Brillantes Stays as COMELEC Chief

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes announced yesterday that he would not push through resignation from the poll body.

In a report, Brillantes said he would not leave his position in the Comelec as the poll body prepares for the upcoming midterm national and local elections in May 13.

However, he could not tell if he’s going to sit in the office until his term in 2015 or just stay until the May 2013 poll is over. Reports said that he intends to make his final plans after the elections.

The advice from his family, President Aquino and Vice President Jejomar Binay made him decide on staying on to his post. Also, he mentioned in a report about not wanting to give his enemies the pleasure of seeing him step down.

Malacañang commended Brillantes for his decision of staying at the poll body.

United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) extend its relief on the matter. According to UNA campaign manager Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Brillantes decision would prevent disruption in the poll body’s preparations given that there’s only three weeks left before the midterm elections.

UNA candidates also said that with the election fast approaching, it’s too late to implement leadership changes in the poll body.

The threat on the poll chief quitting started last April 16 when the Supreme Court(SC) issued a temporary restraining order which stops the poll body from implementing the new television and radio airtime limits of candidates. It is said that that was the fourth setback of the Comelec from the SC.

Sources: philstar.com, abs-cbnnews.com, manilatimes.net