New Comelec exec must have no IT links–PPCRV

MANILA, Philippines—The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) wants an open-minded person who has no affiliation with an information technology firm to be appointed to the seven-member Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The PPCRV on Friday came up with a tentative list of traits the replacement of former Commissioner Augusto “Gus” Lagman should have after Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes Jr. said the election body preferred a woman who is both a lawyer and an Information Technology (IT) expert.

Malacañang did not renew the ad interim appointment of Lagman, an IT expert who had openly opposed the Comelec’s decision to purchase the voting machines used in the automated 2010 presidential elections for next year’s midterm balloting.

Without a new appointment, Lagman cannot continue serving at the Comelec.

PPCRV chair Henrietta de Villa said Lagman’s replacement should not have any relationship with any IT companies and must be independent.

“[It must be] someone who doesn’t always oppose things because it’s going to be difficult if the person appointed has strong biases [because] you carry your bias with you when you are appointed,” De Villa told reporters.

De Villa also said Malacañang should appoint someone who has good management skills and must be knowledgeable about the law.