Duterte taps ex-Marcos lawyer for Comelec.

President Rodrigo Duterte has recently appointed a new commissioner for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and it has raised eyebrows among the public. The new commissioner is none other than Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, a known supporter of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos and a former lawyer for the Marcos family.

Many are questioning the wisdom of Duterte’s decision to appoint someone with such a controversial background to a position that requires impartiality and integrity. Topacio’s association with the Marcoses, who are accused of massive human rights violations and corruption during their regime, has raised concerns about his ability to perform his duties without bias.

However, Duterte defended his choice, saying that Topacio is a competent lawyer who has the necessary qualifications for the job. He also pointed out that Topacio has been practicing law for over 30 years and has handled various cases, including election-related ones.

Topacio himself has also defended his appointment, saying that he will uphold the law and the Constitution and will not let his personal beliefs and affiliations affect his work. He also emphasized that his past association with the Marcoses should not be a hindrance to his appointment, as he has already proven his competence and professionalism as a lawyer.

Despite these assurances, many are still skeptical about Topacio’s appointment and are calling for transparency and accountability in the selection process for government officials. They argue that the public deserves to know the criteria and standards used in choosing candidates for important positions, especially those that involve the integrity of the electoral process.

The appointment of Atty. Ferdinand Topacio as a Comelec commissioner is a controversial move that highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government appointments. While Topacio may have the necessary qualifications for the job, his past association with the Marcoses raises concerns about his impartiality and integrity. It is up to him to prove that he can perform his duties without bias and uphold the law and the Constitution, regardless of his personal beliefs and affiliations.