President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed a career official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as one of its commissioners.
In a press briefing at the poll body’s main office in Manila on Monday, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed the appointment of law department chief Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal as commissioner, replacing Socorro Inting who retired on February 2.
Casingal took her oath of office before Garcia on Monday. She has been with the poll body since 1997.
“We welcome the appointment of Commissioner Norie. She will officially start work at her new position today,” Garcia said.
Garcia is confident that the poll body’s preparations for the May 12 midterm elections will be boosted by Casingal’s appointment.
“Her expertise is on election laws. She is a senior lawyer of the commission. She’ll be a member of the First Division, joining presiding Commissioner Aimee Ferolino and Commissioner Ernesto Maceda (co-member),” he added.
Casingal thanked the President for her appointment.
“I was surprised when I went up to the office. They were the ones that received my appointment. I thank President Marcos Jr. for heeding the chairman’s request,” Casingal said.
“I will support all the Chairman’s projects and what will be good for the commission,” she added.
Tangaro-Casingal will serve as Comelec commissioner until February 2032.
Comelec Region 1 director appointed as commissioner
President Marcos has also appointed lawyer Noli Pipo as the newest commissioner of the Comelec.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Pipo’s appointment to the poll body in a text message to reporters on Monday.
Pipo, a seasoned election official, previously served as the regional director for Comelec in both Region 8 and Region 1.
His appointment fills the vacancy left by Commissioner Marlon Casquejo, who retired earlier this month. (PNA)