Comelec chief Brillantes’ appointment blocked anew before CA

Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes and Director Ferdinand Rafanan. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – An official of the Commission on Elections on Wednesday faced the powerful Commission on Appointments to block the appointment of Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes.

It was the second time that Director Ferdinand Rafanan, head of the Comelec’s planning development, attended the hearing of the committee on constitutional commissions and offices but was not allowed to present his opposition during its last hearing on September 14.

No less than Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, the chairman of the commission, opposed the affidavit filed by Rafanan against Brillantes, questioning its late submission.

In his affidavit, Rafanan accused Brillantes of violating the anti-graft and corrupt practices act by favoring those involved in the P690 million ballot secrecy folder scam, and of illegally removing and transferring him to the joint committee of the Comelec and Department of Justice, which was created to investigate the alleged poll fraud in 2004, among others.