De Lima, MMDA chief eyed for Comelec

MANILA, Philippines - Talks are rife in the halls of the Commission on Elections that Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino is a possible replacement for outgoing Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr.

Comelec sources said Tolentino is being considered by Malacañang to replace Brillantes when he retires in February 2015 together with Commissioners Lucenito Tagle and Elias Yusoph.

Also being eyed as Comelec chief, sources said, is Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, who was an election lawyer before joining the government. Tolentino specialized in public international law.

Former President Corazon Aquino appointed Tolentino as officer-in-charge mayor of Tagaytay City from 1986 to 1987 during the transition period after the first people power revolution.

Tolentino then became Tagaytay City mayor for three consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004.

Yesterday, Brillantes again played Santa Claus to the children of Comelec employees during the agency’s Christmas party.

Wearing a Santa costume, he made the rounds of Comelec offices to the delight of children who received cash gifts from him.

“Seeing the children happy also makes me happy. So I’m really looking forward to playing this role,” he said.

The celebration was also highlighted by the Ms. Comelec competition and the singing contest, the Voice Comelec Edition.