Ex-Davao del Norte poll supervisor takes oath as ad interim Comelec commissioner

MANILA, Philippines — A former provincial election supervisor in Davao del Norte has taken her oath of office as ad interim commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

According to Comelec, lawyer Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio took her oath on Wednesday for a term expiring on February 2, 2027, replacing former Comelec Commissioner Al Parreño, who retired in February.

“I am as excited to join the ranks of the esteemed members of the Commission En Banc as I am to work on projects focused on fine-tuning internal management, and on maximizing and improving the resources of Comelec, particularly our human resources and materials,” Ferolino-Ampoloquio said in a statement Friday.

The commission noted that Ferolino-Ampoloquio had had extensive lobbying experience for constructing several Comelec buildings while serving in the field.

According to Ferolino-Ampoloquio, the construction of Davao de Oro’s field office has been completed and is just awaiting turnover.

“In Davao del Norte, the construction of three office buildings will commence next year. Both the Island Garden City of Samal and Tagum City will finally have their own Office of the Election Officer (OEO) buildings, while the building of the PES is likewise already slated for construction,” she said.

She also said that among the benefits of having Comelec office buildings, especially field offices, is having the capacity to conduct a more efficient voter registration process.

“I am proud of how the Comelec has swiftly and successfully dealt with the unfortunate conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, among which is the strict implementation of new health and safety protocols,” the newly-appointed commissioner said.

“For the benefit of the public whom we serve, I hope to help improve their experience of that crucial first step in exercising their right of suffrage, by providing more suitable and pleasant premises,” she added.

In November, President Rodrigo Duterte nominated Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio as commissioner of the election body.

On December 16, the Commission on Appointments (CA) put on hold the confirmation of her nomination pending the submission of documents on her husband’s family business.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon motioned to suspend the CA’s questioning on her confirmation to a later date until she can submit the documents, particularly on her husband’s rice and cornmeal family business.

An ad interim appointment is made while Congress is in recess and takes effect immediately. As an interim appointee, the Comelec said Ferolino-Ampoloquio is authorized to enter upon her office’s discharge immediately and will do so come January 2021.

However, her appointment still requires the confirmation of the CA as mandated by the Constitution. [ac]