Bautista reiterates: I’m willing to quit

MANILA, Philippines - Embattled Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista reiterated yesterday he is willing to resign from his post but finds it hard to leave the poll body’s officials and employees who he said have become family.

Looking out from the roof deck of the Palacio del Gobernador building in Intramuros, Manila during the Comelec’s flag ceremony, Bautista became emotional when his colleagues showed up to manifest their support for him over what he described as the “biggest challenge” in his life.

Bautista was referring to the various accusations hurled against him, including purportedly unexplained wealth of almost P1 billion, by his estranged wife Patricia Cruz-Bautista.

“It’s really not difficult to give up this position. That is not a problem for me. But my problem is that I don’t want to lose my Comelec family,” Bautista said, his voice cracking.

Bautista said he is deeply touched by the support being shown him not only by his family and friends but also by strangers who give him words of encouragement when they see him.

“In fact, even Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle phoned me and I asked for his guidance for proper discernment on what I should do. Many interests are involved here – my family and the Comelec,” he added.

Meanwhile, Malacañang yesterday dodged questions on whether President Duterte would support an impeachment complaint against Bautista.

“Without making references to any particular individual, the President, of course, is highly supportive of all moves that will set the house, the Philippine government in order,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said. “And he’s been very clear about that; that is one of his campaign promises.” 

Abella said any move that “entails bringing about a correction” in government institutions is “welcome.” 

He was quick to reiterate, though, that he was not referring to any specific person. 

Abella also distanced himself from Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo’s prediction that Bautista would resign from his post.  

For Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, allegations of possessing ill-gotten wealth against Bautista are not enough to discredit the May 2016 elections. – With Alexis Romero, Paolo Romero