Comelec suspends 6 poll execs over overpriced folder deal

Comelec suspends 6 poll execs over overpriced folder deal By Kristine L. Alave Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 23:45:00 07/29/2010 MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended six poll officials involved in the... More

Comelec suspends 6 poll execs over overpriced folder deal By Kristine L. Alave Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 23:45:00 07/29/2010 MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended six poll officials involved in the P700-million ballot secrecy folder scam following the Office of the Ombudsman s recommendation. Comelec chairman Jose Melo said on Thursday the en banc has signed a resolution suspending executive director Jose Tolento as well as members of the Bids and Awards Committee, namely Ma. Leah Alarkon, Allen Francis Abaya, Ma. Norina Casingal, Martin Niedo, and Antonio Santella, starting today (Friday). “Suspension will be effective tomorrow (Friday, July 30),” said Melo in an interview. Of the seven members of the en banc, only Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer declined to sign the resolution ordering the six s suspension, the poll chief said. Ferrer, Melo said, argued for the deferment of the suspension order until the filing of an appeal by the co Less