Palace: No sacred cows in impeach bids vs corrupt gov’t execs

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella FILE PHOTO / MALACANANG

President Rodrigo Duterte is supportive of any impeachment move against corrupt government officials if this would “correct” government institutions, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella issued the statement after he was asked if the President supports possible impeachment complaint against Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista.

“Without making reference to any particular individual, the President is highly supportive of all moves that will set the House and the Philippine government in order,” Abella said during a Palace briefing.

Duterte has repeatedly said there would be no sacred cows in his administration’s fight against corruption.

“He has been very clear about that and its one of his campaign promises so each and every move that entails bringing about a correction in our institutions is welcome and I am sure he is supportive of,” Abella said.

But the Palace official made it clear that this was regardless of the person involved in corruption.

“That is not in reference to any particular individual,” he said.

Bautista’s wife, Patricia, has alleged that the Comelec chief amassed nearly P1 billion worth of ill-gotten wealth.

READ: Wife says Comelec chief has unexplained wealth

Some lawmakers said the allegations hurled against Bautista cast doubt on the integrity of the 2016 elections and could lead to his impeachment. JPV

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