Palace vows to fill up vacancies at Comelec before appointment ban

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has yet to fill up the vacant seats at the Commission on Elections following the retirement of two commissioners, but his deputy spokesperson said Monday that the replacements would be made soon. A report on Radyo Inquirer 990AM said deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte has assured that the vacancies will be filled up before the appointment ban. Two seats at the Comelec are now vacant following the retirement of commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Armando Velasco. Malacañang has announced new government appointees to key positions but made no mention on the vacancies at the poll body. John Daryl Dimalanta