DAVAO CITY – “I was and until now still in a state of disbelief” says Davao del Norte provincial election supervisor, lawyer Aimee Ferolino-Ampoloquio on Friday.
The then rank-and-file employee of the Commission on Election in the first district of Davao City has been named by President Rodrigo Duterte as Commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said Ferolino-Ampoloquio would replace Al Parreño, who retired in February. “On behalf of the Commission on Elections, I am proud to announce that our very own Atty. Aimee P. Ferolino-Ampoloquio has been nominated by the Honorable President Rodrigo Roa Duterte as Commissioner for a term expiring on 02 February 2027, vice Al A. Parreño,” he said in a statement.
Abas said he is sure that with her vast experience, Ferolino-Ampoloquio will be an asset to the Commission. Ferolino Ampoloquio in an interview with Newsline said “I was surprised. I did not believe I even asked the chairman to furnish me the copy of my appointment”.
“I did not expect this appointment to come so soon, with the trust given to me, I will try my best in serving the republic, I fully understand what it takes to be a rank-andfile employee, I was one of them, I feel them,” she added.
Asked what must a rank-and-file employee do to reach the ladder, the new commissioner said, “Have faith, do your best in every task you are assigned to and always trust yourself.”
“Commissioner Ferolino-Ampoloquio’s vast experience in the frontline of election service will greatly contribute to the Commission’s thrust to ensure that our electoral processes are responsive to the varying needs of our electorate – making sure that our elections are more inclusive,” Abas said.
Ferolino-Ampoloquio’s appointment completes the seven-member Comelec en banc.
“With the En Banc now complete, Comelec is now better equipped in fulfilling its mandate to further strengthen and advance our democracy,” Abas added.
Ferolino-Ampoloqiuo started as Emergency Laborer in 1994 while studying.in 2006 she graduated from law school, took and passed the bar examinations in 2007, then became an Election Assistant for 12 years.
She was then appointed as an Election Officer for 10 years, and in 2018, she was appointed as Provincial Election Supervisor of Davao del Norte.
“Commissioner Aimee is an inspiration to all public servants. Her ascent to Comelec leadership is a testament of her great work and her dedication to deliver quality and unparalleled service,” Abas said.
Last September, Duterte has nominated lawyer Michael Braganza Peloton, an expert in Law and Information Technology, to the post of former Commissioner Luie Guia.
“With her vast experience in election matters, Ms. Ampoloquio would certainly contribute in ensuring our elections would be honest, orderly, peaceful, and credible. We wish Ms. Ampoloquio good luck in her future endeavors,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
