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COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Jose Melo
does not have to apologize for assuming his job at his Intramuros
office. He has urgent work to do. The commission needs a leader who
can whip it into shape and push the reforms Filipinos need to give
their government and the election system the respect these
institutions deserve.
The chairman was defensive on his
assumption the other day. He was worried that he was taking over
without congressional confirmation. He reassured the senators that
he had submitted all the papers required by the Commission on
Appointments. He did not want to appear as if he was thrusting
himself into an office that has remained leaderless for some time.
Melo was in fact appointed
chairman two months ago. But he said he would not take his oath
until the CA officially confirmed him. The senators and the
congressmen inhabiting the appointments body took their time, as
they were wont to do. They did not schedule the nominee for a
hearing during the regular session. The senators were busy acting
like private investigators. The congressmen were often traveling at
taxpayers’ expense.
So President Arroyo had to
reappoint the former justice. But Congress had to take its Lenten
break for the members to enjoy their summer vacation. Chairman Melo
again cooled his heels until a Comelec director, the latest in a
line of victims, was shot and killed by two gunmen in the vicinity
of the Palacio del Gobernador Building that houses the Comelec
offices.
Melo’s previous appointment was
generally hailed, except for the critics and members of the
opposition who thought he would reincarnate former Comelec executive
Virgilio Garcillano. Melo’s work in the judiciary was considered
outstanding. His career had never been tainted by corruption. He is
a senior citizen but age has not slowed down his mind and body. He
said he stands for an honest commission and an upright election
system.
The chairman does not need
critics or criticisms at this time. He needs encouragement and
support. The Comelec needs a thorough overhaul, from staff to
systems. The commission, sad to say, has historically been
identified with corruption. Instead of being hailed as protector of
the vote, it is perceived as the instrument of dishonest
politicians, dirty election practices and a morally bankrupt
electoral process.
The nation is divided and shall
remain divided because most elections are generally perceived as
rotten and the results questionable. This division on Election Day
ripples on to many towns, provinces and regions, which partly
explains the unending wave of political murders, frustrated killings
and political partisanship.
Many are the Filipinos who have
insulated themselves from politics and the political life—from
active citizenship—because of disappointment with the election
system and cynicism over the trustworthiness of the public servants
entrusted with ensuring honest polls.
Chairman Melo’s first priority
is safeguarding the independence of the Comelec from the
politicians—from the importunings and meddling of the presidential
palace, the senators, congressmen, local officials, bureaucrats,
campaign financiers and political kingmakers.
The national registration list is
crying for a thorough review and cleansing.
The system of casting ballots,
counting votes, summing up results and relaying them to the public
remains in the Stone Age. “Dagdag-bawas” (padding or subtracting
votes) darkened the last national and local elections. Fewer than a
thousand Filipinos could probably say they have been issued a
voter’s ID card.
Chairman Melo has inherited
decades of promises, neglect and mismanagement. He carries a world
of challenges on his shoulders. If his fellow commissioners and his
coworkers give him even half the support he needs, he could give
Philippine elections a good name. Let the man do his job.
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