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MANILA, Philippines — Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman and retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Armando Melo has passed away.
In a twitter post, Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Melo died on Sunday night. He was 88.
Jimenez said it was Melo who oversaw the country’s transition to full automation from 2008 to 2010.
“Sad news tonight. Just received word that Chairman Jose A.R. Melo, former SC Justice, and the COMELEC Chairman who oversaw the country’s transition to full automation from 2008 to 2010, has passed away. He was 88 years old,” Jimenez said on Sunday.
Sad news tonight. Just received word that Chairman Jose A.R. Melo, former SC Justice, and the COMELEC Chairman who oversaw the country’s transition to full automation from 2008 to 2010, has passed away. He was 88 years old.
— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) October 18, 2020
Former Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said Melo’s death was “terrible news,” adding that he was supposed to meet the former poll body chairman once quarantine restrictions ease.
Wow! That’s terrible news! Was supposed to meet him when quarantine restrictions eases.
— Gregorio Y. Larrazabal (@GoyoYLarrazabal) October 18, 2020
He expressed his condolences to Melo’s family.
Condolences to the family of Chairman Jose A.R. Melo. Praying for him and his family.
🙏🏽 https://t.co/cooH4oO8rG— Gregorio Y. Larrazabal (@GoyoYLarrazabal) October 18, 2020
Before he was appointed Comelec chairman, Melo served as one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court from August 1992 to May 2002.