Comelec execs recommended for relief over debate row

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay recommended the temporary relief of Directors James Jimenez and Frances Arabe from their posts due to the controversy that led to the cancellation of the presidential and vice presidential debates.

The recommendation aims to ensure an impartial investigation into the debates debacle, with temporary replacements to be designated for their roles in media relations and exposure.

However, to avoid disrupting essential election operations with the elections nearing, Jimenez and Arabe were advised to continue other functions under supervision.

Jimenez also serves as the poll body's spokesperson, and the recommendation has been submitted to Comelec chairman Saidamen Pangarungan for review.

A formal fact-finding and administrative disciplinary probe is set to commence following preliminary findings by Task Force PiliPinas Debates 2022, which found reasonable cause to investigate the matter.