Duterte names Commissioner Abas as new poll chief

Photo from Comelec website

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a Commission on Elections (Comelec) insider as the new poll chief.

According to the appointment paper dated November 22 and released to the press on Friday, Duterte appointed Comelec commissioner Sheriff Abas, who would serve the Comelec until February 2022.

Abas replaced impeached election chief, Andres Bautista.

Bautista was impeached by the House of Representatives in October over allegations of unexplained wealth as exposed by his estranged wife, Patricia Bautista.

Abas’ appointment is subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Abas has been appointed to the Comelec by former President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2015, and was confirmed by the CA a year later.

He is a nephew of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Mohagher Iqbal.

Prior to his service at the Comelec, Abas served as assistant acting regional director of the Civil Service Commission in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.         /kga