Comelec's Bulay wants Jimenez, subordinate relieved from posts over debates mess

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rey Bulay has recommended that Directors James Jimenez and Frances Arabe be relieved from their posts in connection with the controversy that led to the cancelation of the final presidential and vice presidential debates.

Jimenez and Arabe have functions involving media relations and exposure. The recommendation was to ensure an impartial investigation into the debates debacle.

“To continue the duties of Directors Jimenez and Arabe in the Education and Information Department (EID), it was recommended that temporary replacements be designated,” Bulay said in a statement on Friday.

“Albeit, to prevent disruption in the essential election operations, the elections being a few days away, Director Jimenez and Arabe were recommended to continue other functions under the supervision of their committee heads.” 

Jimenez also serves as the poll body's spokesperson.

The recommendation has been submitted to Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan for consideration.

Bulay said that after a discussion on the preliminary findings, the Task Force PiliPinas Debates 2022 has found reasonable cause to commence a formal fact-finding and administrative disciplinary probe on the matter.

The town hall debates — supposedly the final debates before the May 9 elections — were originally scheduled for April 23 and 24 but were moved to April 30 and May 1 before they were ultimately dropped in favor of a panel interview.

These developments stemmed from the alleged failure of Impact Hub Manila, Comelec's private partner for the debates, to fully pay Sofitel Garden Plaza for the services it rendered as the official venue of the previous debates.

Sought for comment, Arabe said she would abide and comply with the directive of Bulay.

"I am prepared to turn over my duties to the person he will choose.  In response to his directive dated April 22, I have duly submitted my explanation on the matter on April 25," Arabe said.

"As far as I can determine, all my actions have been aboveboard concerning the staging of presidential debates.  I respect the process and have faith in the fairness of the Commission En Banc," she added. —KBK/NB, GMA News