Aguirre orders NBI to probe Comelec chair’s ‘unexplained wealth’

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre (left) has ordered the NBI to look into the claims of the wife of Comelec Chair Andres Bautista (right) that the latter had unexplained wealth. INQUIRER FILES

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conduct an investigation on the alleged amassed wealth worth P1-billion of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista.

In a Department Order No. 517 issued Monday, Aguirre told the NBI to investigate and do a case buildup based on the allegations of Bautista’s wife, Patricia Paz.

READ: Wife says Comelec chief has unexplained wealth

His wife met with President Rodrigo Duterte last July 26 and presented an affidavit which was then forwarded to the NBI.

“The NBI, through its Director, is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct investigation and case build-up over the alleged failure to disclose pertinent information required in the statement of assets, liabilities and networth (SALN) of Chairperson Andres D. Bautista contained in the affidavit of Mrs. Patricia Paz Bautista including possible determination of violation of Anti-Money Laundering Law and other related laws,” Aguirre’s order stated.

Aguirre said an investigation can still be conducted even if Bautista is an impeachable officer.

“He is not immune from criminal investigation,” he said in a text message.

“The NBI investigation can be used as basis in filing an impeachment complaint,” he added.

Aguirre required the NBI to submit a monthly report on any updates of its investigation. CBB