Duterte supports move to clean any gov’t institution amid reports to impeach Comelec chair

August 14, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte is supportive of moves to clean any government institution amid plan by some quarters to file impeachment complaint against Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista, who allegedly amassed ill-gotten wealth.

"Without making references to any particular individual, the president, of course, is highly supportive of all moves that will set the house, the Philippine government in order," said Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a press briefing on Monday when asked if Duterte is supportive of moves to impeach Bautista.

Some quarters, particularly a former congressman, were planning to file impeachment complaint against Bautista, who was accused by his estranged wife of having undeclared assets of about P1 billion, which he allegedly acquired during his stint as chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government and now as Comelec chair.

Bautista denied the allegation of his wife, as he expressed readiness to face any complaint.

Abella said addressing corruption in government is one of his campaign promises.

"And so each and every move that entails bringing about a correction especially in our institutions is welcomed and I’m sure he is supportive of. That is not in reference to any particular individual," he said.

Bautista's wife, Patricia, met with Duterte in Malacanang to inform about his husband's alleged ill-gotten wealth.

Duterte has said he also called Bautista to Malacanang and allowed him to talk to his wife, with the hope that they could settle their problem. Celerina Monte/DMS