Bautista sees nothing wrong on the proposed lifestyle check

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista sees nothing wrong on the proposed lifestyle check among ranking poll body officials. (PNA photo)

MANILA, Aug. 8 — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista sees nothing wrong on the proposed lifestyle check among ranking poll body officials.

“I have no problem with a lifestyle check on me… no problem whatsoever,” he said.

Asked if he was able to discuss it with the Commissioners, the poll body chief said he did not attend the en banc meeting on Tuesday.

“It was not in the en banc meeting but I have met with several of them one on one,” Bautista said.

On the other hand, he did not discount the possibility of taking a break.

“As you know at this point I’m open to different possibilities…we will see,” the Comelec head said.

On Monday, Senator Grace Poe called for a lifestyle check on top officials of the poll body in connection with the allegations of having ill-gotten wealth hurled against Bautista.

Meanwhile, the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) supported the call of the senator, saying that it will help ensure the integrity of poll officials.

“You have to be beyond reproach. You have to have integrity, especially if you handle sensitive matters. There must be no conflict of interest,” said NAMFREL Secretary General Eric Alvia.

He added, “An independent body should do it and must be done regularly.”