Sotto wants probe on Comelec chief’s alleged ‘unexplained’ wealth

By: Pathricia Ann V. Roxas - 7 years ago

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chairman Andres Bautista. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Monday filed a resolution to investigate the alleged unexplained wealth of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Andres Bautista revealed by his wife Patricia Bautista.

“We must conduct an inquiry. Otherwise the results of the 2016 elections might have a cloud of doubt hanging over it,” Sotto said in a statement.

“We need to know if indeed there is hidden wealth and if so, when and how was it amassed,” the senator added.

According to the resolution, the Senate, through the Blue Ribbon committee, would look into the “alleged non-compliance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees relative to the required submission of statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of the incumbent Comelec chair.”

Under the Code of Conduct, public officials and employees are required to declare their SALN and financial and business interests.

“The Comelec, as a Constitutional body, must not only be compliant with the laws ensuring honesty and integrity in the performance of government service, but also be above suspicion of any irregularity being the guardian of the Philippine electoral system,” Sotto said in the resolution.

The Senate committee on rules head also cited the new pieces of evidence presented by Bautista’s wife, Patricia. JE