Malacañang: Let Comelec settle own differences

The Commission on Elections has its own process of sorting out issues, Malacañang said Tuesday amid seeing infighting between Comelec commissioners.

Asked if Malacañang is bothered that the word war between chairperson Andres “Andy” Bautista and commissioner Rowena Guanzon would affect the commission’s credibility, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. pointed out that the Comelec is an independent constitutional body.

“Tinalakay na natin yan sa nakaraan at ang ating posisyon hinggil dyan ay mainam na bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang komisyon bilang independent constitutional body na tukuyin yung mga usapin at proseso nila,” he said.

(We already discussed that in the past and our position is that it is appropriate that the commission be given the opportunity, as an independent constitutional body, to settle its issues and determine what process to take.)

Guanzon earlier filed a comment in response to Senator Grace Poe’s plea before the Supreme Court to overturn the Comelec’s decision to disqualify her from the presidential race.

READ: Feuding Comelec execs forgo fireworks

However, the Comelec chair said the comment was unauthorized and should be considered irregular and disrespectful. He further ordered Guanzon and Comelec law department director Maria Norina Tangaro-Casingal to explain within 24 hours “under whose authority” the comment was filed.

Guanzon questioned Bautista’s statement that her comment was “unauthorized.”

Nevertheless, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez later said that the commissioners had a “cordial” meeting on Monday during an en banc session.

Guanzon is now also at odds with the Poe camp, including vice presidential aspirant and Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who accused the commissioner of being biased against his running mate.

READ: Who is Guanzon lawyering for? – Escudero