MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Andy Bautista on Wednesday announced that he will tender his resignation by the end of the year.
In a letter addressed to the Comelec, Bautista said that it was the right time to step down following the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
"This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever," Bautista said in his letter.
Last month, the House Committee on Justice dismissed an impeachment case against Bautista, which his estranged wife Tish raised early August.
Tish alleged his estranged husband of amassing about P1 billion in unexplained wealth, which was not declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
READ: Bautista’s wife to explore other venues for allegations
"I believe I have served our Commission well and the Filipino people to the best of my ability, but only with your faithful help and constant support," Bautista told the Comelec.
— Andy Bautista (@ChairAndyBau) October 11, 2017
Bautista noted that the May 2016 automated elections were a testament to the poll body's teamwork, which was hailed by independent local and foreign observers.
The Comelec chair expressed his gratitude to his colleagues for having the privilege to work and serve with them.
"I am thankful for the love, prayers, and support you have shown me, most especially during my most challenging times. Amid the hurtful, baseless, and malicious accusations hurled against me, most of you never left my side," he said.
Last August, the Bureau of Internal Revenue formed a team to investigate the possible violations of the Comelec chief following charges of hidden wealth.
The probe also includes Tish, dean Nilo Divina and his law firm DivinaLaw, Luzon Development Bank (LDB) and related parties.
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