3 Comelec execs back Tancangco

Three commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have expressed full support for their beleaguered colleague Luzviminda Tancangco, whom they called a victim of a "well-funded campaign to oust her by way of impeachment in Congress."

Commissioners Rufino Javier, Ralph Lantion and Mehol Sadain also said it was not Tancangco who has caused the discord wracking the poll body, but its chairman, Alfredo Benipayo, with his failure to observe long-standing rules.

They said Benipayo’s faulty decision-making and procedures, intellectual dishonesty and chronic arrogance had prompted them to oppose his confirmation at the Commission on Appointments, where he has been bypassed eight times.

The commissioners claimed that the move by the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) to push for Tancangco’s impeachment at the House of Representatives was part of a smear campaign aimed at blunting the impact of their opposition to Benipayo’s confirmation.

They pointed out that Namfrel national chairman Jose Concepcion admitted in a radio interview that Benipayo had been his recommendee for the Comelec top post even during the Estrada administration.

"We wish to express our whole-hearted support for and belief in Commissioner Tancangco. She has been diligent and capable in the performance of her duties. All her actions have been consistent with the highest standards of service to the public," they said.

Javier, Lantion and Sadain, who comprise the majority, vowed to continue to perform their duty to the people and maintain the independence of the Comelec as a constitutional body.

"We must have people within the Commission imbued with a spirit of selflessness, intellectual honesty and democratic cooperation, Otherwise, we will continue to be hampered in addressing matters of vital importance," they said. – Sandy Araneta