Former Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez; 52
Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson James Jimenez died on Wednesday. He was 52.
The Comelec paid tribute to Jimenez in a statement citing him as the “longest-serving and youngest spokesperson” in the government at the time of his appointment.
He served as the poll body’s spokesperson for 16 years and under five Comelec chairpersons.
“From July 2006 to September 2022, he was the public face and steady voice of the Commission—explaining complex electoral processes with precision, defending democratic institutions with calm courage, and engaging citizens and media with respect, wit, and transparency,” the Comelec said.
Jimenez “served the institution and the Filipino people with integrity, clarity, and utmost dedication,” it added.
Poll modernization
According to his LinkedIn page, Jimenez earlier served as executive assistant to the Solicitor General from 2002 to 2004. He later became consultant on modernization to Comelec Commissioner Resurreccion Borra, with emphasis on public acceptance for the automated counting and canvassing project, from April 2002 to January 2004, before being promoted to director.
“Throughout multiple electoral cycles, Jimenez stood at the front lines of public information during moments of intense scrutiny and national consequence,” Comelec said.
“He helped bridge the communications gap by pioneering the official social media channels of the Commission, giving the public a direct avenue in conveying their queries and concerns. He championed accuracy, transparency, and accessibility, often translating legal and technical matters into language the public could understand. In doing so, he strengthened public trust in the electoral process and modeled how principled communication can serve democracy,” it added.
Jimenez was relieved as spokesperson just before the May 2022 elections amid an administrative inquiry into the aborted presidential and vice presidential debates, particularly over payment issues with the hotel venue involving P14 million.
Early retirement
In September 2022, the Comelec en banc approved his application for early retirement at the age of 49. He was then director of the poll body’s Education and Information Department.
Beyond his role as spokesperson, the Comelec said, Jimenez was “known among colleagues for his intellectual rigor, his sense of humor and humanity—never detached from the seriousness of the role.”
“He was a trusted colleague and a reassuring presence during some of the most challenging periods in election administration,” it said.
