Arthur Lim confirmed as Comelec commissioner

Without objections, the nomination of former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Arthur Lim as Comelec commissioner was finally confirmed by the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday.

CA's confirmation of Lim's nomination to the poll body went through smoothly as there were no objections from the plenary session, unlike in 2014 when it was met by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago's opposition.

After his confirmation, Lim told reporters that he thanked President Benigno Aquino III for “giving me the opportunity to serve our people.”

“I’m very humbled, I’ll really do my best, wala akong maipapangako, I’ll just do my best in the Comelec,” he added.

Asked if he has talked with Santiago before his confirmation, Lim said he tried to reach out to the senator, but he did not say anyting about the result of his effort.

“Wala na yun. That is a thing of the past at nagpapasalamat lang ako na na-confirm na ako ngayon… Wala namang away at saka hindi ako dapat makipag-away dahil nirerespeto ko siya at itinuturing na isang matalik na kaibigan at nirerespeto bilang leader ng ating bansa,” he said.

Pressed further on the result of his reaching out to the senator, Lim said, “Huwag na lang nating pag-usapan. Hindi ko na kailangan sagutin pa yan, ang importante na-confirm na po ako."

Moreover, he said, "Kung ipaubaya ninyo ang concentration at focus ko ay sa public service at sana matupad ko yung aking hangarin na makatulong diyan sa Comelec para ang 2016 elections hindi lang malinis kundi credible dapat at tatanggapin ng mga kababayan natin.”  

Lim and Santiago both belonged to the University of the Philippines College of Law batch 1969, together with Senate President Franklin Drilon, who is the chairman of the CA.

During the impeachment trial of former Chief Justice Renato Corona in January 2012, Santiago scolded and even threatened to disqualify then-private prosecutor Lim for supposedly raising questions about her authority.

As Comelec commissioner, Lim’s term will be until February 2, 2018.

President Aquino appointed Lim in July 2014, to replace former Commissioner Grace Padaca, whose interim appointment expired on June 11, 2014. — LBG, GMA News