Malacanang expressed concern over the infighting at the Commission on Elections

August 29, 2017

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the work in the poll body has been affected by the controversy.

"Comelec work is affected by recent travails. Without unduly interfering or influencing the Commission, we urge all parties to work together for the full performance of these duties," he said.

Comelec Commissioner Rowena Guanzon has accused that printing of ballots for the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in October had been delayed after Chairman Andres Bautista failed to sign the memorandum of agreement with the state-run National Printing Office.

She has claimed the Comelec en banc has authorized Bautista to sign the contract with the NPO.

But Bautista, who is facing an impeachment complaint before the House of Representatives, reportedly denied there was en banc approval because there was no cost on the printing.

The Comelec chair allegedly amassed P1 billion as accused by his estranged wife, Patricia. Bautista has denied the allegation.

According to Guanzon, Bautista should resign or take a leave of absence because his personal problem has been affecting his job as the Comelec chief. Celerina Monte/DMS