Bautista: Junking of impeach rap a step to clear name from accusations

Comelec chairman Andres Bautista. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / Grig C. Montegrande

Embattled poll chief Andres “Andy” Bautista welcomed on Wednesday the decision of a House of Representatives panel to junk the impeachment complaint filed against him for lack of substance.

“I welcome the decision of the House of Representatives committee on justice to dismiss the impeachment complaint filed against me. I would like to thank the committee and the House leadership for upholding the rule of law and for their objectivity and fairness,” Bautista said in a statement posted in his official Twitter account.

“This proves to be a significant step in clearing my name after the malicious accusations hurled against me. As I have always maintained, the allegations are fabricated and baseless,” he added.

Bautista said it would be “business as usual” for the Commission on Elections, which is now at the height of preparation for the October barangay elections.

“We, at the Comelec, will continue to perform our mandate in respect of the credible conduct of Philippine elections,” he added.

At least 26 members of the House committee on justice voted on Wednesday to junk the complaint for insufficiency in form for alleged betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution over allegations of ill-gotten wealth.

READ: House junks Bautista impeach rap for insufficient form

Only two members voted to find the complaint sufficient in form: Deputy Speaker Gwen Garcia and Kabayan Rep. Harry Roque, who were the endorsers of the complaint. /idl