Pumanaw na ang dating Commission on Elections (COMELEC) spokesperson at Director IV na si James Jimenez ngayong Miyerkules, January 28, 2026.
Siya ay 52.
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Kinumpirma mismo ng COMELEC ang malungkot na balita sa pamamagitan ng pagpu-post sa kanilang social media accounts.
Dito, nagpahayag ng pakikiramay ang ahensya sa pamilya ng dating opisyal.
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Ayon sa COMELEC, kapuri-puri ang legasiyang iniwan ni Jimenez sa public service, lalo na ang kanyang malaking kontribusyon sa election transparency.
Pahayag ng COMELEC: "Jimenez holds the rare distinction of being the longest-serving and youngest spokesperson in government at the time of his appointment.
"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.
"Throughout multiple electoral cycles, Jimenez stood at the frontlines of public information during moments of intense scrutiny and national consequence.
"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."
Bukod sa pagiging spokesperson, binigyang-pugay rin ng ahensiya ang pagiging mabuting katrabaho ni Jimenez sa kanyang mga kasamahan.
Saad nila: "Beyond his role as Spokesperson, 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."
Hindi binanggit ng COMELEC ang dahilan ng pagkamatay ni Jimenez.
JAMES JIMENEZ'S LEGACY
Malaki ang ambag na legasiya ni Jimenez sa COMELEC dahil sa tagal ng serbisyong iginugol niya sa ahensya.
Nagsimula siyang maging consultant ng COMELEC noong 2002, at noong 2006 ay itinalaga siya bilang tagapagsalita.
Mahigit 15 taon siyang nagsilbing spokesperson, kung saan limang COMELEC chairmen ang kanyang pinaglingkuran—mula kay Benjamin Abalos Sr. (2002–2007) hanggang kay Sheriff Abas (2017–2022).
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