Comelec’s Inting resigns as chair of firearms and security committee

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Socorro Inting has tendered her irrevocable resignation as chairman of the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Concerns (CBFSC) “in protest” to a decision giving Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan the power to grant gun ban exemptions and place areas under Comelec’s control.

“I cannot in good conscience continue to remain as CBFSC chairperson when this position has already been made inutile due to the enactment of Comelec Resolution No. 10777. In protest, I hereby irrevocably resign as CBFSC chairperson effective immediately,” Inting said.

The Comelec Resolution No. 10777 was promulgated on April 6, amending the Comelec Resolution Nos. 10728 and 10757 aimed at recalibrating the rules and regulation on the election gun ban and to simplify the grant and exemptions of the election gun ban.

Among those who voted for Resolution No. 10777 were newly appointed Commissioners Rey Bulay, George Garcia and Aimee Neri along with Pangarungan, while Inting dissented or expressed reservations along with Commissioners Marlon Casquejo and Aimee Ferolino.

“I am a justice by heart than a Comelec commissioner. I will maintain a dignified silence. My resignation is a passive protest,” Inting said in a text message sent by her office to reporters last night.

Under the amended resolution, the Vice President and two detailed security personnel will be exempted from the gun ban along with the Senate President and senators, the Speaker, members of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice and the justices of the Supreme Court and two security details, and other court officials.

The full list of the exempted officials will be made available on the Comelec website.