MANILA, Philippines–Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brilliantes Jr. is trying to convince Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to take his place as poll chief, the latter confirmed on Friday.
“He has been wooing me for the past weeks,” De Lima told reporters, adding that Brillantes had frequently brought up the subject.
Brillantes, who is set to retire in February, visited De Lima in her office at the Department of Justice (DOJ) late Thursday.
“My response remains the same. I don’t know yet what’s next for me after DOJ. I will take the cue from the President,” De Lima said.
Before her stint at the DOJ and the Commission on Human Rights, De Lima was an election lawyer.
Last year, De Lima hinted that she has no interest in taking the top Comelec post.
She said it was Brillantes who kept on pushing for her appointment in the Comelec: “I am pleased, but it’s not my wish.”
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