Another lawyer with a background on information technology (IT) joined the ranks of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as one of its commissioners.
In a news statement issued on Monday, Comelec Chairman Sheriff M. Abas lauded the nomination of Michael Braganza Peloton to become one of their commissioners, replacing Comelec commissioner Luie Tito F. Guia, who retired last February.
Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea informed Comelec about Peloton’s nomination last Thursday. Peloton previously served as a board member of the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
“Commissioner Peloton is a timely addition to the Commission en banc as his vast experience in the field of law and information technology will highly contribute in our thrust to further improve and revolutionize our electoral processes,” Abas said.
Among Comelec’s incumbent commissioners, only Comelec commissioner Marlon Casquejo, who is a lawyer and computer engineer by profession, has a background on IT.
Comelec has already started its preparation for the automated 2022 National and Local Elections.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez explained since Peloton’s new designation was made during the regular session of Congress, he must first gain the approval of the Commission on Appointments.
“He can’t assume office immediately. He must first be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments,” Jimenez said.
“Contrast this with an ad interim appointment, which is made while Congress is not in session. Such an appointee can immediately assume office, subject to subsequent confirmation by the CA,” he added.