Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rey Bulay has formally sought the suspension and temporary relief of spokesperson James Jimenez and director Frances Arabe following the controversy over the cancelled poll debates.
In a statement released to the media on Friday, April 29, the Comelec said the task force tasked to investigate the issue, led by Bulay himself, has “recommended that Directors James Jimenez and Frances Arabe be temporarily relieved from any functions involving media relations and exposure.”
“To continue the duties of Directors Jimenez and Arabe in the Education and Information Department (EID), it was recommended that temporary replacements be designated,” the statement added.
The poll body became the subject of controversy last week after it cancelled the second leg of the town hall vice presidential and presidential debates originally scheduled for April 23 and 24.
This was later moved to April 30 and May 1, but ultimately changed to a panel interview format.
Jimenez and Arabe, it appears, are at the center of the controversy for their alleged role in the failure of its partner, Impact Hub Manila, to fully settle their financial obligation to Sofitel Garden Plaza, the original venue of the debates.
In the same statement, Bulay said they have submitted their recommendation to Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan for consideration.
“Albeit, to prevent disruption in the essential election operations, the elections being a few days away, Director Jimenez and Arabe were recommended to continue other functions under the supervision of their committee heads,” the statement added.
So far, only four candidates – two presidential and two vice presidential – have confirmed their attendance to the panel interview organized by Comelec and the Kapisanan ng Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KPB), according to Commissioner George Garcia.
Garcia, however, refused to disclose the names of these four candidates.
As of Friday, Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Leni Robredo have already declined the invitation due to other commitments.
The pre-taped interviews will be aired on May 2 and May 6. The national election will be held on May 9.