Leyte mayoral candidate challenges electoral board appointments

A mayoral candidate in Palompon, Leyte, is challenging the recent appointments to the local electoral board. Dr. Myra Georgina Arevalo has called for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to reconsider the selection of 43 board members, which she claims is questionable. Arevalo is particularly concerned about the appointment of non-teaching staff to the board. She argues that some appointees are not from the local area and that others have connections to political figures or candidates for the upcoming May elections. She expressed her concerns in a letter sent to Comelec officials. In her communication, Arevalo highlighted that the electoral board should consist of qualified members, citing that many trained teachers from the local Department of Education (DepEd) are available. She insists that the selection process seemed flawed, with many new members lacking prior experience on the board. Arevalo also noted that she had previously requested a list of board members from the local election officer but faced delays. She is advocating for transparency and proper vetting in the appointment process, emphasizing that local teachers with experience should be prioritized.