Comelec chief still awaiting confirmation

A year after being appointed to his position by President Arroyo, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Alfredo Benipayo remains hopeful his appointment would be confirmed soon.

Benipayo has been bypassed four times by the Commission on Appointments (CA). The congressional body has yet to even schedule a hearing for him or for other commissioners of the Comelec.

Benipayo’s chief executive assistant, lawyer Caridad Walse-Lutero, said they hope the confirmation takes place before Congress adjourns in June.

"This is so he can give his full attention to running the Comelec," Lutero said.

Right now, however, Benipayo remains a presidential appointee, running the poll body in an interim capacity.

Several lawsuits have already plagued Benipayo since his appointment, including a taxpayer’s complaint in connection with the purchase of a service vehicle as well as unauthorized reimbursements.

However, Ombudsman Aniano Desierto eventually dismissed the complaints.

Lutero noted that Benipayo’s stint at the Comelec has been marked by substantial reforms, particularly in the area of modernization.

"Since assuming office, the chairman has been reviving the Comelec’s modernization plan. It was only when he took over the modernization committee that the chances of having automated elections in 2004 became more apparent," she said.