Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson Sherif Abas along with Commissioners Rowena Guanzon and Antonio Kho Jr. retired yesterday, February 2, and shared their experiences as the official poll body for six years in the retirement ceremony held in Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City.

Retired Chairperson Abas said, “One of the milestones of my tenure is the successful holding of 2019 national and local elections, of course with the en banc. Aside from the fast proclamation of the winners. We have also experienced zero election-related violence and no failure of elections nationwide.”

Rowena Guanzon, who was wrapped by controversy due to her allegations to colleague Ferolino, expressed that she is retiring with a grateful heart, serving well the COMELEC and the country with the support and prayers of the people particularly in the moment of hardships faced by the institution. 

Moreover, Guanzon stressed “So, I retire with satisfaction that I have made my parents proud and I have enjoyed all your company even when we had disagreed and I came that all in all, you will not forget me not only because of my colorful personality but because of what we have shared together. I look forward to seeing you again in the next chapter of my life.”

Antonio Kho, appointed by Duterte in 2018, shared he will miss writing decisions, and the chance to travel in the country. He reiterated that it’s difficult to leave the COMELEC because it gave him a feeling of success. 

Kho said, “I cannot deny that I’ve been feeling sentimental in the past few days. It’s hard to say goodbye to a place that has given me so much fulfillment…and of course, more than giving me that sense of fulfillment, working in COMELEC has taught me an abundance of deeds.”

COMELEC offered a token of appreciation to the retired commissioners, presented with the Philippines and the institution’s flag, book of decisions, gavel, shingle, pen, pin, robe, and frame of their official portrait as symbols of gratitude. 

Photo credit: facebook.com/comelec.ph