Comelec chief to face more raps

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the group Automated Elections System (AES) Watch will file a separate case with the Office of the Ombudsman today to investigate Commission on Elections (Comelec) officials led by Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. for alleged violation of the automated elections law.

The group expects the supplemental case to serve as a basis for the filing of an impeachment complaint against the incumbent Comelec officials.

Last week, AES Watch, led by former vice president Teofisto Guingona Jr. and whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., filed charges against former Comelec officials led by retired chairman Jose Melo for the same offense.    

Among those charged were former commissioners Rene Sarmiento, Nicodemo Ferrer, Armando Velasco and Leonardo Leonida; former directors Jose Tolentino Jr. and  Bartolome Sinocruz Jr.; consultant Renato Garcia, and technical evaluation committee members Denis Villorente, Ferdinand  de Leon and Reynaldo  Sy.

Also named respondents were officials of Smartmatic led by its president for Asia-Pacific Cesar Flores.

The group said former and incumbent poll officials failed or refused to implement the safeguards in the law and entered into contracts grossly disadvantageous to the government and the electorate.