Sheriff Abas
Sheriff Abas | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 5, 1979 Maguindanao, Philippines |
| Occupation(s) | Legal professional, government official |
| Years active | 2007–present |
| Known for | Chairman of the Commission on Elections (2017–2022) |
Sheriff Manimbayan Abas (born May 5, 1979) is a Filipino legal professional who held the position of chairman at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) from 2017 until 2022. During his tenure, he supervised the 2018 barangay elections, the 2019 Bangsamoro autonomy plebiscite, and the 2019 general election. At age 38, he was both the youngest individual and the first Muslim to assume the role of COMELEC chairman.
Early life and education
Born on May 5, 1979, Abas completed a degree in philosophy at Notre Dame University located in Cotabato City in 1999. He pursued legal studies at Ateneo de Davao University, finishing in 2004, and successfully passed the Philippine Bar Examinations in 2005.
Civil Service Commission
From June 2007 to April 2015, Abas served as a lawyer and acting assistant regional director within the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) office of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
Commission on Elections
In 2015, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Abas as a commissioner of the Comelec. His nomination attracted attention due to alleged associations with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, raising concerns about MILF influence during ongoing discussions regarding the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
On November 22, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte designated Abas as chairman of Comelec, succeeding Andres Bautista. He became the first Muslim and Mindanaoan to head the commission, as well as its youngest chairman at 38 years old. Notably, he was also the first commissioner elevated to chairman. Under his leadership, significant electoral activities such as the Bangsamoro plebiscite and the 2019 Philippine midterm elections were conducted.
Abas concluded his service upon completion of his term on February 2, 2022.
2025 Bangsamoro Parliament election
On November 6, 2024, Abas submitted his candidacy for the representative seat of the 1st parliamentary district of Cotabato City in the Bangsamoro Parliament, aiming to participate in the 2025 election.
Personal life
Originating from Maguindanao, Abas is related as a nephew to peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Additionally, he spent three years teaching at Notre Dame University.