A Muslim judge and a former gubernatorial candidate in Mindanao province yesterday lauded the appointment of Moslemen Macarambon Sr. to the Commission on Elections.

Court of Appeals Justice Hakim Abdulwahid described Macarambon's appointment as proof of the Arroyo administration's policy to give qualified Muslims a chance to serve in the government.

Abdulwahid also defended the newly-appointed COMELEC commissioner from his critics, saying his "impressive academic background and extensive experience as trial judge for many years amply qualify him for promotion to the desired post."

Datu Tucao Mastura, a former gubernatorial candidate in Shariff Kabunsuan province, also thanked President Arroyo for appointing a Muslim to the poll body.

Former senator Luisa "Loi" Estrada and election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, meanwhile, joined the appeal urging critics to give Macarambon a chance to prove he is worthy of his appointment.

This amid accusation from Sen. Panfilo Lacson that the newly-named commissioner is a protégé of Virgilio Garcillano of the infamous "Hello, Garci" scandal.

"My two independent sources stand by their assertion that it was Garcillano who recommended Judge Macarambon to the COMELEC. I maintain my position that if indeed [Mrs. Arroyo] heeded Garci's request to have Macarambon appointed, there is no denying the fact that the appointment is, to say the least, tainted," Lacson said.

Macarambon denied the allegations.

On Friday Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said Macarambon's appointment is in line with the agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front to appoint qualified Muslims to key government positions.

Macarambon was first appointed as a presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur in September 1989.

While a presiding judge of RTC Branch 12, he was also assigned to RTC Branch 11 as acting president judge for more than seven years; RTC Branch 5 in Iligan City for more than 2 years; RTC Branch 3 in Iligan City as acting presiding judge for more than a year; RTC Branch 8 in Marawi City as acting presiding judge for more than four months; and RTC Branch 23 in Cagayan de Oro City as assisting judge for more than nine months; and RTC Branch 7 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte as acting presiding judge.

On October 3, 2003, he was appointed presiding judge of RTC Branch 4 in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte by President Arroyo.