Marcos Fills Comelec with Loyalists? Meet the 2 New Power Players Shaping PH Elections!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant development for the Philippines' electoral system, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed two seasoned insiders to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), completing its seven-member en banc ahead of the May 12 national and local elections. The new commissioners, Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal and Noli Rafol Pipo, bring decades of experience within the Comelec, promising continuity and expertise in the commission's operations.

Profiles of the New Commissioners

Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal has dedicated 27 years to the Comelec, culminating in her role as the head of the Legal Department since 2016. Her extensive legal background and deep understanding of election laws position her as a valuable asset to the commission. Upon her appointment, Tangaro-Casingal took her oath before Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia and will serve in the First Division alongside Commissioners Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio and Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. 

Noli Rafol Pipo's tenure with the Comelec spans 32 years, beginning as an election officer in Bangued, Abra, in 1993. He advanced to become the provincial election officer for Ilocos Sur in 1996 and later served as the regional director for Region 1. Pipo's extensive field experience provides him with a comprehensive perspective on the electoral process. He is set to take his oath on Wednesday and will join the Second Division with Commissioners Rey Bulay and Nelson Celis. 

Implications of the Appointments

The appointments of Tangaro-Casingal and Pipo fill the vacancies left by the recent retirements of Commissioners Socorro Inting and Marlon Casquejo, respectively. Their inclusion means that five of the seven Comelec commissioners are now appointees of President Marcos Jr., following his earlier appointments of Chairman Garcia, Commissioner Celis, and Commissioner Maceda in 2022. By February 2027, the entire Comelec en banc is expected to consist of Marcos appointees. 

Chairman Garcia expressed gratitude to the President for the timely appointments, emphasizing the importance of a complete commission in making decisive rulings, especially with the upcoming elections. He noted that having insiders as commissioners boosts the morale of Comelec personnel and ensures that the appointees are well-versed in the intricacies of the electoral process. 

Looking Ahead

With the en banc now complete, the Comelec is poised to intensify its preparations for the May 12 elections. The commission has already made significant progress, having printed approximately 13 million ballots as of early February, surpassing its initial daily target. The inclusion of experienced insiders like Tangaro-Casingal and Pipo is anticipated to enhance the commission's efficiency and effectiveness in overseeing the electoral process. 

The appointments underscore the administration's commitment to strengthening the country's democratic institutions by entrusting leadership roles to individuals with proven track records and deep institutional knowledge. As the nation approaches the midterm elections, the reinforced Comelec en banc is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.

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