Long-time Comelec spokesman retires

MANILA, Philippines — Long-time former Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesman James Jimenez is set for early retirement on Sept. 16 after close to two decades of service described as exemplary by peers, but capped by his involvement in a controversy over payment issues involving a private contractor and a major hotel tapped as venue for a presidential debate during the last campaign season.

“The whole Comelec family expresses its gratitude and appreciation to Dir. Jimenez for his long exemplary service to the nation through the Commission. We wish him all the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his life,” Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia told reporters in a Viber message yesterday.

He said the poll body approved in full session on Aug. 31 the request of Jimenez for early retirement as the director of the Comelec’s Education and Information Division (EID) effective Sept. 16.

Garcia said the Comelec’s decision to grant Jimenez’s request was without prejudice to an ongoing investigation on the former spokesman’s role in the P14-million mess involving private partner Impact Hub and Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel. He said investigators are likely to come out with findings before the end of the month.

“The investigation or what we call fact-finding continues, but it can’t stop anyone from retiring. What we do is separate the two issues,” Garcia said in Filipino.

“Now is it OK to retire if there’s an ongoing fact-finding investigation? The answer is yes,” he said.

Garcia said the Comelec has begun the vetting process for the replacement of Jimenez as the EID director “even in an acting capacity.” Rex Laudiangco, director of the Comelec Law Department, remains as the acting spokesman of the poll body.

Jimenez was not available for comment yesterday, but he appeared on Twitter to thank a reporter “for a privilege to have worked” with him.

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay recommended on April 29 the temporary relief of Jimenez and director Frances Arabe from their duties involving media relations and exposure amid the controversy involving Impact Hub Manila and Sofitel Hotel.

“Delicadeza dictates that I take no part in it to avoid any impression of impropriety on my part, or any issue that might lead anyone to think that I purposely involved myself to get the spokesman post,” Laudiangco said when asked to explain his being mum on the issue.

Jimenez has been the Comelec-EID director since 2004 and spokesman from 2007 to May this year, a few weeks before the national and local elections.