Comelec chief steps down

MANILA, Philippines — Instead of stepping down on Dec. 31 as planned, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Andres Bautista announced yesterday he was leaving his post after being informed that President Duterte had accepted his resignation “effective immediately.”

“The President has spoken. I just received a letter signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea that my resignation was accepted effective immediately. So I’m now resigned from the Comelec,” Bautista said in hastily called press conference at his office.

The letter, dated Oct. 23, was received by Bautista at past 2 p.m. yesterday.

It read: “Upon the instruction of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, I wish to inform you that your resignation is hereby accepted, effectively immediately.”

Bautista wanted his resignation to take effect on Dec. 31, 2017.

The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls were originally scheduled yesterday.

In an interview with radio dzMM, House committee on justice chairman Rep. Reynaldo Umali said they would have to wait first for an official communication from Malacañang on Bautista’s resignation before proceeding with today’s scheduled discussions on the impeachment case against the elections chief.

Bautista said the development did not surprise him, as he was able to talk with Medialdea last Oct. 10 during which he made it clear that he would respect any decision of Duterte.

“I was never dead set on anything. As I said all I wanted was to give our President enough time to choose my replacement and to have an orderly and seamless transition,” he pointed out.

“This is something that I have no qualms about, whether it happens today or next week. For me, it is also better because my successor would have more time to study the job here,” he said.

But he admitted having mixed feelings about leaving the Comelec earlier than planned.

“It’s a mixture of feelings. Right now, I’m still trying to sort out things. It’s sadness because I have to leave the people of Comelec who have become my family. It’s relief because of the big responsibilities (of being a chairman),” he added.

After receiving the letter, Bautista called on the senior officials of the Comelec to say goodbye. He also met with employees, many of whom were emotional, after the press conference.

Bautista could not say who would serve as acting chairman of the Comelec, although the most senior commissioner is Christian Robert Lim.

“It’s up for the en banc to decide,” he said as he admitted having no plan to attend today’s meeting of the commission.

His replacement will have to serve his unfinished term of up to February 2022.

According to Bautista, he is ready to face any criminal complaint that may be lodged against him since he lost his immunity from charges after his resignation.

He said he has no regret about joining government but he is not ready to accept another post.

“No regrets as there are good times and there are bad times. Just like life. But I would like to think that there are more good than bad and really what made the difference are the people,” he added.

Bautista maintained that his priority now is his four sons whom he wants to drive to and from school.