangalan? Ano ba meron sa nasabing listahan na para bagang 'di dapat makita o masilayan ng publiko? As early as last year, we urged the search committee to conduct public interviews for the candidates and allow public access to their vision and programs for COMELEC reform. This refusal to divulge the shortlist not only casts doubt on the credibility of the selection process, it also undermines public trust on the COMELEC as an institution," Kiko said.

The Search Committee has submitted today the shortlist for the next COMELEC Chair to Malacañang today. President Arroyo is expected to appoint the replacement for former COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos, who resigned amid allegations of bribery in the NBN ZTE deal, from among the candidates in the shortlist.

"The Constitution states that public access to information is the right of the people. The refusal by the search committee to release to the public the shortlist is a direct violation of this constitutionally guaranteed right. Releasing the short list before any appointment is made is a matter of the highest public interest. The continued lack of transparency is contrary to the Constitution and is a disservice to the nation," Kiko ended.

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