Comelec’s law dep’t director is poll body’s new spokesperson

Comelec acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Saidamen Pangarungan designated John Rex Laudiangco as acting spokesperson of the poll body effective immediately.

Laudiangco is a director of the Comelec Law Department.

“You are hereby designated as Acting Spokesperson of the Commission, effective immediately. You shall report directly to Commissioner George Erwin M. Garcia, the Commissioner-in-Charge (CIC) on Public Information and Education,” Laudiangco’s appointment paper reads.

James Jimenez was relieved from being the Comelec’s spokesperson but will remain as chief of the Comelec Education and Information Department.

“I offer him my heartiest congratulations and wish him all the best,” Jimenez said in a tweet.the

Dir. John Rex Laudiangco has just been designated Spokesperson of the Commission. I offer him my heartiest congratulations and wish him all the best. #VoteSafePilipinas

— James Jimenez (@jabjimenez) May 6, 2022

Earlier, Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay has recommended the temporary relief of Jimenez and Director Frances Arabe “from any functions involving media relations and exposure” following the troubles hounding the presidential and vice-presidential debate organized by the poll body.

READ: Jimenez, other Comelec execs asked to explain roles in debate mess

The presidential and vice-presidential town hall debates, initially slated on April 23 and 24, were reset to a later date after a Comelec partner allegedly failed to pay a hotel venue of the event.

But the rescheduled dates also did not push through as the Comelec decided to instead hold a panel interview, considering the schedules of participating national candidates.

KGA