Bautista dares critics to sue him over ‘Comeleak’

MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista yesterday challenged critics to initiate an impeachment case against him in connection with the “Comeleak” controversy.

“Go ahead. The truth will set us free, so go ahead,” Bautista told The STAR in reaction to the pronouncements of consumer advocacy group TXTPower and poll watchdog Kontra-Daya that he may face an impeachment complaint over Comeleak, the hacking of the agency’s voter database before the May 9, 2016 elections.

Bautista said impeachment proceedings would be an opportunity for him and the Comelec to clear their names.

“We actually want a full-blown investigation to be conducted on the hacking. We want a hearing on this in aid of legislation,” he said.

In separate statements, TXTPower and Kontra Daya said Bautista could face impeachment over the Comeleak controversy.

The groups lauded the National Privacy Commission (NPC) for recommending the filing of criminal charges against Bautista.

They said Bautista could be impeached for being negligent in his duty to protect the voters’ database against hacking.

Bautista questioned the NPC’s ruling, saying the agency had “misappreciated facts, legal principles and material contexts.” He also claimed that NPC did not consider the Comelec’s report that they submitted on Dec. 29.

“The hackers are the ones that should be punished, not the hacked. I am ready to face any investigation, and even impeachment proceedings,” Bautista said.