Poll chief: Impeach threats received before allegations made public

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista on Wednesday claimed that some relatives received impeachment threats before his estranged wife Patricia “Tisha” Paz Cruz-Bautista made allegations against him in public.

According to Andres, some of his family members received a copy of a draft impeachment complaint from an individual named “Ivan Lu” last June 28. He said this impeachment threat was a form of blackmail against him.

“This was sent to my sister, sent to my mother-in-law, sent to my cousin,” Andres said in an interview with ANC "Headstart".

“And again, talagang to pressure me, na sinasabing ‘Hoy ‘pag hindi ka nagbayad mai-impeach ka na,’” he alleged.

Andres, a member of a constitutional commission, is among the impeachable officials in government. He has said he is willing to face impeachment, but, when asked on Wednesday, he said he could not categorically answer.

“If it was just me, for sure I would in order to vindicate myself,” Andres said.

“I have to weigh this thing [first]… I live day to day now,” he added.

On Sunday, the poll chief’s estranged wife claimed her husband amassed about P1 billion in undeclared wealth. Andres only declared P176 million in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth.

Andres had also denied these allegations and dismissed his wife’s claims as “fabricated lies.” He also filed criminal charges against Patricia on Tuesday.