Palace says Comelec chief is competent and objective

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Friday vouched for the competence and objectivity of Commission on Elections chairman Sixto Brillantes after the camp of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called for Brillantes’ resignation for allegedly prejudging the election fraud charges against the former chief executive.

“I think Chairman Brillantes is a fully qualified election lawyer. He’s very, very competent. He will go through the report I’m sure without subjectivity,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.

“The test of any complaint to be filed will be based on the evidence, both oral and testimonial, before their body. He is again in a better position to determine whether a case should be filed or not,” Lacierda added.