CA affirms Abas’ appointment as Comelec chief

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Appointment on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Sheriff Abas as the new Commission on Elections chairman.

Abas was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Nov. 22 last year to replace Andres Bautista, who had resigned in October 2017 amid allegations of ill-gotten wealth.

The Commission on Appointments confirms Sheriff Abas as Chairman of the Commission on Elections pic.twitter.com/3uHd0BlRZ0

— Marvin Sy (@hey_marv) May 23, 2018

In a series of tweets, Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said Abas was asked during the confirmation hearing about what the poll body is doing to protect the voters’ list and to ensure compliance with the data privacy law.

Guanzon added that Abas vowed to promote equality in the Comelec regardless of gender, religion nor class.

Last March, the CA bypassed Duterte’s nomination of Abas as the elections chair. He was, however, reappointed by the president last month.

Abas was appointed by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on April 28, 2015. He is a nephew of Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief peace negotiator Mohager Iqbal.

He was also confirmed by the CA as Comelec commissioner in March 2016.

Abas will serve as the Comelec chair until Feb. 2, 2022.