Davao survey executive sworn in as interim Comelec commissioner

MANILA – The Davao del Norte provincial electoral supervisor has been sworn in as an interim member of the Elections Commission, Comelec said on Friday.

The electoral body said Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio was sworn in as interim commissioner on December 23, for a term that expires on February 2, 2027.

An interim appointment is one made while Congress is in recess and takes effect immediately, Comelec said.

“His appointment, however, still requires the confirmation of the Appointments Commission (CA) as mandated by the Constitution,” added the electoral body.

Congress adjourned on December 19.

Ampoloquio was omitted by the CA during its confirmation hearing on December 16 pending the presentation of documents that support its Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Equity.

The former Davao survey executive said she hopes to build new Comelec offices in the Davao region, particularly in Davao del Norte.

“In my opinion, one of the many benefits of having our own office buildings, especially field offices, is having the ability to perform a more efficient voter registration process,” Ampoloquio said in a Comelec statement.

“For the benefit of the public we serve, I hope to contribute to enhancing their experience of that crucial first step in exercising their right to vote, by providing them with a more suitable and pleasant venue,” he added.

In September, Duterte appointed another Davao native, Michael Peloton, to Comelec.

Polling regulator Kontra Daya had previously expressed concern that Comelec was being dominated by Duterte appointees.

The appointments come as Comelec prepares for the 2022 national elections.