Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed a career official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as one of its commissioners. In a press briefing at the poll body’s main office, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed the appointment of law department chief Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal as Commissioner, replacing Socorro Inting who retired on February 2. Casingal took her oath of office before Garcia on Monday and has been with the poll body since 1997. “We welcome the appointment of Commissioner Norie. She will officially start work at her new position today,” Garcia said.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia expressed confidence that the poll body’s preparations for the May 12 midterm elections would be bolstered by Casingal’s appointment. “Her expertise is on election laws. She is a senior lawyer of the Commission. She’ll be a member of the First Division, joining presiding Commissioner Aimee Ferolino and Commissioner Ernesto Maceda,” he added.

Casingal expressed gratitude to President Marcos Jr. for her appointment. “I was surprised when I went up to the office. They were the ones that received my appointment. I thank President Marcos Jr. for heeding the chairman’s request,” Casingal said. She further stated her commitment to supporting the Chairman’s projects and initiatives beneficial to the Commission.

Tangaro-Casingal’s tenure as Comelec Commissioner is set to last until February 2032.