The Senate confirmed last month the nomination of Jose L. Itibus to serve another four years on the Commonwealth Election Commission although he has a pending criminal case.
But the 54-year-old Itibus who has been serving as election commissioner since 1998 wasn’t sworn-in by the governor.
The governor said he didn’t know that Itibus has a pending criminal case, adding, he renominated him because he’s been serving the commission for the longest time.
Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said there is no problem with Itibus’ case anymore because he did not take his oath of office.
But he said Itibus did not resign and the governor has not exercised his legal options to invalidate his nomination.
“It’s a moot issue because he hasn’t been sworn-in,” he told the Variety.
Even without Itibus, the commission still has a quorum because there are eight commissioners on board.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes, R-Saipan, said the law setting required documents that political appointees must submit should be amended to include a police clearance.
The current law on appointments only requires them to submit copies of their resumés, financial statement and drug test receipt.
