MANILA, Philippines – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista submitted his resignation letter to President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, October 11, as he separately told the poll body’s officials and staff about his decision to quit.

Malacañang provided reporters with a copy of Bautista’s resignation letter at around 4:50 pm on Wednesday.

This is different from Bautista’s letter to the Comelec that was released on social media Wednesday morning. 

“Due to personal reasons, I am tendering my resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections effective December 31, 2017,” Bautista told Duterte.

“The approximate 10-week period is meant to provide you, Mr President, sufficient time to choose my replacement as well as ensure a smooth and orderly transition within the Commission,” Bautista said.

“I wish to thank the Filipino people for the honor and privilege of serving them especially during the May 2016 National and Local Elections, where you were elected as the new Leader of our Republic,” he added.

To the public, Bautista announced his decision to quit through social media posts around 10:30 am on Wednesday. 

“This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever,” he said.

At around 5 pm on the same day, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Bautista, making him the first official impeached under the Duterte administration. – Rappler.com