President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed lawyer Noli Pipo as the newest commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Pipo’s appointment to the poll body in a text message to Palace reporters Monday.
This follows the designation of Comelec Law Department chief Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal as another new commissioner.
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.
Casingal replaces Commissioner Socorro Inting, who also retired from the service.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced the interim appointment of Casingal.
In a Viber message, Garcia said “We would like to announce the appointment of our new commissioner, Commissioner Norina Tangaro-Casingal.”
Casingal served as the director of the Comelec Legal Department prior to her appointment.
“We thank our honorable President because he immediately granted our appeal for him to appoint someone soon because of the upcoming elections,” Garcia said.
Earlier, Garcia said he wants the new commissioners come from within the ranks or Comelec “insiders” who know elections “like the back of their hands.”
“We also have a lot of young and competent practicing election lawyers who are as knowledgeable and experienced in the field of election law practice who could decide cases with full integrity and honesty,” the poll chairman said.
The President extended to her an interim appointment which will expire until February 2, 2032,» Garcia said in a press conference.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos names Tangaro-Casingal, Pipo as new Comelec commissioners.”