Bulay filled the 7th commissioner post left vacant after Luie Tito Guia’s term ended in February 2020. He will also belong to the three-member second division tasked to handle the petitions to cancel the certificate of candidacy of presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 11) — President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Manila City Chief prosecutor Rey Bulay as Commission on Elections commissioner.
Malacañang confirmed the appointment on Thursday, saying Bulay’s term will expire on Feb. 2, 2027.
“We are confident that Atty. Bulay will ensure the conduct of honest, orderly, credible and peaceful elections,” said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.
Before becoming chief prosecutor, Bulay was a commissioner for the Presidential Commission on Good Governance.
He also served as Muntinlupa City councilor from 1988 to 1998 and from 2007 to 2010.
Like Duterte, Bulay was also a graduate of the San Beda College of Law.
Three more vacancies are expected in February next year – only three months before the national elections – when Chairman Sheriff Abas, and Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho, Jr. retire.
In a statement, Abas called the appointment “timely” as Comelec is in the middle of preparations for the May polls.
Comelec chairman Abas welcomes the nomination of Atty. Rey Bulay as a poll commissioner, saying it's a "timely addition" just six months away from the May 2022 national & local elections. @cnnphilippines pic.twitter.com/fWLZVMvVPi
— Melissa Luz Lopez (@meltlopez) November 11, 2021
