Bautista saddened by House nod on impeach rap

FILE: Comelec Chair Andres Bautista (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said it is unfortunate that the earlier decision by members of the House Justice Committee to dismiss the impeachment complaint filed against him was overturned by Congress.

The decision of the Lower House, voting 137-75-2, to impeach the poll body chief came hours after the latter announced that he is resigning from his post later this year.

“It is unfortunate that the decision of the House Committee on Justice, which was voted upon twice by a vote of 26-2, to dismiss the impeachment complaint against me was overturned this afternoon by the House of Representatives,” Bautista said in a statement.

“I acknowledge that all members of the House of Representatives are entitled to their own opinion,” the poll body chief added.

Bautista said he will abide by the rules regarding the development on the impeachment case lodged against him by former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto Paras and lawyer Ferdinand Topacio last August.

“While It may be an unnecessary move since I already tendered my resignation to the President today effective end of the year to ensure smooth transition, I will abide by the Constitution and the relevant rules regarding the impeachment process,” he added.

Bautista announced that he had sent his resignation letter to Malacanang Wednesday morning, citing personal reasons.

The impeachment complaint against the Comelec chairman stemmed from allegations of his estranged wife, Patricia.