MANILA - The wife of Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista on Tuesday explained why her own parents are supporting the Comelec chief despite her allegations that he has nearly P1 billion in unexplained wealth.
Speaking to ANC, Patricia Bautista pointed out that her husband and her stepfather, Dr. Daniel Vazquez, are both represented by DivinaLaw, one of the country’s fastest-growing law firm.
"I'm sure there is a lot of parental fondness for Andy. But it also is another thing that through DivinaLaw -- DivinaLaw holds my father's estate, which technically, at the end of the day, knock on wood, if something is to happen to my stepfather, will end up being my mother's estate," Patricia said.
"If something were to happen to my stepfather, I am sure my mom feels she would need protection from Andy. Does that explain why she's on his side? I don't know, you decide."
Patricia, in a sworn statement, earlier alleged that she discovered bank and real property documents, and several passbooks under her husband's name that were not included in his 2016 statement of assets, liabilities and net worth.
She said Bautista "might have had, or currently has, misdealing and corrupt practices while in government service."
Bautista, she added, received commissions for referring companies, to DivinaLaw, including Smartmatic, the private contractor that supplied the automated election system for the 2010, 2013 and 2016 national elections.
During her ANC interview, Patricia showed what seems to be a "commission sheet" dated January 2016 that bears the names of lawyers from DivinaLaw and Smartmatic.
She also has a letter Smartmatic sent to the Comelec chief that mentions proposed amendments to the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.
Comelec chief's wife shows passbooks, cash in envelopes, commission sheet
Bautista has denied that he concealed assets and pocketed payoffs from the May national polls.
"Wala po akong tinanggap na komisyon, kahit na isang kusing tungkol sa isang halalan. Totoo po iyun -- wala," he said in a phone interview with ABS-CBN News.
Comelec chief denies corruption claims, accuses wife of extortion
DivinaLaw meanwhile said it would not issue a statement regarding the issue but would be preparing legal actions, according to a media report.
http://k2.abs-cbnnews.com/news/08/08/17/watch-patricia-bautista-explains-why-parents-supporting-comelec-chief
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