MANILA, Philippines — Losing candidates in the May 2025 midterm elections may now be appointed to any government position after a one-year appointment ban, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia said on Wednesday.
This follows broadcaster Ramon Tulfo’s claim that Benhur Abalos will take his oath as the new Justice secretary next week, based on sources, though this remains unconfirmed.
Abalos resigned as Interior secretary last year to run for the Senate but lost the election.
READ: Comelec reminder: 1-year gov’t appointment ban for losing candidates
When asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can now appoint candidates who lost in the 2025 elections to any government position, Garcia answered in the affirmative.
“The candidates who lost in the 2025 national and local elections can now be appointed starting today,” Garcia told reporters via message.
Garcia cited Section 6, Article 9(b) of the 1987 Constitution, which states that “no candidate who lost in the election shall, within one year after such election, be appointed to any office in the Government or any government-owned or controlled corporations or in any of their subsidiaries.”
“This is to prevent abuse of the power of appointment and to ensure equal opportunity for public service,” he added.
Asked if the end of the one-year appointment ban could open the door for Cabinet appointments, Garcia said that “appointment is always a prerogative of the appointing authority, subject only to the limitations provided by law.”
READ: Palace says no update yet on possible cabinet revamp
Days after last year’s midterm elections, Garcia explained that the one-year appointment ban on any government position is meant to prevent losing candidates from being seen as receiving a “reward” or “patronage,” and to avoid its use as an excuse for abuse of power.
Meanwhile, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Tuesday said there was still no information from Marcos on alleged changes in the Cabinet lineup involving some of its members.
This follows speculation that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo, and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma would be replaced.
Aguda has denied the allegations. /mcm
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