LAWYER Jordan Pizarras, candidate for Representative of the First District of Bohol formally sought the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to reassign Bohol Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Eliseo Labaria.
Pizarras, a candidate for Representative of Bohol’s First District under Aksyon Demokratiko, emphasized that Labaria has occupied the position since 2010, raising concerns about impartiality in the upcoming elections.
“COMELEC should consider reassigning him to another post,” Pizarras stated, stressing the importance of neutrality in the electoral process.
In his letter, Pizarras urged COMELEC to uphold its mandate to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections by transferring Labaria. He suggested a reassignment or position swap with Atty. Jerome Brillantes, the provincial election officer of Cebu, or another suitable official.
“The power of COMELEC to reshuffle election officers is an inherent part of its constitutional duty,” Pizarras argued. “It serves to reinforce the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.”
Citing legal grounds, Pizarras referenced the Omnibus Election Code (BP Blg. 881), which authorizes COMELEC to transfer personnel to enhance efficiency. He also highlighted Section 44 of Republic Act No. 8189 (Voter’s Registration Act of 1996), which limits the tenure of election officers in a specific city or municipality to four years, mandating their reassignment to a different congressional district thereafter.
“This provision exists to safeguard the neutrality of election officers and to prevent undue familiarity with local political figures,” Pizarras explained. “While it explicitly pertains to city and municipal election officers, the same principle should logically apply to provincial officers as well.”
He further underscored that reassignments are crucial for: Preventing potential bias between election officials and political candidates. Addressing service demands efficiently.
Ensuring impartiality in the electoral process ahead of elections. Pizarras pointed out that aside from a brief reassignment to Negros Oriental in 2023—when Labaria temporarily switched roles with Eddie Aba during the barangay elections—Labaria has remained in Bohol for over a decade.
He warned that keeping Labaria in his position could lead to perceptions of bias in favor of incumbent officials. If COMELEC declines his request, Pizarras is prepared to file a petition before the Supreme Court to force the Election Supervisor’s Reassignment. (PR)
