Poll chief's wife: Focus on his wealth, not family woes

MANILA, Philippines — The estranged wife of Commission on Elections chief Andres Bautista on Tuesday said she will not highlight her rocky relationship with her husband but will instead focus on the issue of his allegedly unexplained wealth.

Patricia Cruz-Bautista reacted to reports linking her to former commercial model Alfonso "Alvin" Lim. She denied having had an affair with him, as alleged by Bautista, and urged the public not to focus on the infidelity issue.

“No. We’re friends, we’re very good friends. We work together so if you see pictures of us together it’s normal, we work together,” Patricia said in an interview with ANC’s "Headstart."

“We’re very close, we’re both energy healers. People can interpret that the way they want,” she added.

Patricia claimed her alleged affair with Lim was a “rumor" started by his ex-girlfriend, chef Margarita Fores, four or five years ago. She considers martial issue a distraction from the money trail that may lead to traces of dubious activities of the elections official.

“This (Bautista's wealth) is the issue, not 'my' issue. I mean, we have enough drama already— in our country, in the world, we don’t need another telenovela. I’m not gonna burden people with my sub-story because what for?” she said.

The Comelec chief’s wife said that talking about her supposed infidelity is a waste of airtime but she maintained she can still defend herself from his allegations.

 "I don't know if he can do the same (defend himself), and in many ways there are a lot of people that will be affected," Patricia added, referring to his friends and family.

Patricia has claimed that the poll chief amassed about P1 billion worth of unexplained wealth. Andres only declared a net worth of P176.3 million in his Statement of Asset Liabilities and Net Worth, but was still deemed the richest among the five heads of constitutional bodies.

Bautista also categorically denied his estranged wife’s claims and accused her of extortion.

In her affidavit submitted to the Department of Justice, Patricia claimed that she feels the need to expose Andres.

She fears that "some properties and finances their family may have accumulated or benefit from during his time in office may have originated from illegal or immoral acts or conducts."

In separate interviews, Patricia also argued that she has made her discoveries public to protect her and her four sons from legal consequences of his actions.

READ: The story so far: Poll chief Andres Bautista and wife

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation into allegations against Bautista for possible violations of the anti-money laundering law and false declaration. Bautista was an appointee of Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III.

The House of Representatives and Senate also submitted resolutions to conduct separate inquiries into the Comelec chief's financial affairs.