Abas reappointed as Comelec chief

MANILA, Philippines — In the thick of debates on Charter change, President Duterte reappointed Sheriff Abas as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) after he failed to get the approval of the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Abas replaced Andres Bautista, who resigned from his post in October 2017 following allegations by his estranged wife that he had amassed ill-gotten wealth.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the Palace needed to re-issue the appointment papers because the CA failed to confirm Abas, who was named by Duterte on Nov. 22, 2017, before Congress went into recess for the holidays.

Abas’ appointment papers, released yesterday, showed he was reappointed on Jan. 16 and will serve as Comelec chairman until Feb. 2, 2022.

Abas, a nephew of Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, was appointed to the poll body by former president Benigno Aquino III in April 2015.

 Malacañang also released yesterday the appointment papers of retired police general Anselmo Pinili as a member of the board of directors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). 

Pinili, former special envoy on transnational crime, will serve until June 30 to finish the term of Jorge Corpuz, who resigned as PCSO chairman last week due to health reasons.

The PCSO was recently rocked by controversy after newly appointed member and former jueteng collector Sandra Cam alleged that the agency spent P10 million for its Christmas party at a posh hotel last year.