MANILA, Philippines — The next chief of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should know how to manage resources and preferably have a background in information technology, Comelec chief Andy Bautista said Wednesday.
Bautista tendered his resignation as the poll body's chief due to personal reasons. His resignation will take effect by the end of the year.
"This was not an easy decision. But my family, especially my children, need me now more than ever," Bautista said in his letter to the Comelec staff.
The outgoing Comelec chief said that his resignation would be effective starting December 31 to give President Rodrigo Duterte time to look for a replacement for him.
When asked about what qualities his successor should have, Bautista said that the next Comelec chief should be a good administrator.
"I think that Comelec is more a management than a quasi-judicial body so I think you really need people who know about how to manage resources logistics, mga supply chain, 'yung mga warehouses, production," Bautista said in a press briefing.
A good background in information technology would also be an advantage as the elections are now automated.
Lawyers, however, are also needed in the agency when deciding on poll protests, according to Bautista.
"Ang kailangan mo dyan talaga is a good administrator. Sa aking palagay although we recognize na 'yun nga because of our quasi-judicial function where we also rule on mga protests on certain levels 'yun kailangan mo ng lawyer," Bautista said.
Malacañang, meanwhile, said that it respects Bautista's decision to step down as Comelec chief.
“We respect the decision of Chairman Andy Bautista. We wish him well,” Presidential Communications secretary Martin Andanar said in a statement.