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CEBU CITY, Philippines ? Regional Trial Court Judge Gabriel Ingles of Branch 58 on Tuesday welcomed moves by civil society groups to endorse him as the new chairman or commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), even though he said the possibility of that happening was highly unlikely.
Ingles said such a position usually required political backing and the ear of the president, who makes the appointment to the position. The judge said he did not have much political backing, nor would he seek it.
?If we want to change the image of the Comelec, I don?t think that?s the proper thing to do,? Ingles said.
Ingles admitted he was honored to be chosen as one of the nominees to head the Comelec.
?I count it as a blessing. I will reciprocate by continuing to render honest and efficient service to the public as well as to my students in the college of law. That?s the only way you can reciprocate the trust and confidence of the civil society,? he said.
Ingles said he was interviewed by the Civil Society Search Committee on December 7, 2007. The committee is composed, among others, of former Comelec chairman Christian Monsod of One Voice, Bertie Lim of the Makati Business Club, Edward Go of Namfrel, and Sr. Sonia Aldeguer of the Cebu Citizens Involvement and Maturation for People Empowerment and Liberation.
The Civil Society Search Committee started screening nominees last October to fill several vacancies in the Comelec, which will include the position of two commissioners with the retirement of Resurreccion Borra and Florentino Tuason on February 2. /Reporter Nilda L. Gallo
