LONGTIME spokesperson of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) James Jimenez has been replaced on Friday, three days before the national elections on Monday.
In a memorandum released by Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan, he designated Law Department director John Rex Laudiangco as the new acting spokesperson “effective immediately.”
Laudiangco replaces Jimenez, the longtime frontman of the poll body, amid his alleged involvement in the bungled presidential and vice presidential debates, which is now a subject of a separate probe led by Commissioner Rey Bulay.
Bulay earlier recommended the relief of Jimenez from his media duties pending the investigation.
According to Comelec commissioner George Garcia, the decision to replace Jimenez was at the “discretion” of Pangarungan.
“But the choice is a perfect one. Dir. Laudiangco is one of the best senior staffs of the Commission. Talented, promising and a bearer of truth,” Garcia said.
In a statement, Jimenez said he would continue to serve Comelec “as faithfully as I have these past 18 years.”
“I heartily congratulate Director John Rex Laudiangco on his designation as Spokesperson of the Commission, and wish him all the best. For my part, I shall continue to serve as faithfully as I have these past 18 years, with due deference to the will and wisdom of the Commission,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez remains as director of the Comelec’s Education and Information Department.
metrosundaily
