MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang yesterday advised groups opposed to the appointment of lawyer Arthur Lim as commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to file their complaints before the Commission on Appointments (CA).
Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run dzRB that Lim’s appointment will still be scrutinized by senators and congressmen comprising the powerful bicameral screening body.
Those who have issues regarding his appointment will have enough time to air their concerns, Coloma said.
Lim, one of the private prosecutors in the impeachment trial of former chief justice Renato Corona in 2012, is a veteran shipping lawyer and closely associated with Senate President Franklin Drilon, a stalwart of President Aquino’s ruling Liberal Party.
Meanwhile, Coloma refused to answer issues describing Lim’s appointment as a “reward” for helping in Corona’s impeachment trial.
Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes, who is set to retire in February 2015, said on Saturday that Lim has replaced Commissioner Grace Padaca, whose interim appointment was not renewed by Aquino when it expired last June 11.
“We got his appointment papers and I think he will be coming to Comelec on Monday. He has taken his oath,” Brillantes said.
He, however, could not discuss the tasks awaiting Lim.
Brillantes said he wanted to talk to Lim first, but he believes the new commissioner will be an asset to the Comelec.
“He used to be the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and that means you are a good lawyer,” he said. – With Mayen Jaymalin