Rappler
Inside the P14-M debate fiasco: Comelec probes longtime spokesman James Jimenez
Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay has recommended the temporary relief of Comelec spokesman James Jimenez and his deputy from media duties due to a P14-million debt incurred by their partner, Impact Hub Manila.
Jimenez and Frances Arabe were the Comelec's liaisons in the partnership with Impact Hub Manila, which failed to pay its debt to Sofitel, leading to the cancellation of the last two presidential and vice presidential debates.
Jimenez had previously assured Sofitel of payment, stating the Comelec would be the source of funding.
A leaked purchase request for Impact Hub Manila's services bore the signatures of Jimenez, Arabe, and Comelec Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan.
The Comelec is investigating Jimenez over the controversial partnership, which Commissioner George Garcia described as "embarrassing" and Commissioner Rey Bulay deemed "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous to the government."
Questions have been raised about why the Comelec chose Impact Hub, a seven-year-old start-up, over established media companies for the debates, especially since broadcast networks provided similar services for free in 2016.
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Commissioner George Garcia confirmed that James Jimenez remains the official spokesperson for the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled its final presidential and vice presidential debates due to scheduling conflicts among candidates.
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Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay acknowledged that the deal with debate contractor Impact Hub Manila is questionable, especially after the presidential and vice presidential town hall debates were canceled.
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Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner George Garcia explained that Chairman Saidamen Pangarungan may have wanted former spokesperson James Jimenez to "focus" on his role as director of the Education and Information Department.
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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.
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