Push Admin

Duterte picks another frat brother as new Comelec commissioner

Article (news)

Jauhn Etienne Villaruel, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Rey Bulay FB page Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/life/11/11/20211111-rey-bulay.jpg"/><figcaption>President Rodrigo Duterte has nominated lawyer Rey Bulay, his fraternity brother, to fill up one of the 4 vacancies in the Comelec&#x27;s 7-man en banc. Lex Talionis Fraternitas&#x27; <em>FB page/Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA <strong>(UPDATE) </strong>— President Rodrigo Duterte has nominated lawyer Rey Bulay, his fraternity brother, to fill up one of the 4 vacancies in the Commission on Elections&#x27; (Comelec) 7-man en banc.</p><p>Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a statement that Duterte has approved the nomination of Bulay as a new commissioner in the poll body. </p><p>&quot;We are confident that Atty. Bulay will ensure the conduct of honest, orderly, credible and peaceful elections,&quot; Roque said. </p><p>If appointed, Bulay will serve as commissioner until February 2, 2027. </p><p>Bulay, a graduate of San Beda Law and member of Lex Talionis Fraternitas just like Duterte, previously served as commissioner of ​Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG). He was later appointed as Manila’s chief prosecutor.</p><div><script src="https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&amp;version=v2.5" async="" type="text/javascript"></script></div><div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/sodalitasducumfuturorum/posts/698552670712695" data-width="auto"> </div><p>Bulay will have to go through the Commission on Appointments before he can officially sit as Comelec commissioner. </p><p>In a statement, poll watchdog Kontra Daya said Bulay has no clear track record on election lawyering and advocacy. </p><p>&quot;That he is a fellow Bedan is clear but his track record in election lawyering and advocacy is not. Being a Muntinlupa councilor (1988-1998; 2007-2010) also does not make him qualified to be part of Comelec,&quot; Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao said.</p><p>According to Arao, Bulay&#x27;s appointment demonstrates Duterte&#x27;s pattern of putting &quot;yes people&quot; in the poll body.</p><p>&quot;Duterte apparently wants a Comelec composed of &#x27;yes people&#x27; based on past and current choices of commissioners,&quot; Arao said.</p><p>By February 2022, Comelec will be left with commissioners Soccoro Inting, Marlon Casquejo, and Aimee Ferolino, all Duterte appointees, and all from Davao City.</p><p>Watchdogs and civil society groups have raised concerns over the implication of Duterte&#x27;s appointments to the Comelec ahead of the May 2022 elections, with one legal expert suggesting &quot;public vetting.&quot;</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/25/21/public-vetting-of-comelec-appointments-sought">Public vetting of &#x27;game-changer&#x27; Comelec appointments sought</a></li></ul>

Bulay will have to go through the Commission on Appointments before he can officially sit as Comelec commissioner. 

Duterte picks another frat brother as new Comelec commissioner

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

News

Duterte picks another frat brother as new Comelec commissioner

Jauhn Etienne Villaruel,

ABS-CBN News

Published November 11, 2021 07:56 PM PHT

|

Updated November 11, 2021 11:13 PM PHT

Read More:

Comelec

Commission on Elections

halalan 2022

halalan2022

halalan2022

commissioners

Rey Bulay

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.