Solon files CA opposition vs Comelec execs

Rep. Prospero Pichay Jr. (Lakas, Surigao del Sur) formally lodged with the Commission on Appointments yesterday his opposition to the confirmation of Chairman Alfredo Benipayo and Commissioner Resurreccion Borra of the Commission on Elections.

In an affidavit, Pichay said the two officials have "failed to demonstrate their leadership, vision and administrative ability in handling the official affairs of the Comelec."

Meanwhile, Sen. Blas Ople warned yesterday that Congress will take drastic action against warring officials of the Comelec should they refuse to end internal conflicts.

The other day, leaders of the House and the Senate decided to meet with Comelec officials led by Chairman Benipayo on Monday as they expressed grave concern over the "paralysis" at the poll body.

"We will tell them that Congress is not helpless or powerless to do something. If they cannot get their act together, we can declare a law declaring all seats in the Commission vacant," Ople said.

Pichay said since Benipayo and Borra assumed office, "the Comelec has spun into gridlock and paralysis and even outright hostility and conflict between two opposing camps, thereby causing heavy damage to the public trust and loss of faith in the present Comelec’s ability to ensure clean and honest elections."

He was referring to the group of Benipayo, Borra and Commissioner Florentino Tuason Jr. which has been feuding with four other commissioners – Luzviminda Tancangco, Rufino Javier, Mehol Sadain, and Ralph Lantion – on policy and administrative matters.

The four have also filed an opposition to the confirmation of their Comelec boss.

Pichay said Benipayo and Borra "have totally ignored the collegiality of the Comelec, thus creating anarchy within the Comelec as a constitutional body."

He said the poll body has to protect its integrity so it can earn the respect of the public in general and candidates for public office in particular.

Congressional leaders led by Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. are scheduled to meet with Comelec officials on Monday to try to mediate their differences.

De Venecia said the poll body cannot effectively conduct future elections if it remains fractious as it is now.

For his part, Ople, a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, expressed the belief that Congress has the power to reorganize even constitutional offices as long as the reason is not to undermine their independence. — With Efren Danao