|
By William B. Depasupil Reporter
It seems that Jose “Joey” de
Venecia 3rd—the whistleblower in the controversial broadband
deal—has won over some admirers at the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Commissioner Resurrecion Borra
floated de Venecia’s name as a possible candidate to fill
vacancies in the seven-member constitutional body that manages
elections in the Philippines.
Borra is now officer in charge of
Comelec, because its previous chairman, Benjamin Abalos Sr.,
resigned amid controversies stemming from allegations that he
brokered the $330-million broadband deal that was given to ZTE Corp.
of China. Abalos’ main accuser is no other than Joey de Venecia,
son of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. Abalos has denied the charges
against him and vowed to file charges against his accusers.
Meanwhile at Tuesday’s Meet the
Press forum at the National Press Club, Borra said his term and that
of Commissioner Florentino Tuason ends on February 2, 2008. That
will leave three vacancies—since the Palace announced earlier it
will not name a replacement for Abalos.
He explained that while the
Constitution requires that the majority of commissioners should be
lawyers, there is room for two or three nonlawyers.
And since Comelec is heading
toward automation, in compliance with Republic Act 9369, Borra said,
“There should be a commissioner who is an expert in IT
[information technology] and with experience in project management
not only nationwide but global experience.”
The Comelec’s need for a
commissioner with IT expertise appears to be a tailor fit for Joey
de Venecia, Borra said, adding he was not necessarily endorsing the
young businessman.
The other possible candidates for
a Comelec appointment are all lawyers—Romulo Macalintal, Leila de
Lima, Dean Amado Valdez and former Senator Jose Lina.
“The more [names] there are
mentioned, the better because the public will be able to screen and
know their backgrounds and give either positive or negative
feedbacks on the very sensitive positions of chairman and
commissioner,” Borra said.
He refused to say if he has any
favorites, however. Borra said the ultimate appointing power is
President Gloria Arroyo. She’s the one who Joey de Venecia called,
“My President.”
|
