Melo, poll chief who oversaw transition to automated elections, passes away

October 19, 2020

Jose Melo, who as Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman oversaw the country's transition from manual to automated elections from 2008 to 2010, passed away late Sunday at the age of 88.

The cause of Melo's death is not known. Melo is the second Comelec chairman to pass away this year after Sixto Brillantes Jr.

" Just received word that Chairman Jose A.R. Melo, former SC Justice, and the COMELEC chairman who oversaw the country’s transition to full automation from 2008 to 2010, has passed away," said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez in his Twitter account.

Melo's death comes nearly two months since Brillantes succumbed to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in August.

Melo was appointed as Comelec chief in January 2008 as replacement to Benjamin Abalos.

Melo resigned as poll chief in January 2011 and was succeeded by Brillantes. DMS