Former COMELEC spokesman, Atty. James Jimenez, dies at 55

• Former COMELEC Spokesperson Atty. James Jimenez passed away on Jan. 28, 2026, after years of dedicated service to Philippine democracy
• Jimenez served as the poll body's public face from 2006 to 2022, overseeing the nation’s historic shift to automated elections
• The Commission honored him as the youngest and longest-serving spokesperson, praising his wit, transparency, and integrity
• Colleagues and media practitioners remember Jimenez as a champion of voter education who handled high-pressure crises with calm courage

Atty. James Jimenez, the veteran former spokesperson of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), who held the distinction of the youngest in such post and the longest-serving officer to occupy said position, has passed away. He was 55.

Known for nearly two decades as the "steady voice" of Philippine democracy, Jimenez died on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by transparency and voter education.

In an official statement released Wednesday afternoon, COMELEC confirmed the news, expressing profound grief over the loss of their former Education and Information Department (EID) director.

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Jimenez served the poll body from July 2006 until his retirement in September 2022, marking him as one of the longest-serving and most recognizable faces in the Philippine government.

"Atty. James served with integrity, clarity, and utmost dedication," the Commission stated. "He was the public face of the Commission—explaining complex electoral processes with precision and defending our democratic institutions with calm courage."

At the time of his appointment in 2006, Jimenez held the rare distinction of being the youngest spokesperson in the national government.

Throughout his tenure, he navigated the country through the monumental transition from manual to automated elections.

His ability to distill technical jargon into understandable information for the average voter made him a favorite among the media and civil society groups alike.

Beyond his role as a spokesperson, Jimenez was a staunch advocate for voter registration and youth engagement.

He was instrumental in modernizing COMELEC’s digital presence, frequently using social media and "wit" to address misinformation and encourage the younger generation to participate in the democratic process.

Following his retirement in late 2022, Jimenez briefly explored private legal practice and consultancy but remained a respected commentator on electoral reforms.

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His colleagues remember him not just for his professionalism, but for his "quiet courage" during high-pressure election cycles.

Tributes from lawmakers, election watchdogs, and journalists have begun pouring in, all highlighting his unwavering respect for the press and his commitment to election transparency.

The COMELEC has extended its deepest sympathies to Jimenez’s family and friends, noting that his contributions to the Filipino people will be remembered for generations.

In other news, the body of a 35-year-old makeup artist and prominent LGBTQIA+ community member was discovered by locals along the coastline of Lobo, Batangas, on Wednesday. Authorities confirmed the deceased is Aljohn Abag, an active participant in the FTS Lobo Organization Inc., a local group dedicated to LGBTQIA+ representation and rights. A preliminary forensic examination revealed that Abag suffered a traumatic head injury and various physical abrasions, suggesting a violent struggle prior to death. While police are currently reviewing nearby security footage to identify potential suspects, the victim's grieving circle has launched an online campaign demanding a swift and thorough investigation.

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Still in other news, law enforcement officers successfully liberated a 59-year-old entrepreneur in less than 10 hours after he was snatched by armed men from his Cabanatuan City warehouse. The lead architect of the abduction was revealed to be the victim’s own relative, a former police officer who allegedly sought a P5-million ransom to settle personal debts. The kidnapping plot fell apart when the getaway car struck a bystander and subsequently blew a tire, forcing the perpetrators to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot. Tactical units tracked the ex-cop to Bulacan, where he was apprehended while reportedly attempting to liquidate the victim's stolen mobile phone to finance his evasion.

Source: KAMI.com.gh