Benjamin Abalos’ sudden resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) now provides Malacañang “a superb opportunity” to boldly reform the poll body and restore its soiled image, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said Tuesday.

        “Following Mr. Abalos’ departure, Malacañang should now exercise great discretion in designating a suitable substitute,” TUCP president Democrito Mendoza said.

        “Hopefully, Malacañang will choose a replacement who, by his or her perceived independence and probity alone, could unmistakably signal the administration’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of future elections,” Mendoza said.

        “Totally clean and honest elections in 2010 -- the next presidential race -- would be an excellent legacy that President Macapagal-Arroyo can leave the nation,” Mendoza added.

        Abalos evaded impeachment by abruptly resigning Monday as Comelec chairman.

        The Comelec’s reputation has been tainted by allegations that it failed to check massive fraud in previous elections.

        The Comelec is composed of a chairman and six commissioners, who each serve a fixed term of seven years, unless appointed to any premature vacancy, in which case the appointee would serve only the unexpired term of the predecessor.

        The Constitution provides that a majority of the commission members, including the chairman, should be lawyers in practice for at least 10 years.

        Once named, Abalos’ replacement will have to get the consent of the bicameral Commission on Appointments.