Comelec Chairman Bautista to ‘abide’ by impeachment rules

Paterno R. Esmaquel II

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Comelec Chairman Bautista to ‘abide’ by impeachment rules

Rappler

(UPDATED) Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista says 'it is unfortunate' that the House of Representatives voted to impeach him

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista vowed to “abide” by the rules of the impeachment process after the House of Representatives voted to impeach him on Wednesday, October 11.

“It is unfortunate that the decision of the House Committee on Justice, which was vote 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.

Bautista said he acknowledges “that all members of the House of Representatives are entitled to their own opinion.”

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

Bautista, an Aquino appointee, is the first official impeached under the Duterte administration. He will now have to undergo an impeachment trial at the Senate, which has the power to convict or acquit an impeached official. 

Hours before the House impeached him, Bautista announced that he was resigning from the poll body effective December 31.

“This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever,” Bautista said in a letter to his Comelec family. 

He also cited personal reasons in the resignation letter he submitted to President Rodrigo Duterte. (LOOK: What Comelec’s Bautista told Duterte in his resignation letter

With Bautista’s resignation, President Rodrigo Duterte will name his first appointee to the poll body. The new Comelec chairman will oversee preparations for a possible plebiscite for Duterte’s pet project – charter change. – Rappler.com

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Paterno R. Esmaquel II

Paterno R. Esmaquel II, news editor of Rappler, specializes in covering religion and foreign affairs. He finished MA Journalism in Ateneo and MSc Asian Studies (Religions in Plural Societies) at RSIS, Singapore. For story ideas or feedback, email pat.esmaquel@rappler.com