Sixto "Bong" Brillantes Jr. (June 16, 1944 – August 11, 2020) was a Filipino government official who served as the chairman of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) from 2011 to 2015. He is noted for his long career in the Philippine civil service, particularly in election administration and public administration.
Early life and education
Brillantes was born in Manila, Philippines. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and later obtained a Master of Public Administration from the same university. He also completed further studies in public administration and governance abroad.
Career
- Civil Service: Brillantes entered the Philippine civil service in the 1960s, initially working in various capacities within the Department of Education and the National Police Commission.
- Commission on Elections: He was appointed as a COMELEC commissioner in 1991 and served multiple terms. In February 2011, President Benigno Aquino III appointed him as COMELEC chairman, a position he held until his resignation in October 2015. During his tenure, he oversaw the 2013 midterm elections and the 2014 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
- Post‑COMELEC: After leaving COMELEC, Brillantes remained active in electoral reform advocacy and served as a consultant on election-related matters. He also held leadership roles in several non‑governmental organizations focusing on good governance.
Notable actions and controversies
- Brillantes was credited with implementing measures to modernize election processes, including the introduction of automated election systems in the Philippines.
- His chairmanship faced criticism from political groups accusing COMELEC of partisanship, particularly regarding the handling of certain electoral disputes. Nonetheless, he maintained that COMELEC operated independently and impartially.
Personal life and death
Brillantes was married and had children. He died on August 11, 2020, at the age of 76, due to complications from a heart condition. His death was reported by major Philippine news outlets and acknowledged by government officials.
Legacy
Sixto Brillantes Jr. is remembered for his contributions to the professionalization of the Philippine electoral system and for his long-standing service in the public sector. His tenure as COMELEC chairman is often cited in discussions of electoral reforms and the challenges of ensuring free and fair elections in the Philippines.
