PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has renewed the appointment of Sheriff M. Abas as chair of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments (CA). The nomination of Mr. Abas, who was first appointed on Nov. 22, 2017 after former Comelec chair Andres D. Bautista resigned amid controversies and impeachment proceedings, was bypassed by the CA last year. Based on the new appointment papers released by the Palace on Wed., Jan. 17, Mr. Abas, who was among the Comelec commissioners, will serve Mr. Bautista’s unexpired term until Feb. 2, 2022. The President signed the appointment papers of Mr. Abas last Tuesday, Jan. 16. — Arjay L. Balinbin
