Ex-DOJ chief to head ERCMANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has appointed Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Sheriff Abas as the poll body’s new chief while former justice secretary Agnes Devanadera has been named chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). A nephew of Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, Abas was named Comelec commissioner by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2015. It was not the first time a Comelec commissioner was promoted to Comelec chair. In 1989, then President Corazon Aquino appointed Comelec commissioner Haydee Yorac as poll chief. “I sincerely hope newly appointed Comelec chief Sheriff Abas will safeguard this foundation of democracy by exercising his duties with impartiality and prudence,” Gatchalian said.

Source: Philippine Star November 24, 2017 16:07 UTC