Ex-Comelec chief on Bautista, Guanzon rift: Don’t make it public

MANILA, Philippines – Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair Sixto Brillantes said the rift between current poll body Chief Juan Andres Bautista and Commissioner Rowena Guanzon should have been discussed privately.

“Parang sa isang buong pamilya, dapat naguusap kayo. You don’t go public with an internal matter. Dapat magkasundo kayo. Tumahimik kayong pareho and settle your differences,” Brillantes said, commenting on the word war between Bautista and Guanzon.

The word war started on January 7 when Guanzon filed a comment to the Supreme Court (SC) asking to lift its temporary restraining order on the Comelec’s decision to disqualify Sen. Grace Poe from the presidential race. She filed a comment without the concurrence of the Comelec en banc, which surprised Comelec officials including Bautista.

Bautista issued a memorandum asking Guanzon to immediately comment her side. Otherwise, he will declare to the SC that the move was unauthorized. Guanzon took to Twitter for her response, saying that Bautista cannot hold her accountable for anything since she is not his “subordinate.”

In a radio interview, Brillantes said although all of them are members of the Comelec, the "chairman is first among equals." He added that a commissioner is not authorized to file a comment without the consent of the full Comelec.

“Walang authority ang commissioner na mag-file ng comment unless may resolution ang Comelec en banc authorizing her to sign," Brillantes said in an interview with dzMM.

Aside from condemning that the rift became public, Brillantes also found it not good for the image of the Comelec.

“It will not be good for the image of the institution, especially one commissioner arguing with the head of the office,” Brillantes said.

The former poll body chief also urged Bautista and Guanzon to settle their difference instead of ignoring each other and letting the rift grow further. He said, however, that he is confident that the two Comelec officials will settle their misunderstanding unlike what happened during the time of former poll Chair Alfredo Benipayo, which he described as “worse."

Brillantes recalled that Benipayo had to contend with constant opposition from Commissioners Luzviminda Tancangco, Ralph Lantion, Rufino Javier and Mehol Sadain.

“That was even worse since it was basically four against three, including Chairman Benipayo, in the en banc. Benipayo was not able to do anything since he was always being overruled by the four,” he said.

Guanzon and Bautista will meet in a special full commission meeting at 11:30 a.m., Monday. Guanzon said she will discuss and explain her comment on the memorandum issued to her.