Comelec workers welcome 'outsiders'

MANILA, Philippines - The rank and file employees of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday welcomed the appointments of "outsiders" to the poll body.

The members of the Comelec Employees Union said they believe that election lawyer Louie Tito Guia, a former executive director of poll watchdog Lente, is already familiar with the poll body.

"Having worked for the Comelec before, we believe Commissioner Guia is already familiar with the inner workings in the Commission as well as on the needs of the thousands of Comelec employees on the ground," the Comelec-EU said in a statement.

The group also believe that Guia is a "positive addition" to the Comelec.

"We could not stress the importance of your duties to our country. You are the guardians of one of our most valuable rights enshrined in the Constitution, our right to suffrage. This right shapes the future of our country and this right gives the common citizen power in government – the very essence of a democracy," the group quoted Guia as saying during the first assembly of the union September last year.

The group also hopes that Guia would continue to look after the welfare of the Comelec employees when he formally assumes his post Monday next week.