Ex-poll chief urges Senate panel to recall subpoena over health, career concerns

MANILA, Philippines — Resigned elections chief Andy Bautista asked the Senate committee on bank and financial institutions to recall the subpoena against him.

 

Bautista sent a letter requesting for the recall to Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III and committee chair Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero since he failed to attend Monday's inquiry into the Anti-Money Laundering Act anew. The letter was dated January 31 and was received last February 7. 

 

In the letter, Bautista disclosed that he was aware that he was supposedly invited as a resource person in the Senate inquiry. However, he said he is currently overseas due to health and career concerns.

 

"I did not receive such an invitation since I am currently abroad. I understand from news reports that a subpoena has been issued because of my non-appearance in the hearing," the former elections chair said.

 

"In this regard, I respectfully ask that the subpoena be recalled since I never received the invitation," he added.

 

Bautista informed the Senate body that he has been out of the country since Nov. 21, 2017 "to explore professional opportunities and more importantly, seek assistance for certain medical challenges" he is facing.

 

The poll chief even attached certifications from two physicians who have been attending to his medical ailments.

 

Despite snubbing the probe anew, Bautista said he is willing to answer in writing any appropriate questions that the Senate panel might have regarding the topic.

Escudero, however, wants to issue a warrant of arrest against Bautista for his non-attendance in the hearing.

 

The committee chair cited that Bautista failed to provide a forwarding address which he said is "an attempt to stifle the proceedings."

 

"Ang tatapang at lalakas ng loob nila na sabihing haharap sila, pero sa oras ng pagtutuos, lahat sila abroad at private citizens na," Escudero was quoted by reports during the inquiry.

 

Bautista tendered his resignation as the poll chief in October 2017. His resignation became effective last December 31.

 

The former poll chief resigned after the House of Representatives junked an impeachment complaint against him over his alleged unexplained wealth.

 

Bautista's estranged wife, Patricia Cruz-Bautista accused him of amassing about P1 billion in unexplained wealth.

 

The poll chief has repeatedly denied the allegations but the House of Representatives reversed its resolution to junk the impeachment complaint and voted to impeach him.

 

Meanwhile, in the letter, Bautista also informed the Senate that there is a pending Petition for Habeas Data before the Makati Regional Trial Court which requests for the return of the stolen financial documents of his family. He said these documents were taken in November 2016 and have not been returned since.

 

Bautista earlier alleged his estranged wife stole the documents from him.