Comelec picks Jimenez replacement as spokesman

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has appointed COMELEC Law Department Director John Rex C. Laudiangco as acting spokesman while his predecessor, James B. Jimenez, is undergoing an investigation. 

COMELEC Chairman Saidamen B. Pangarungan told Laudiangco through a one-page memorandum: “You shall report directly to Commissioner George M. Garcia, the Commission-in-Charge (CIC)on Public Information and Education.” 

Laudiangco said in a brief statement, “I look forward to working with all of you towards the success of our elections.” 

Garcia described Laudiangco as one of the “best senior staff of the Commission.” 

He said Jimenez will still remain as the director of the Comelec Education and Information Department (EID). 

Jimenez said, “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.” 

Comelec Commissioner Rey E. Bulay earlier recommended the suspension of Jimenez and his deputy EID director, Frances A. Arabe for their involvement in the PiliPinas 2022 Debates blunder. 

In his preliminary investigation, Bulay said “reasonable cause to commence a formal fact-finding and administrative disciplinary investigation” against both officials.